Who’d have thought it? England are still in the World Cup 2022! To celebrate, let’s look at a few drinks from some of the countries that are or have been in the running.
England
Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Wine 2010
This vintage English fizz has been a smart find for professional winos since it hit the shelves. It’s made like champagne, from a great vintage year and it’s got loads of bottle age, giving it lots of complexity and flavour. If this were champagne, it would be three times the price.
Find it here at Morrisons for £27
Uruguay
Specially Selected Albariño
It’s no surprise that a Spanish varietal has become Uruguay’s flagship grape when you consider that most of the winemaking community are descended from Basque immigrants. Hailing from Maldonado, close to the Atlantic, this a decent Albariño, somewhat bolder than the classic Rias Baixas version and with notes of quince, baked apple and white peach with a zesty acidity and saline finish.
Find it here at Aldi for £9.99
Argentina
Graffigna Genuine Collection Malbec Reserve 2020
Graffigna is the 3rd oldest winery in Argentina, with more than 150 years of history to its name. Their Malbec now hails entirely from the premium region of the Uco Valley in Argentina and their aim is to give the wine more freshness rather than heavy oak. Excellent value and a great choice for festive feasting.
Find it here at Sainsbury’s on offer for £7.50
France
Mirabeau Gin Grapefruit Gimlet
As a special treat, I thought I’d bring in a favourite French gin of mine. Made by Mirabeau using rosé wine and Provençal botanicals such as thyme, rose and lavender, this premium gin really is Provence in a glass. It’s a gin you can sip alone with ice, but it also makes a killer G&T and a Gimlet.
Here’s a simple cocktail recipe, packed full of vitamin C:
The Mirabeau Pink Gimlet
50ml Mirabeau Dry Gin
25ml Simple Syrup
50ml Lime Juice (1 lime)
75ml Pink Grapefruit Juice (1/2 a Grapefruit)
Ice for shaker.
Pour all the ingredients into an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake together then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with half a wheel of lime.
Find it here at Waitrose on offer for £28