What You Should Be Drinking with Thai Food

Pairing drinks with Thai food is no easy task. With salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavours all working harmoniously, the cuisine’s complexity can result in confusion over what works well, and what clashes. So, without further ado, here is our essential guide to the best drinks to have with Thai food.

Beer

We’ve got some great wines for you below, but spice and wine don’t always get along, which is why beer steps up to the plate as the ultimate thirst quencher. Thai food isn’t as synonymous with hot spice as Indian, but most dishes still have a kick, and some stir fry dishes (Phad Kee Mao, Pad Kra Pao for example) are very spicy. The cooling bubbles instantly refresh, and the alcohol content is relatively low so you can gulp away comfortably. 

Citrusy, spicy beers go best with hot and sour Thai dishes.

Witbier

You might know witbier as wheat beer, or white beer. They’re typically cloudy with a fresh and frothy texture due to a lack of filtering and surprise surprise, high wheat level. The fragrant citrus taste provides a perfect counterbalance to any sourness and spice in your meal, and they also work wonderfully with the lemongrass flavour that crops up again and again in Thai dishes. Hoegaarden (4.9%) is a renowned Belgium witbier dating back 600 years, with a super refreshing soft and light feel that will go very nicely indeed.

Find here: £5 4x330ml 

IPA

If you prefer slightly medium spice Thai dishes that tend to be heavier, sweeter and aromatic then IPA could be the way to go. The citrusy aroma of most IPA’s pairs nicely with Green and Red Curry, and Rendang and Panang too. The right IPA will accentuate the lime and lemongrass often used in these curries, but be careful to pick out a sweeter, sharper ale, not a hop bomb. We’d aim for balanced coconut or fruity/citrus IPAs in particular. Cigar City’s Jai Alai (7.5%) has assertive bitterness that will counteract sweetness in the food, and the bold and citrussy flavour pairs nicely too. Alternatively, renowned Hamburg brewer Kehrwieder have their non-alcoholic üNN IPA range, and Coconut Grove (0.4%) would complement Thai flavours superbly. There’s also tropical fruit and lime and of course, no alcohol to fan the flames!

Find Cigar City’s Jai Alai here: £3.70 Jai Alai
Find Kehrwieder Coconut Grove here: £2.74 Coconut Grove / £27.71 Case of 12

Singha

Most beer from Thailand and the surrounding areas is German influenced lager, and the most popular bottle that you’ll find is Singha. It’s crisp and clean with a mild, light taste that’s perfect for hot Thai food. It’s a very easy drinking lager with strong malty flavour that pairs nicely with something like massaman curry. Also, whilst they tend to avoid alcohol with food in Thailand, it’s still satisfying to enjoy drink and food from the same nation. By the way, it’s pronounced without the a if you want to impress the waiter at the next Thai restaurant you visit!

Find here: £2.20 

Wine

Wine and curry can be a dangerous game in terms of successful combinations. The tannin and heavy alcohol in stronger wines can be a mismatch for spicy foods, but don’t write it off just yet. Off-dry, medium to low strength white wine is the way to go. 

Gewurztraminer

Gewürztraminer is a distinctly aromatic, dryer wine with full body and more often than not, floral and citrus aromas. You’ll often find ginger too which matches nicely with most Thai dishes, and the slight sweetness copes with any mild spice thrown at it. If you’ve ever tried Moscato wine, there’s some overlap. The more fragrant dishes such as the green and red curries, panang, beef satay, pad thai and tom Kha soup all pair well with Gewürztraminer. An off dry Riesling will work similarly well. Also, a much sweeter late harvest bottle mirrors Thai desserts pretty well too, because they can be intensely sweet. This one is Cave Vinicole de Hunawhir’s Cuvée Prestige (14%), an Alsace wine with notes of tropical fruit, apricot, lychee and a touch of ginger. 

Find here: £12.99 (£9.99 Mix Six offer)

Torrontes

Torrontes is an aromatic Argentinian wine that is a versatile dancing partner for Thai cuisine due to the sweet floral aromas, and peachy lemon zest notes. It’s sweet on the nose but dry in style and as long as the dish isn’t overly spicy with extremely intense flavours, it will work a treat. Think coconut curries, peanut dishes, and seafood options. This bottle from renowned winery Catena (13%) uses some of the highest grapes on the planet to create a crisp and zingy wine with particular sweetness that fades out for dryness in vintage Torrontes fashion. 

Find here: £7.50

Alsace Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris has a less fruity flavour than other options on this list, and instead a stronger acidic structure. The sweet muskiness that comes with it goes fantastically well with spicy Thai dishes, and especially so if it’s from Alsace because they often have some ginger and clove spice notes. There’s enough subtle spice here to complement the Thai spice, and acidity to cut through it too. It’s a balanced wine capable of dealing with both sweet and sour – ideal for Thai food. From the same winery as the Gewürztraminer is the Cuvée Prestige Pinos Gris (13.5%), a rich and full white with refreshing acidity and peach and pear notes. 

Find here: £12.99 (£9.99 Mix Six offer)

Spirits

Many might write off spirits with Thai food but with the right mixer and tonnes of ice, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy one with your food. We’ve gone for a gin because many of the botanicals complement ingredients used in Thai cooking. It’s also very easy to transform into the ultimate refresher.

Gin

Avoiding anything overwhelmingly strong, you can pick out the right gin for whatever dish you’re having. If you’ve gone for sweeter curries, a sour dry gin works well for example. Gin and ginger beer would be fantastic with warming spice and refreshing bubbles working hand-in-hand, or a premium original tonic will do the job. Lime Leaf Gin from Batch Spirits (42%) drew inspiration directly from Thai cuisine, using lime leaf, galangal, and jasmine botanicals. It’s vibrant, citrus-forward, and unsurprisingly, perfect for sipping alongside Thai food. You can even get Thai Basil for the perfect garnish! Word to the wise, be generous with your tonic because whilst 42% isn’t strong, you run the risk of clashing with spicier dishes if it isn’t diluted thoroughly. 

Find it here: £35.95

We know how hard it is to decide what takeaway you want (all be it a nice problem to have!), so if you’re fancying an Indian instead, we’ve got you covered there too! Check out our Best Drinks With Curry guide!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Blockchain, NFTs and Wine: Crurated’s Fine Wine Revolution

Listen to Helena’s chat with Paolo Sforza above.

Crurated is a forward-thinking company that has captured our attention since launching in the spring of 2021. The first of their kind, they’re a membership-based community of fine wine lovers and collectors, where NFT and blockchain technology is used to ensure security, authenticity and provenance.

Some of the most highly rated producers in the world are on board, and members can enjoy a range of benefits but at the centre of it all is Crurated’s fractional barrel offering. If any of this sounds a bit confusing at first, don’t worry because it’s actually very simple. Let us explain!

What are fractional barrel offerings?

First up, Crurated are the first membership-based wine company to use fractional barrel offerings using blockchain and NFT technology. Whilst the tech might be new, the concept itself is actually very traditional. For many years in France, wine lovers have teamed up to buy and share a barrel, so this is simply a rejuvenation of an old tradition in a modern way.

Prestigious barrel offerings from some of the finest producers in Burgundy, Piedmont, Tuscany and beyond go live on the website, and members can bid for the litres that they want. Then, when the time comes to bottle, the members pick which size of bottle they would like, and the wine is stored in Crurated’s warehouse in Burgundy for as long as they like.

Producers know exactly how many bottles of each size to produce, and consumers can pick whatever size they want, including much larger bottles that are usually extremely rare or even unavailable altogether. Win-win!

Absolutely anyone (providing they’re of legal age of course) can sign up, making fine wine accessible to everyone. This hasn’t always been the case as the fine wine community can be quite insular, complicated and generally difficult to break into as an outsider. For many high-end allocations, it can even be impossible to get the opportunity to buy some.

What is blockchain and NFT technology?

You might have heard of blockchain technology in connection with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. In a nutshell, the blockchain is a decentralised network that facilitates the process of making transactions and tracking assets - a digital ledger of sorts. All the information stays entirely within the network and crucially, the data cannot be edited retroactively.

An NFT is a more recent innovation and it stands for non-fungible token. These tokens are used to purchase digital assets, then the blockchain technology is used to assign and claim ownerships of these. In short, it’s a secure contract that says you own the digital asset, which in the case of Crurated, is also linked to a real asset: the wine. So, if you own the NFT, you own the bottle. This isn’t the same for all NFTs by the way; sometimes you really do just own a cartoon picture online and nothing in the ‘real world’.

Safe to say it’s a complicated area, but the brains behind Crurated know a lot more than us and are putting it to good use! But how?

How does Crurated use blockchain and NFT technology?

In the world of fine wine, there are conventionally a lot of middlemen and hoops to jump through. Everyone takes their cut, there can be questions over provenance and care taken over the wine at each stage. All in all, getting your hands on a reputable new release is very complicated.

Crurated remove those barriers to entry, democratising the distribution of fine wine. Anyone can sign up and despite the sound of the technology used, the process is user friendly and very easy to navigate.

The blockchain and NFT involvement means transparency and authenticity at every stage. Think of it as a digital contract; a modern way to keep track of orders, accounts and contracts, where every bottle is tracked directly from the producer to storage, and absolutely everything is recorded so that you are assured of your bottle’s authenticity. Provenance is one of the most important concepts in the fine wine market, and refers to whether the wine really was made by the producer on the label as well as what kind of storage the wine has been kept in.

With everything being so specifically tracked and checked, there can be no doubts over any of this. The final stop for the wine is the warehouse in Burgundy, which is fully insured and kept in optimal condition so members can enjoy peace of mind until the time comes to ship it. It’s fine wine being treated as fine wine should, which is not always the case!

How do you become a Crurated member?

Signing up is simple via the Crurated website. Currently, there are four different memberships, starting from free explorer options and increasing to various levels of paid membership. These come with additional benefits like being able to store hundreds more bottles, access to rare vintages, invitation-only events and bespoke service. Once your account is up and running, you can take advantage of all the great information and materials available and start bidding on any barrels that take your fancy.

What else can members get access to?

Crurated is about more than transactions. They have recently launched experiences, where members can visit the vineyards of top producers, have dinner with them and discover more about the products they love. This enables producers to communicate directly with their top clients to find out what people love about their products and offers members a uniquely tangible connection to the wine they’re involved with.

The producers involved are already wide-ranging across Italy and France, and the network is consistently expanding. It’s also worth mentioning that at events like these, it is clear how the ‘old boys club’ image of fine wine is something Crurated are changing.

There is a diverse membership base, with more younger people and women attending and signing up. This trend is mirrored in the workforce too, with a 50/50 male and female split and full-remote working enabling people from all over the world to build the Crurated community.

The other really cool feature on offer is personalised labelling. Many of the producers allow custom labelling for specific and special occasions, which is something you just don’t see from high-end producers. Once your bid is accepted and your NFT is secure, you’ll often have the option to put whatever you want on the label, making that special bottle of wine even more special.

Crurated has an active social media presence showing what their winemakers do, what the events they run are like and keeping members up to date with new features, offerings and opportunities. Even if you don’t sign up, it’s also a great way to stay up to date with all things fine wine!

Instagram – @cruratedofficial
Facebook – @crurated
YouTube - CRURATED

What kind of barrel offerings does Crurated have available?

Crurated tends to focus on a different barrel each week, so here are the offerings for the remainder of 2022:

Domaine Gerorges Mugneret-Gibourg — November 7-13
Vosne-Romanée “La Colombière" 2021
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Les Feusselottes” Cuvée Augustin 2021
Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021

Domaine Pierre Girardin — November 14-20
Échezeaux Grand Cru 2021
Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2021
Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021
Richebourg Grand Cru 2021

Montevertine — November 21-27
Le Pergole Torte 2020

Domaine Y. Clerget — December 5-11
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru  2021
Volnay 1er Cru Clos du Verseuil 2021
Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens 2021

Domaine Hubert Lignier — December 12-18
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Bio 2021
Morey Saint-Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes Bio 2021
Morey-Saint-Denis Trilogie Bio 2021
Bourgogne Pinot Noir Grand Chaliot 2021

Domaine Bruno Colin — December 19-25
Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021

12 Stunning Supermarket Red Wines for Under £10

UPDATE: For the latest monthly supermarket deals from Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Aldi and more, click here.

The selection of great quality wines available on supermarket shelves has come on leaps and bounds in recent decades, and there are now plenty of options that provide not just good value for money, but sublime flavour full stop, even compared to pricy classics.

Times are tough right now, so here are some bold and beautiful red wines curated by us that all cost less than a tenner. More good news is that they should be available at a supermarket near you too, so you can easily pick them up on the weekly shop. Check them out below!

Corte Alle Mura Chianti Riserva

This fantastic Chianti represents incredible value with a full body and complex flavour. There are detectable notes of fruitcake and sweet spice, and a slightly balsamic finish too. It really is punching above its price point!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.99 Lidl

Piccodoro Nero D’Avola DOC 2021

There’s more fantastic value here with this Nero D’Avola from the stunning island of Sicily. It’s rustic and figgy with notes of wild strawberry jam and all in all, it’s a tremendously food-friendly and comforting wine. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.75 Tesco

Extra Special Chilean Pinot Noir 2021 

Concentrated, plush and plummy, this generous Pinot hails from the prestigious Leyda Valley in Chile. It’s dry, beautifully balanced and very loveable indeed. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here £6.50 ASDA

Marqués de los Zancos Rioja Crianza DOC 2019 

If you like your wine tangy then this Spanish Rioja is right up your street. Think autumnal flavours with subtle notes of peppery spice. Delicious. There are some hefty price tags slapped onto good Rioja, so this is a must try.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.75 Tesco

Extra Special Sicilian Reserve 2019 

Made with 100% Nero D’Avola, this rustic red has been partly aged in French oak barrels before having a further year in bottle before release. Rustic and tangy, there’s fantastic flavour on show, with strawberry and mocha noticeable. Superb value from Sicily once again!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 ASDA

Tesco Finest Stellenbosch Pinotage 2021 

A fantastically modern example of South Africa’s flagship red wine made by the family owned Stellenrust winery. This Stellenbosch is distinctly fresh and moreish with a medium body and those rich, meaty notes come through clearly. Enjoy with barbecued meats or (given the time of year), a nice hearty stew.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.50 Tesco

Taste the Difference Barbera d’Asti 2018

Hailing from the Piedmont region in Italy, winemaker Claudio Manera has produced a terrific, soft and saline wine with notes of ripe red and black berries balanced by a super fresh acidity. Smooth and mellow. Yum! 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8 Sainsbury’s

Lisboa Bonita 2020

This bottle uses a blend of local grape varieties like Caladoc and Castelao, which grow close to Lisbon where the sprawling vineyards have a long history with winemaking. It’s rich, chocolatey, and packed full of bramble fruit flavours for an intriguing and complex flavour. Nom! 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £42 for a case of 6 (£7/bottle) M&S. Also available in store. 

Johann Wolf Pinot Noir

From the Pfalz region, this is a classic, cool-climate German Pinot. It’s elegant with plenty of silky cherry and raspberry fruit to enjoy. Try pairing it up with a hearty roast and it’ll show brilliantly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 Waitrose (could be on offer even cheaper!)

T-Bone Malbec 

This is a really excellent benchmark Malbec from San Juan that brings to mind the velvety notes of chocolate dipped blueberries. With some added structure from the inclusion of a little Cabernet, this inky black red has plenty of oomph. Unsurprisingly given the name, it would sit perfectly beside Argentinian steak but it’s more than capable of crowd pleasing on its own too. Lovely!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99 (Mix 12 Price) Laithwaites 

Tesco Finest Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021

This is a light and elegant Pinot from reliable New Zealand producer Indevin, with lifted notes of violet and cherry. The thin-skinned grapes from the Waihopai Valley give an inviting light colour, and they’ve mellowed it in French oak for a welcoming, smooth finish. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 Tesco

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2021

Last on our list is a banging benchmark Shiraz. Penfolds are so reliable when it comes to this area, and Koonunga Hill is yet another example of this. It’s a traditional Australian blend that blends a wonderfully expressive Shiraz with the structure of a Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is an interesting, full-bodied red with silky red fruit, liquorice notes and a peppery kick. A complete winner at that price. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £8.50 Morrisons // US $19.99

If you’re more of a white than red kind of person, then we’ve got a list of our favourite white wines for under £10 here! And with the sleigh bells of Christmas ringing louder each day, there are some more great value reds perfect for Christmas here too.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The Best Drinks Advent Calendars for 2022

It's November and that means one thing… Christmas is a common feature on all the shelves with piles of baubles here and boxes of shimmering tinsel there. It also means that this year’s round of drinks advent calendars are being released! Woo-hoo!

The countdown to Christmas is on, and what better way to enjoy it than by opening a boozy treat each day? If you’re a bah humbug then it makes the countdown enjoyable, and if you’re already a Christmas convert then it makes it even better! They’re getting more and more creative every year with options a-plenty, and we’ve got something for everyone with our handy guide below!

For Fine Spirits drinkers:

The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar

Welcome to the ultimate, luxurious treat for a lover of fine spirits. The Whisky Exchange have put together 24 minature bottles of whisky, rum, gin, amaro, calvados and more, all of which are exclusive bottlings, under-the-radar spirits or some of the biggest names in fine booze. Simply stunning and berautifully packaged.
Find here: £150

For Gin drinkers:

Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar

Most gin drinkers will already be on drinking terms with Fever-Tree and their cracking selection of tonics. This year, their masters of mixology have paired them up with some of the UK’s best-known gin brands like Tanqueray and Hendrick’s, as well as some new kids on the block. Perfect dance partners like Ginger Ale and Ophir’s spicy gin wait behind each door so have fun finding and tasting the pairings as the month rolls on!

Find here: £60

The Premium Edition Gin Advent Calendar

With 24 wax-sealed 30ml samples of gin from around the world hand picked by experts, there’s something for everyone behind each door! From classics to new releases, Tarquin’s Figgy Pudding Gin to Bluecoat’s American Dry, this is a yuletide medley you won’t want to miss!

Find here: £99.95

For Rum drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Rum Advent Calendar

There’s something tantalising behind every door for the rum drinkers too, with this Drinks by the Dram calendar. Dark rum, white rum, golden rum, whatever you’ve wished for it’s in here. Try unusual delights like award-winning Discarded Banana Peel Rum and enjoy old familiars such as Plantation’s XO.

Find here: £149.95

For Tequila drinkers:

The Spirit Co – Arriba Tequila Advent Calendar

You will begin a 24-day long journey to enlightenment with this, and how many advent calendars can you say that about? Although they’re 30ml sized bottles, The Spirit Co’s 24 tequila picks are designed for you to taste and discover the subtleties of this Mexican icon. From fresh Blanco, to complex Añejo, you will understand tequila on a whole new level by the time the big day comes.

Find here: £124.95

For Vodka drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Vodka Advent Calendar

Vodka is a spirit that can be found being dismissed by some as monotonous. Well, with a new year on the horizon, it’s time to change those misconceptions. These expertly curated tasters are a perfect opportunity to learn about how vodka can vary, and what you’re individually drawn to. Whether it’s drinking crisply smooth originals or subtle berry beauties, every day is a school day and school has never been so fun.

Find here: £99.95

For Whisky drinkers:

Whisky Explorers’ Edition Advent Calendar

Winter whisky warms the soul perfectly over the festive season, and as you prize open each cardboard door, a new whisky awaits. From traditional Irish whiskeys to a new whisky that is actually designed by artificial intelligence(!!), this advent calendar is perfect for someone wanting to dip their toe into the wonderful world of whisky.

Find here: £99.95

Whisky Premium Edition Advent Calendar

If you’re already a card-carrying whisky explorer or know someone that is then this calendar is for those ready to take the step up. Every door is filled with a wax-sealed 30ml dram of top tier whisky, carefully selected by world-famous producers. Aged to perfection, this is a great way of eying up your favourite premium whisky without buying a whole bottle. Pricey sure, but if you can’t treat yourself or others at Christmas time when can you?

Find here: £249.95

For Wine drinkers:

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is jam packed with Brixton Wine Club’s favourite canned wines from throughout the year, including limited editions and ones that have sold out so it’s a real treat. There are reds, whites, seltzers, bubbles and not only that, but we were happy to see so many up and coming British wines included too!

Find here: £125

Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar

Every December day is made that bit better by a delicious quarter-bottle of wine waiting for you, isn’t it? All packaged up in a cosy Christmas market scene too, so it makes a wonderful festive addition to your home. We won’t spoil it for you but there also may or may not be a special treat on Christmas Eve too ;)

Find here: £69.99

For Cocktail drinkers:

NIO 12-day Advent Cocktail Box

This is the perfect advent for sharing because you can reveal cocktails two at a time over 12 days, so don’t worry you do still get your 24 drinks! And you even get a garnish too, so you can really indulge in the authentic cocktail experience. The calendar houses a very alluring cocktail hall of fame, with Negroni, Manhattan, Cosmo, Espresso Martini, and Daiquiri to name a few. There’s also sure to be some surprises for you too.

Find here: £115

For Beer drinkers:

Beavertown Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Don’t worry beer guzzlers, there’s something for you to countdown to Christmas as well. Craft beer extraordinaries Beavertown have created a delightfully vibrant advent calendar this year, and a limited-edition version that includes a load of cool gifts too. 6 mini boxes are included so they’re perfect to pop in the fridge, meaning that the only surprise is which beer you get, not that it’s warm!

Find here: £58 / £68 (Limited Edition)

For Cider drinkers:

Lilley’s 2022 Advent Calendar

There are even cider advent calendars these days, and we love the interesting concoctions of Lilley’s. Pear flavoured Bee Sting had picked up plenty of awards for the Somerset company, and the same can be said for their Rhubarb flavour. Also, if you like sweet ciders, then let us tell you that the Mango is a must try. There are 24 full size bottles so it’s good value too, and you can go look up each interesting flavour... or keep it as a Christmas surprise! Scrumptious.

Find here: £66

If you’re still stuck for gift ideas or just fancy looking at what else is out there, check out our other drinking gift ideas and be sure to let us know if you’ve got your eyes on any advent calendars we’ve missed out here.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

21 Great Spots to Drink Sherry in the UK

Where to drink Sherry in the UK for International Sherry Week and all year round…

Now in its 9th year, International Sherry Week is the world’s largest celebration of Sherry wines from Southern Spain. This year, it runs from Monday 7th - Sunday 13th November 2022. 

Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Cream Sherry… Lovers of this fabulous, fortified wine from Jerez, Spain, know that it’s not all about the sweet stuff Grandma drinks at Christmas but instead, is about enjoying a savoury and saline, food friendly drink in all its wonderfully complex, fudge, salted almond and citrus peel glory.

You can watch a short film and read about what Sherry actually is this bite-size guide but if you just want to get out there and do some tasting, perhaps with a masterclass or with some tapas thrown in, then here’s your ultimate guide to some great venues around the UK for discovering the delights of Sherry for Sherry Week and beyond. 

Sherry Week Events (7th-13th November)

All the locations below are fantastic destinations to try Sherry all year round, but first, here are some specific events to check out during International Sherry Week this November:

Helena with José Pizzaro at José in Bermondsey Street, London.

José Pizarro’s restaurants and tapas bars (London)

‘Get lost in our huge Spanish wine list and sherries and cocktails’ they say. We say, ‘yes please!’ A celebration of all things Spanish awaits you all year round at José Pizarro’s venues but for Sherry week, they are offering the perfect way to kick start your dinner: try three sherries beautifully complemented by Jamón Ibérico Cinco Jotas. £18.50 per head from 7th-13th November.

Pizarro
194 Bermondsey St, 
London,
SE1 3TQ.

José Tapas Bar
104 Bermondsey Street,
London,
SE13UB.

José Pizarro Broadgate Circle
36 Broadgate Circle,
London,
EC2M 2QS.
josepizarro.com

At José on Bermondsey Street, London

Fourth And Church (Hove)

This restaurant and wine bar has quickly earned a reputation as a great foodie destination in Hove, offering tastings and events all year round. Join their expert Paul for a relaxed afternoon during Sherry Week, exploring six wines from Jerez, all perfectly paired with a six course menu.

When: November 13, 2022, 1-4pm
84 Church Rd, 
Hove,
BN3 2EB
www.fourthandchurch.co.uk

Ambiente Tapas (Hull, Leeds & York)

Ambiente Tapas is a welcoming group of restaurants dotted around the country, each celebrating the world of Spanish food and wine - especially Sherry. To celebrate International Sherry Week, Ambiente is hosting exclusive, five course, sherry paired dinners featuring wines from Gonzalez Byass sherries across its various locations:

When: 9th November - Bodega Lustau  - Hull. 
When: 10th November - Bodegas Gonzalez Byass - Leeds.
When: 11th November - Bodegas Barbadillo - Tabanco By Ambiente Restaurant, York
ambiente-tapas.co.uk

The Reliance (Leeds)

This pretty bar and dining room has the gorgeously relaxed feel of an old school classroom with its wooden floors and mismatched chairs and tables. For Sherry Week, join the team on the 9th November for a menu of seasonal small plates paired with eight delicious Sherries.

When: 9th November
76-78 North Street,
Leeds,
LS2 7PN.
The-reliance.co.uk

The Wine Rooms (Cambridge)

A destination fine wine bar and shop bringing the world of wine to life through their extensive list of over 500 bottles and a large list of wines by the glass. During Sherry week, Spanish Sommelier Gonzalo will lead a masterclass through all the styles of Sherry. Come here any time of year though to taste with seasonal plates and regular events. 

When: 10th November
57 Hills Road,
Cambridge,
CB2 1NT
thewineroomscambridge.com

Lo Rapitenc Spanish Deli (Frome)

For something a little different, hold onto your hats and head to Lo Rapitenc in Frome! Join Antonio Morenés, co-founder of Diatomists and leader of the so-called ‘Sherry Revolution’ for an overview of the region and tasting of each wine. Described as ‘a guerrilla wine night, which promises to be intoxicating, festive and a delight to the senses,’ the evening will conclude with after dinner drinks and live music by a Latin music duo. Bring your dancing shoes!

When: 12th November
21 Cheap St, 
Frome,
BA11 1NN
Lorapitencspanishfood.com

Lunyalita (Liverpool)

Ok, so not officially set in Sherry week, but just afterwards, Luyalita will be hosting a Sherry tasting of six wines with matching tapitas, hosted by their resident expert, Ian Jackson. Part of the Lunya family, Lunyalita is set over two floors overlooking Liverpool’s gorgeous Albert Dock. The menu offers a  wide range of classic and modern tapas at lunch and breakfast, with tapas, deli platters and paella served throughout the rest of the day.

When: 24th November
Britannia Pavilion, 
Royal Albert Dock, 
Liverpool, 
L3 4AD.
lunya.co.uk/events

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (Edinburgh)

The brilliant Rose Murray Brown MW will be hosting a 12 wine tasting including Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso & PX from leading bodegas, all served with Spanish charcuterie. Personalised gift vouchers are also available on request. No prior knowledge required!

When: 9th November
The Vaults, 
87 Giles St, 
Leith, 
Edinburgh,
EH6 6BZ.
Rosemurraybrown.com

Lind and Lime Gin Distillery (Leith)

Lind & Lime Gin Distillery has got together with Slonk for a fantastic Sherry experience. On arrival, you'll be treated to a Sherry Cocktail, followed by a five Sherry masterclass served with a delicious Spanish Tapas feast by Pablo Sensat of Manda Huevos fame.

When: 13th November
24 Coburg Street,
Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6HB.
Tickets here

Oxford Wine Café (Oxford)

This cosy café style wine bar is a vino lover's dream, boasting a huge list of wines from all over the world, made by smaller, ultra-passionate, boutique-style producers that you will not find in supermarkets and big chains. During Sherry week, they will be showcasing an extensive sherry menu paired with a number of delicious tapas dishes and are holding a big tasting on the Thursday night.

When: 11th November
32 Little Clarendon Street,
Jericho,
Oxford,
OX1 2HU.
oxfordwinecafe.co.uk

Other great locations to taste Sherry all year round

BRISTOL

Adelina Yard

Adelina Yard is found nestled in Bristol’s Welsh Back district and serves fine, seasonal, modern European dishes in a relaxed, informal, yet highly instagrammable atmosphere.

Adelina Yard, 
Queen Quay, 
Welsh Back, 
Bristol,
BS1 4SL.
adelinayard.com

BIRMINGHAM

Loki Wine

Loki Wine has risen to fame these past few years and is the most awarded wine merchant in Birmingham. This fabulous, wine merchant-cum-wine bar offers a huge range of Sherry and other wines to purchase as well as taste by the glass. This is also the place for various fun, wine and tasting courses and events. Choose from any of their three locations:

Loki Wine Edgbaston, 10 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3AU
Loki Wine Birmingham City Centre (GWA), 36 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, B2 5HU
Loki Wine Knowle, 20-22 Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0HT
Lokiwine.co.uk

FROME

The High Pavement 

This cosy, Moorish jewel of a restaurant is set above the picturesque cobbled streets of Frome’s St Catherine’s quarter and offers a delicious, ever changing menu of Moorish Tapas inspired by the flavours of Spain, North Africa and the Middle East. The wine list boasts an excellent selection of bottles from small, independent growers as well as an extensive sherry list.

8, Palmer St, 
Frome,
BA11 1DS.
thehighpavement.co.uk

LEEDS

Iberica (Leeds)

The stunning Hepper Building in Leeds is a location to behold with its high ceilings and chandeliers. It’s like stepping back in time! Iberica is a place to celebrate all Spanish food and drink with an extensive wine list including many types of Sherry. Check out their events too and you can opt for private dining and even a Spanish afternoon tea. 

Hepper House, 
17a East Parade, 
LS1 2BH, 
Leeds.
Ibericarestaurants.com

LONDON

Gordon’s Wine Bar

Gordon’s wine bar is a London institution. The city’s oldest bar is set in a fabulous, candlelit, 19th Century vaulted cellar that has maintained its original Dickensian décor, it boasts a fabulous range of wines including an impressive array of Sherries. Come here to plot a revolution and have a great glass of vino.

47 Villiers Street,
London,
WC2N 6NE.
Gordonswinebar.com

The Opera Tavern

Part of the Salt Yard group, the famous Opera Tavern is a classic, Covent Garden pub and is ideal for a quick bite of jamon Iberico and a slurp of Palo Cortado before catching a show at the theatre or opera. 

23 Catherine St, 
London,
WC2B 5JS.
saltyardgroup.co.uk

Bar Pepito

Cosy and romantic with bottles everywhere, Bar Pepito combines a warm, Andalusian atmosphere with an extensive range of speciality Jerez sherries and a fantastic tapas menu served with a twist. It’s a must at any time of year!

3 Varnishers Yard,
The Regent Quarter,
Kings Cross,
N1 9FD.
camino.uk.com

Andanza

Down the road from Pizarro in Bermondsey is a tiny little, rustic, Spanish foodie gem in the form of Andanza. Come here for authentic Spanish meats and cheeses with a great range of wines and Sherries. You’ll want to photograph everything too!

66 Weston St,
London,
SE1 3QJ
andanza.co.uk

MANCHESTER

Flok

Flok is a cosy, yet vibrant,  vintage feel bar and kitchen offering Mediterranean-inspired small plates as well as wines, craft beers, cocktails and spirits. This place has a reputation for its Sherry list too, which you can taste by the glass. Highly recommended. 

5 Stevenson Square, 
Manchester,
M1 1DN
flokmcr.co.uk

CARDIFF

Curado Bar & Vermut

Curado Bar Jamon & Pintxos in Cardiff and its snug little wine bar Vermut next door, offer a piece of authentic Spain right in the heart of the city. Vermut has Spanish wines on tap and specialises in three styles of wines: Sherry, Vermouth and Montilla-Moriles. 

2 Guildhall Place, 
Westgate Street, 
Cardiff, 
CF10 1EB.
curadobar.com

BATH

Pintxo Bath

Tucked away in Barton Street, Pintxo de Bath is a cosy, wood-clad, authentically Basque-style tapas and sherry bar in the heart of Bath’s theatre district. Inspired by the famous Pintxo bars of San Sebastián, they also serve a large range of Sherries all year round and even have a secluded, dedicated Sherry garden! 

31 Barton Street, 
Bath, 
Somerset,
BA1 1HG.
pintxobath.co.uk

Heading to these? Tag us on Instagram @TheThreeDrinkers using #SherryWeek. Want more sherry info? Here’s Helena’s wine basics video guide.

Red Wines for Halloween 2022

Are you drink ready for Hallowine, I mean, Halloween? You may have caught me on talkTV with Mike Graham talking about the first three wines on this list, but there are many more that are worth your attention! Here’s a list of spooktastic sips for various budgets.

The Dip 

The deliciously decorated bottle in red and black, is named after a demon dog that’s famous in Catalan legend. This rustic Spanish red, made from a blend of Tintorera and Tempranillo, screams dark, dried berry fruits and a kick of licorice spice. Try it with smoky or grilled meat. 

Find it at Laithwaites for £8.99 mix six price

The Wanderer Malbec 

This smart, day of the dead themed bottle is no gimmick when you taste the wine inside. A gorgeously classy, smooth Malbec made from grapes harvested from long lost vineyards in San Juan and left to hang longer than usual to boost concentration and ripe fruit flavours. A winter warmer that’s great alone or with rich, meaty dishes. 

Find it at Sainsbury’s on offer for £9 

Simpsons Sparkling Syrah

The first European sparkling Syrah /Shiraz I have come across and hailing from the Languedoc-Roussillon area in Southern France and made by English couple, Ruth and Charles Simpson. With more of those classic garrigue-like, French Syrah notes than the purple jam of Australia, this, served slightly chilled, is a brilliant match for Christmas turkey with the trimming, but also works well with duck and lamb cutlets.

Find it at Naked Wines for £14.99

T-bone Malbec 

A seriously delicious, juicy, Argentinian Malbec with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure. Great value and a perfect crowd pleaser. Make the most of the mix six price. 

Find it at Laithwaites for £7.99 mix 6 price

19 Crimes The Uprising, glow in the dark labels

You’ll want to keep the empty, limited edition, glow in the dark bottle of this 19 Crimes ‘Uprising’ red. A blend from Australia, this is another big and fruity red with notes of redcurrant, blackcurrant and baking spice

Find it at Asda on offer for £8

Chronic Cellars, Space Doubt Zinfandel

If you like your wine big, bold and figgy, then this Californian Zinfandel is right up your street. Think strawberry, plum and ripe fig with notes of baking spice. Delicious. 

Find it at Sainsburys for £13 

Velvet Devil Merlot

If anyone orders this Merlot, I will certainly NOT be leaving! (Geeky Sideways quote). This impressive, American Merlot hails form the fine wine region of Washington State and boast velvety tones of red berry, cedar and tobacco leaf. Very smart. 

Find it on Ocado for £17

Palermo, Orin Swift, Napa Valley

The Iconic Orin Swift winery in Napa brings us this hefty, 2018 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘Palermo’. Brooding and powerful, think bold flavours of cassis and mint, cedar, raspberry and plenty of complexity. Get it open to air and have with a big hunk of cheese, pie or steak.

Find it at Majestic for £44.99 Mix 6 price

Words by Helena Nicklin

9 White Wines Perfect for Summer Sipping

Words by Colin Hampden-White

In the northern hemisphere the summer is in full swing. Records are breaking with the UK hitting 40 degrees centigrade for the first time. Climate change is upon us and it’s not looking good. As a race we are very good at celebrating, but also commiserating so whatever the news be, bad or good let’s pop a cork, and in this heat it’s time for some white wine. With popular varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay flying off the shelves, it’s about time we stopped and recognised some of the other brilliant varieties we can get our mitts on and enjoy in the sun. Whether with food, or an aperitif, with cheese, chocolate or simply by itself, there is a white wine for every occasion. I’d like to show you a few of my favourite varieties which are not the norm but are brilliant. With white wine it really does pay to push the boat out and spend a little extra to get a lot more, and these wines are especially good value even if they are mostly a little over ten pounds.

Chapel Down Bacchus 2019

Starting off this little list is a small bottle. One doesn’t always need or want a full bottle, especially if you’re not sharing, and this little wine is a British classic. Bacchus is a grape variety which thrives in the UK, and in a good summer, which 2019 was, the wine can be even better. This wine goes very well with seafood or Thai food giving a crisp counterbalance to any heat.

Size: 187ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.06

Faustino VII Blanco

In Spain they have quite a few different varieties of grape we don’t see much of in the rest of Europe and in Rioja where this wine comes from Viura is used a lot. It’s a variety which is full of fruity flavours and will go very well with Tapas as one would expect, and with pasta dishes. This wine has been fermented in stainless steel giving the wine freshness and vibrancy as it doesn’t have any of the oaky flavours associated with barrel fermentation.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £9.45

Hanewald-Schwerdt Riesling Trocken 2018

This is a dry yet very fruity Riesling from Germany, the king of Riesling. Riesling tends to age very well, and I find drinks much better having had a few years in the bottle as this one has. With lots of orchard fruits there is also a mineral backbone to the wine as the grapes are grown in limestone soils. This would be a great accompaniment to seafood, or even something a little fatty like a pork dish or cheese.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here:  £10.49

Beronia Rioja Viura 2020

Beronia is a well-known brand in the UK for their red wines which are rich and expressive. Their white wine is also full of fruit, and this Rioja has lots of tropical fruit which goes very well with fish, salads, and charcuterie. The balance of the wine is very good with a backbone of acidity able to cut through fattier foods like salami and prosciutto. The slightly raised abv also helps this wine stand up to richer dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £11.03

Tornai Furmint F 2017

Furmint is a grape variety which is usually known for producing sweet wines, but the dry wines created from this grape variety can be excellent. The wines are a little like chardonnay and are full of flavour and body. This one has been fermented in stainless steel to keep the freshness and fruitiness in check with a backbone of minerality. Like chardonnay, Furmint can age very well, and this wine at five years old has lots of complexity and will pair very well with complex foods like those from Asia.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £11.72

Diamantakis Vidiano 2018

I am a fan of Vidiano, I go to Crete every year and Vidiano is indigenous to the Island. My favourite Vidiano comes from the Manousakis winery under the brand Nostos, and if you’re in Sweden or the USA you may well be able to find some. But more widely spread is this excellent bottle also from a family fun winery Diamantakis. The wine is fresh as its grapes are grown with a little altitude and it has a creamy velvety texture which pairs very well with risottos and grilled fish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £12.98

Lionel Faury Condrieu La Berne 2018

This is a wine for special occasions or for moments to remember. The name La Berne comes from the previous owners of the land the grapes are grown in, it’s made from 100% Viognier and the vines are over 35 years old. Oak is used in the process with 30% of it being new barrels. The wine has touches of creamy oak in amongst the fruits which are dominated by fresh apricots and touches of orange blossom. At 14% it is full bodied, but very well balanced and like the Vidiano this is a brilliant wine to pair with risotto.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £44.95

Inniskillin Gold Vidal Icewine 2018

This wine is from the brilliant 2018 vintage and is made from 100% Vidal grapes which are harvested and then pressed when they are frozen. This process allows the juices to be very concentrated. It is very sweet, but also has a lot of apricot fruit and touches of pomelo. If you’re a fan of Sauternes then this is something different, but is in no way a lesser wine to its more famous cousin. Like Sauternes it pairs well with cheese, but also has enough complexity to have with a main dish too!

Size: 375ml
ABV: 9.5%
Find here: £46.85

Pongracz Brut Brut Méthode Cap Classique

This wine is an absolute bargain. Made from traditional champagne grape varieties in South Africa’s Western Cape, the vines are cooled by a maritime breeze keeping the wine fresh and balanced yet fruity. There are flavours of crisp apples and brioche and a little nuttiness. Like Champagne this wine will pair with many foods but is particularly good with raw fish or Oysters. For under ten pounds, this wine will never fail to impress.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.6%
Find here: £9.80

With such variety in the white wine world, it is only right there is a day dedicated to it, but it really needs to be a week! If you try any of the above, don’t let them just be for summer. They are wines which will be very tasty at any time of year and will last for a while in bottle too, just don’t keep them on a top shelve in the kitchen, but rather in a cool cupboard.

If you’re looking for more white wine recommendations, then make sure you check out the Albariño grape and the stunning Spanish wine region of Rueda.

9 Beautiful Bottles of Shiraz you have to try!

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Shiraz is a grape variety that is a little misunderstood I feel. Most will know what they will get from a Shiraz. Something bold, sometimes a little jammy and a touch sweet, but always full of fruit.

Shiraz is Syrah by another name. Some think that it originated in Shiraz in Iran, but in fact, the grapes from that area are completely different and we now know the variety probably originated in Southwestern France. However, today in Europe, Shiraz is mostly called Syrah, and in the new world of wine (areas outside of Europe with a couple of exceptions), Syrah is mostly known as Shiraz.

Wherever it is being grown, there are some great wines being created so here are a few of my favourites. I’m going to start at a price point that’s affordable for most, up to some very special occasion wines from some of the best that Australia has to offer.

Outback Jack Shiraz 2020 Berton Vineyard

Hailing from South Eastern Australia comes this very good value for money wine. It’s big and bold, but the tannins are rounded and smooth. There are lots of red fruits and well-balanced oak. Ideally, I’d let this wine age for a year or two, but with a big old BBQ it will drink very well. I’d chill it a little if you’re drinking it in the midday sun, as the flavours are full enough to handle it and that little cooling will take the effect of the alcohol on the nose down and let the fruit shine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.95

Pete’s Pure Shiraz 2019 

Coming from New South Wales in Australia, this is a little less bold than The Outback Jack, but still not a shy wine. The flavours are full and complex. With lots of blackcurrant, oaky vanilla and chocolate notes, this wine is very versatile and will pair very well with good cuts of red meat. The alcohol level is slightly lower than most Australian wines giving the feel of refined quality. It’s smooth, dry and quite soft which is great for a wine that’s ready to drink now and for the next few years.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.99

Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz 2020

The grapes for this wine come from all over the Barossa area and the resulting wine is intense and opulent with lots of mocha flavours from the oak ageing and dark brooding fruits, like blackberry and plums. This would pair well with game or with a flame-grilled steak. Ideally, I’d decant the wine and let it breathe for an hour before drinking as this will soften the tannin and bring out the more complex flavours.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.50

Leaps and Bounds Shiraz

From South Eastern Australia this wine is an easy-going everyday wine that is great value. Here at Amazon, it’s £9, but can be found on offer frequently. In the UK in Sainsbury’s, for example, it is now only £7. It’s a lighter-bodied Shiraz than many but still has bold flavours and will pair well with pizza, Italian dishes, charcuterie, and cheese. The dog on the label is Bob, who was a masterless dog traveling all over Australia as a companion to train drivers and the wine is inspired by friendship and a spirit of exploration.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9

Hermann’s Vineyard Shiraz 2018 JJ Hahn 

Another full-flavored wine from the Barossa with lots of cassis, chocolate, sweet berries, and spice. There are hints of soft vanilla and ripe black forest fruits too. Well-balanced and rounded tannins and restrained use of oak make this wine fresh and vibrant leaving you wanting another sip. I’d pair this with slow-cooked lamb as the acidity in the wine will cut through any fatty meat.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.3%
Find here: £16.45

Brokenwood Hunter Valley Shiraz 2018

2018 was a very good vintage for the Hunter Valley. Although there was little rainfall earlier in the season, heavy rains eventually came and gave the vines all they needed to create a great wine. This wine is quite aromatic and medium bodied for a Shiraz making it a very flexible wine for food pairings but it matches particularly well with cheese and venison.

Size: 750ml
ABV: £14
Find here: £26

The Dead Arm Shiraz d’Arenberg 2017

An Iconic wine. The Dead Arm is probably the best bang for buck in the world for Shiraz. A big brooding wine that takes a few years to begin to start drinking well. This one is five years old and at the beginning of its drinking window. I’m drinking vintage 2000 this year and it’s spectacular. With rich dark fruits and light spices, dark chocolate, tobacco, and a myriad of red and dark berries, this wine is always a winner. It’s on offer at Vivino now, and usually around £30 to £35.

Size: 14.5%
ABV: 750ml
Find here: £28.99

Mount Edelstone 2016 Henschke 

From the Eden Valley in Australia, this is a wine for a very special occasion. It is bold yet refined. The tannin has great structure, and the wine will pair with big bold meats, game, and strong cheeses. The Mount Edelstone vineyard was planted in 1912 and the first single vintage wine produced was in 1952. 2016 is the 64th release. There are aromas of violets and spicy aromas of black pepper and star anise mixing with plums and blackberry and soft notes of tarragon and cedar. The palate is complex and has great texture with flavours of mulberry, blackberries and plums with layers of age and black pepper. Amazingly deep and complex. It is just starting to drink well now, but will last another twenty years!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here:  £131

Penfolds

Penfolds creates so many Shiraz wines at every price point that it is hard to know which ones to suggest. They are so reliable in quality and flavour at every price point I would go as far as to say that if you see a bottle of Penfolds on the shelf within your price range you won’t go wrong. My favourites are Koonunga Hill for great value at £8 to £10, Max’s (which is a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon) at around £20, Bin 128 at £35, St Henri at £85 and for something very special Magill Estate at around £120. There really is something for everyone at Penfolds!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13% - 14.8%
Find here: £8 - £120

If you’re looking for a bit more light reading, then why not check out The Best Red Wine for Roast Beef or The Most Popular Red Wine Grapes.