Drinky Desserts: Your Guide to Sweet Wine Styles

No longer relegated to the ‘what do I do with this?’ cupboard or have a capful for cooking and the rest left to gather dust, no no no. Sweet wines are back and FINALLY showing their worth to a whole new audience as the great drinky desserts they truly are, boosted by the summer trend for sweet wine cocktails and boozy puds.

Here’s your guide to some key styles of sweet wines from around the world that you can swap with sugar syrup in cocktails, simply sip chilled, or splash into your puddings. 

Noble Rot Style

TRY: L’Or du Ciron Sauternes 2016

Perhaps the most famous (and expensive) sweet wine in town, Sauternes is a posh, dessert vino from Bordeaux made largely with Sémillon and Sauvignon. Here, a ‘noble rot’ fungus desiccates the grapes so what is left is super concentrated, honeyed and sweet. Think marmalade, candied peel, marzipan and spice. Great alone or with ice and loves a lemon drizzle cake. 

Find here: M&S / Ocado
Price: £14.75

TRY: Château Combet Laroche Monbazillac

Often described  - a tad unfairly-  as ‘poor man’s Sauternes’, Monbazillac hails from just east of Bordeaux and makes wines in a similar style. Less unctuously sweet than Sauternes and often with a subtle, burned caramel flavour, this is a great, sugar syrup alternative in Old Fashioned twists and thanks to the lower price point, means less guilt when splashing it around!

Find here: Lidl
Price: £7.99 full bottle

TRY: Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh

A brilliant, price savvy Sauternes alternative, Pacherenc hails from Gascony in southwest France and uses gorgeously greengage-scented local grapes like Gros Manseng. A noble rot wine like Sauternes where affected grapes dehydrate and give a complex, marzipan note, this is a lighter, fresher version that’s crying out for citrusy cocktails. Use it to replace the vermouth and honeyed rim in the famous Oppenheimer martini cocktail.

Find here: Lidl
Price: £7.99 full bottle

Late Harvest Sweet white

TRY: Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora

Late harvest wine is sweet because grapes stay longer on the vine and dry out, concentrating the sugars without the help of ‘noble rot’. This late harvest style keeps a more zesty freshness than the noble rot wines and this delicious drop hails from cool Victoria in Australia. It uses the grapey, floral Muscat grape and rare Flora grape to produce a lightly sweet vino that you’ll want to spritz on as perfume! Great in frozen cocktails and boozy brulées.

Find here: Tesco
Price: £8.50 half bottle

Moscato

TRY: Barefoot Pink Moscato

Cheap and very cheerful, Moscato wines are usually very fruity and sweet, aromatic and lower in booze than regular vino. Moscato is another name for the Muscat grape and this peachy pink from Barefoot is unashamedly ‘fun’, tasting like boozy strawberry ice lollies. It's perfect for pink, pimms-like wine cocktails. Just add peaches and strawberries with soda or lemonade!

Find here: Asda
Price: on offer £5.50 (down from £7.50)

Sweet Fortified: Muscat

TRY: Campbells of Rutherglen, Rutherglen Muscat

If you love the idea of boozy, salted caramel, then this dark, Aussie Muscat is for you! Gorgeously sweet with a salty freshness this sweetie style is unique to southern Australia’s Rutherglen area. It loves anything with spice or salt and is amazing in cocktails. Try it with fruit and cinnamon in a Rutherglen Sangria or pour it over ice cream with some coffee as an affogato. Stunning!

Find here: Waitrose
Price: £13.39

sweet fortified: Madeira

Blandy's Duke of Clarence Madeira

Madeira from the Portuguese island of the same name is the sweet-salty, nutty, fortified and aged booze that smells incredible, like fruit cake and fudge! Made with the red Negra Mole grape and white Malvasia, Bual, Verdelho and Sercial grapes, it comes in several styles from dry to lusciously sweet. And while it’s often relegated to splashing into Christmas puds, it’s actually rather wonderful in complex cocktails like a salted caramel martini or anything with chocolate in it. This one is full-on and fruity. Bold and retro.

Find here: Morrisons
Price: on offer £11.50 (down from £15) full bottle

Passito

TRY: Heaven on Earth organic, Fair Trade Muscat d’Alexandria

What is Passito wine? It’s a style of sweet wine that has been partially dried, often on straw, to allow water to evaporate before being pressed to concentrate the sugars. This golden, deliciously Autumnal wine is made with muscat grapes in South Africa and dried on a bed of Rooibos and straw. It’s grapey and peachy, all apricot and honey deliciousness! Awesome sipped alone or with blue cheese.

Find here: Ocado

Price: £10 (£8.50 on offer)

Splash out, passito: Vinsanto

Vinsanto 2002, Late release, Estate Argyros

Not to be confused with the fortified wine ‘Vin Santo’ from Tuscany, Vinsanto hails from Santorini in Greece and is made with Assyrtiko that has been aged for a significant amount of time. This 2002 late release was made with Assyrtiko grapes from over 200 year old vines and aged for at least sixteen years. It has insane complexity and is  beautifully balanced. You won’t want to mix this super special one - sip it alone, over ice cream or with a nibble of dark chocolate.

Find here: Epinoia.co.uk

Price: £76.70 Link

Enjoyed this? Make sure to check out more of our wine content here.

10 Must Try Cabernet Sauvignons From Around The World

We love this heavy-duty, thick-skinned grape with its full-bodied, well-structured, punchy character and because of this hardy nature, you can find Cabernet Sauvignon pretty much everywhere.

Today, we’re focusing on the key styles as we embark on a globetrotting adventure through France, Chile, USA, Argentina, and Australia. We’ve got two of the best options from each to present you with, one representing incredible value, and the other giving you the chance to splash out on something special. Let’s dive into the purple pool of Cabernet Sauvignon.

FRANCE

Domaine de la Baume Cabernet Sauvignon Les Thermes 2020

This is a captivating 100% Cabernet Sauvignon ruby red bursting with blackberries and blackcurrants against a woody, coffee bean backdrop. The structure, elegance and cosy character of this wine is exceptional, especially for the price, and it’s also delicious alongside fancy cheese.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99

Les Mougeottes Cabernet Sauvignon

A warming hug of a wine, this Les Mougeottes Cab is moreish well rounded and full-bodied, but does retain a certain lightness. A bright bouquet of oaky vanilla invites on the nose, before the smooth mouthfeel reveals blackberries, plum and dashes of coffee and subtle tobacco. Silky and sophisticated.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £11.75

CHILE

Diablo Black Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep, intense, and full of personality, this Maule Valley Cab is aged in a combination of French and American Oak barrels. The results is pretty remarkable for the price – a delicious inky red layered up with dark wood, tobacco, vanilla and rich fruits that linger. So, so silky too – a must try for a tenner.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10

Ventisquero Grey Glacier Cabernet Sauvignon

This Chilean gem boasts a dark ruby hue with a violet touch, delivering a symphony of flavours from plums to blueberries, and a touch of wet leather for that intriguing edge. The party continues with dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of black pepper on the palate, embraced all the way by robust tannins. Complexity wise, this is a real benchmark and whilst the initial intensity isn’t as strong as some, it just gets better and better.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £17.95

USA

Apothic Red Cabernet Sauvignon

Time for some American Cab now. Picture jammy dark fruits and vanilla essence silkily entwining as the Cabernet and Zinfandel grapes combine. There is subtle smokiness, but this liquid is all about the oaky, vanilla and dark fruits riding on that wonderfully smooth texture.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.50 (usually more!)

Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Meet this Napa Valley superstar, deep, rich, and full of intrigue. Aged in French oak for 16 months, the woody vanilla is tantalising. A flurry of dark cherries, blackberries and a little kick of spice fill the palate, with a supremely balanced profile and lingering peppery finish. Exquisite.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £18.49

ARGENTINA

Vinalba Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Over to Mendoza for a punchy and powerful expression now, with Vinalba Reserve. rafted by the winemaking virtuoso Hervé J Fabre, the nose is a classic blackcurrant symphony with hints of cherry and a spicy plum cameo. Its palate is a red carpet of rich blackcurrant flavours, leading to a smooth, juicy, and delicately spicy finale that leaves you wanting to return for another sip straight away. Fantastic alongside hearty stews or venison. Serious bang for buck with this bottle.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £11

Luigi Bosca de Sangre 2020

There’s a reason we reference Luigi Bosca a lot, and that’s because the portfolio is just superb. This suave Cab really is one of the best out there, brimming with black fruit swagger, comforting peppery warmth, silky tannins, and a powerful, full-bodied punch. The centuries of craftsmanship in this family business are in every drop and it’s so difficult to go wrong with this.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.3%
Find here: £21

AUSTRALIA

McGuigan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

If you’re hunting for value, then this is a must try. Hailing from New South Wales, it’s vibrant and fruit-forward, particularly with ripe blackcurrants. Classic oaky vanilla provides support, as well as juicy cherry and trademark silky tannins. There aren’t any major shocks, this is just gloriously well-rounded and loveable Cabernet Sauvignon from Down Under.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.75

Bird in Hand

Straight from the Adelaide Hills is this interesting Australian Cab, with explorative notes of plum and blackcurrant, but also a violet florality and nuanced flavoursome oak. The elegance and structure are to die for, with generous depth framed by lush, long tannins. The fruits are juicy, but with touches of sourness and acidity that round everything off brilliantly. A true stand out and such a treat.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £15

Prefer a glass of Pinot? You’re in luck because we’ve just been settling on our favourites for 2023 here!

What to eat with Albariño wine: 3 recipes

The Albariño grape’s spiritual home is in the wet, green and blustery region of Rias Baixas within Galicia, northwestern Spain. A mixture of the cool climate, proximity of the vineyards to the sea, lots of granite soils and the grape’s own characteristics give wines that are famously saline and lemon citrusy with notes of peach and a bitter kick on the finish. If you consider that what grows together, goes together then it should be no surprise that fish and seafood is king when asking what goes best with Albariño. 

Albariño can be made in various styles from zesty, youthful and lemony to more creamy, peachy, gastronomic wines. You can now even find sparkling Albariño! Here are some recipes that will pair perfectly with the three key styles of Albariño wine from this article featuring the iconic wine producer, Mar de Frades. Each recipe makes enough for four people. 

Youthful, zesty and saline Albariño

Eat: Wine-steamed mussels & baguette

Drink: Mar de Frades Atlantico Albarino 2022  - £17 from Tesco

If you’ve ever eaten steamed mussels fresh off the boat or even better, while still on the boat, then you’ll know the easiest and freshest way to eat them is with a splash of the white wine, garlic butter and a baguette. 

All you need to do once you have scrubbed the mussels and removed the wafty beard bit, is drain them, set aside and then lightly fry the chopped garlic and shallots in butter in a heavy-based pot until just brown. When they are, add a splash of Albariño and stir for a few seconds before adding the mussels and half a glass of wine. Allow to steam for 4 minutes. Discard any closed ones, pour the juice over the top and serve with a buttered baguette and delicious cool glass of Albariño.

Ingredients:

Mussels x 4 handfuls

Finely chopped garlic x 2 large cloves

Knob of butter

Salt & pepper to season

Parsley to garnish (optional)

Richer, peachy, gastronomic Albariño

Eat: Slow and low, peachy, pulled pork baps

Drink: Mar de Frades Finca Valiñas 2108 - £32 from The Great Wine Co. 

Pulled pork is one of those dishes that makes you think of high end gastro pubs; when they’re done well, and paired with a decent, cool glass of white wine, they are pure heaven! With a richer, creamier style of Albariño such as this single vineyard offering from Mar de Frades that has had more time on its lees to add texture, you can go a little heavier with the dish. Enter slow and low, peachy pulled pork!

To make this dish, first rub the pork shoulder with the blended combination of paprika, cumin, pepper, salt and sugar. Place it in a large casserole dish with the skin-side up before adding in the white wine. Cover and cook in the oven at 150C (130C fan) or Gas mark 2 for 4-5 hours until it looks like it’s falling apart. Check it every 45 mins or so to make sure it;s not drying out. You can always add more wine if needed! Remove when done, then place the pork into a large dish, pouring the cooking juice over the top. Remove the skin and shred the pork with a couple of forks, removing excess fatty bits. Leave to rest for a few minutes to blend up some good, smoky barbecue with the flesh of one ripe peach and a pinch of salt. Stir it through the pork rto coat it before serving on a fresh white bap, perhaps some slaw and extra sauce on the side and of course, a glass of gastro Albariño. 

Ingredients:

2.5kg boneless pork shoulder 

2 tsp smoked paprika

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp pepper

2 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp salt

2 small glasses of Albariño wine

White bread rolls

Traditional Method Sparkling Albariño

Eat: Pan fried scallops in lemony butter

Drink: Mar de Frades, Val do Salnès, Sparkling Albariño Brut NV - £29.50 from Great Western Wine (or £26.55 when you buy 12)

Scallops are a staple in Rias Baixas and there’s nothing so simple and decadent as a freshly seared plate of them served with a cool glass of saline, citrusy Albariño - especially if it’s a sparkling Albariño! For this dish, the salinity and freshness of the bubbles combined with their subtle, brioche note complement the lemony butter and fleshy scallops so beautifully.  

There’s no need to faff around to cook the scallops here; All you need to do is add some butter to a non-stick, thick-bottomed pan, warm it on a medium heat, then add the scallops, turning the heat to high and seasoning each side with a pinch of salt. Leave for three minutes or until golden, flip over and sear the other side for another minute or two, seasoning that side. Remove the scallops with tongs and put to the side on a plate. 

Add a knob of salted butter with a squeeze of lemon juice and a small splash of wine to the pan, stirring to combine the cooked bits. Add the scallops back in and baste them for a few seconds before plating up and serving with wild rice, crusty bread or even skinny fries. Deliciousness!

Ingredients: 

‘Dry’ Scallops, side muscle remove x 16

Knob of salted butter

Salt & Pepper

Chilled glass or two of sparkling Albariño

For your expert, one minute guide to Spain’s flagship white grape, Albariño, click here! For more on the three styles of Mar de Frades Albariño, click here.

The Best Pinot Noir to Try in 2023

Light, silky, elegant with bright red fruits and acidic crunch – Pinot Noir is one of the most loved red wines and we’re no different. It loves cool climate so you can find bottles from all across the globe… as you’ll see below.

Whilst a gorgeous Pinot is graceful, elegant, and flavourful but light, they are temperamental and therefore hit and miss. And when they miss, they really miss. The bottles below, however, are certified hits with delicious Pinot from France, America, Spain and more. Each is wonderful in its own way, so have a read and see which gets your tastebuds tantalising!

Dubard Coeur du Mont Pinot Noir 2021 - France

This is a lively and interesting Pinot Noir that is bursting with cherry jam at the fore and flanked by strawberries and apples. The velvety texture is there which is exactly what you want, as well as a peppery alure, a curious minerality, and a touch of menthol on the finish. There’s a touch more acidity than most Pinot so if you lean that way, this is the one for you.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10.49

Odd Lot Pinot Noir 2018 - USA

Delight in the sustainably produced Odd Lot Pinot Noir 2013 from the USA, a wine that really embraces conscious practices. Powered by wind turbines and bottled with 100% clean energy, it boasts a unique blend of from the Schied Family Estate's Monterrey plantings. The Pacific air imparts freshness, yielding red cherry and subtle oak smoke aromas, balanced acidity, and a lush palate of red cherry, raspberry, mocha, and toasty oak. This pale ruby Californian gem showcases the Pinot’s red fruits masterfully, and at great value too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10.99

Clos Montblanc Únic Pinot Noir 2019 - Spain

Time for some Catalonian Pinot now from Clos Montblac. Behind that vivid ruby red hue is full, jammy strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry, as well as an earthy minerality and subtle leather note anchoring it. Fruit, florality, sweetness and acidity, there is a lot to love about this wine and especially served with dishes like grilled fish, white meats or mushroom.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £12 (usually more!)

Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir 2020 - Argentina

25-year-old Valle du Uco vines produce perfect Pinot grapes brimming with rich and floral character. This is a particularly voluptuous liquid that really fills the mouth with those intense black fruits and spiced notes, as well as a waft of smoke on the aftertaste. As irresistible as it is now, it would also age very nicely too. A wonderful wine,

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £15.99

Eloisa Limited Collection Pinot Noir 2020 - Chile

When you take your first sip of Eloisa, you’ll know what that translates to ‘the chosen one’. Everything about this Loncomilla Valley Pinot is enticing, from the red ruby hue to the spiced black and red fruits, to the toasty French oak. The freshness is excellent, the structure is great, and the finish is persistent and sooth. A charming benchmark Chilean Pinot Noir indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £19.95

Adnams Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 – New Zealand

An IWC Brozne International Award-Winning Pinot Next, it’s Adnams’ Central Otago 2019 boasting classic summer fruits of dried strawberries and raspberries alongside a pleasant mineral edge. It’s fleshy and so full of flavour, but also light and easy drinking. The lingering spice on the tongue is the perfect final note on what really is a stellar example of New Zealand Pinot.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £19.99

Davenport Vineyards Diamond Fields Pinot Noir 2021 - UK

A shout out to some native Pinot to finish, with Davenports’ organic Diamond Fields. Grown on south facing sandy clay soil in Kent, it has a character that stands out from most Pinot Noir. It’s wonderfully soft and smooth, with less acidity than you normally expect, just a slight tartness instead. It opens up really invitingly with those notes of blueberry, cherry and raspberry and a strong tannic backbone which would age nicely, though drinking this year is delicious also.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £21.35

The reputation and quality of English wines increases every day, and leading the charge is our sparklers, so check out the bottles you need to try here!

Great Value Supermarket Rosé to Enjoy This Summer All Under £10

We adore a pink escapade at The Three Drinkers, so we feel very well placed to recommend some of the affordable Rosé bottles on supermarket shelves (if we do say so ourselves!)

For under £10, it’s easy for Rosé picks to go wrong, but not with these. Scroll to find your local supermarket and see which Rosé bottle is providing serious bang for buck…

Chassaux Et- Fils Atlantique Rosé

Sail away to summer paradise with Chassaux Et-Fils Atlantique Rosé – a French coastal delight that's as refreshing as it is wallet-friendly. A sea of redcurrant and rhubarb scents await, with waves of ripe strawberries and a zesty, dry finish. If you like Whispering Angel, then this is a perfect cost cutting replacement.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.49 Aldi

Costières de Nîmes Rosé

Now for something with a little more substance to it from the Rhône Valley. Crafted from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvédre, the personality is more savoury and richer, with darker fruits, savoury touches, herbal hints. If your usual is red wine then this is the Rosé for you.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.49 Lidl

Mirabeau Belle Année

Bringing the joie de vivre yet again is Mirabeau, with Belle Année, a glassful of Provence’s finest. Easy going dryness, crunchy red fruits, and vivid citrus whisk you away to the French sun, and with a distinct lack of sweetness, this is perfect alongside food. Top value.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8 (usually more!) Ocado

The Hidden Sea Rosé

Not just a looker, but a marine superhero, it’s the beautifully bottled Hidden Sea Rosé. With every bottle, you're part of the rescue team, saving 10 plastic bottles from the ocean and so far they’ve saved tens of millions. With the gorgeous fruity ecstasy of strawberries and cream dancing on your senses, and cleansing zest refreshing with each sip, this is a delicious win win.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £7 (usually more!) ASDA

The Best Vinho Verde

The resurgent retro charm of Vinho Verde from Morrison’s The Best range here, with delightful raspberry sherbet vibes. Ripe, rich stone fruits and in particular sweet peach stand out amongst a backdrop of rose petal florality and sweet red berries. There is a mineral acidity that’s crisp and very welcome, getting the balance spot on.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £8.50 Morrisons

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush

A Sauvignon Blanc grape Rosé presents us with something a little different, offering that crisp white feel and cutting citric acidity as well as the luscious peach and strawberry notes. The floral red berry notes that dominate most Rosé are subtle here, with that zesty freshness dominating a wine that feels like it should be more expensive. Try it before it is!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.25 Sainsbury’s

Maison Castel Rosé d’Anjou

Meet Maison Castel Rosé d’Anjou, a picturesque blend of pale pink and coral hues. Its red and citrus fruit explosion on the nose is a prelude to the fresh, aromatic palate, beautifully balanced with strawberry sweetness and refreshing dryness. It’s got summer night sipper written all over it and for under a tenner, you can’t go wrong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 10.5%
Find here: £9 Tesco

If you want something bubblier, how about Prosecco? And if you’ve written it off in your head just reading it, then we insist you revisit it because it’s often misunderstood – see here!

5 Inspirational South African Women Winemakers

Breaking barriers in what, for a long time, was a male-dominated industry, these South African trailblazers are shaking up the wine world with their innovative and exceptional creations.

There is probably nowhere else on earth with so many fantastic women winemakers in one place, each overcoming obstacles, making their mark on the industry and inspiring the next generation. There really are so many that it’s difficult to choose, but here are five standouts moulding a brighter and more inclusive wine future. Cheers to that!

Amandla - Praisy Dlamini

The beautiful vineyards of the Western Cape are home to Amandla, an all-female all black endeavour at every level of production. Heading it up is a shining star of South African wine, Praisy Dlamini who after completing a degree in Agriculture, studying Afrikaans, completing a 3-year internship at the Cape Winemakers Guild and becoming the first woman CWG Protégée, rose up the ranks of Distell and Anchor Yeast. Then came Amandla, which means power, a vibrant producer that you can now find on UK supermarket shelves.

Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel

A juicy and jammy blend without being overbearingly sweet, this is a fantastic creation. Plum, blackberries, and all with underlying spice fill the silky-smooth mouthfeel and on top of that, it’s also food friendly – particularly with BBQ.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.49 (usually more!)

Aslina Wines – Ntsiki Biyela

Ntsiki Biyela's remarkable journey began as South Africa's first black woman winemaker in 2004, taking on a role at Stellekaya Wines. Just five years later, she earned the prestigious title of 2009's Woman Winemaker of the Year – incredible. From humble beginnings, Ntsiki's life took a transformative turn when she received a winemaking scholarship from South African Airways in 1999. Her passion flourished while working with Californian winemaker Helen Kiplinger through the Wine for the World initiative, igniting her ambition to establish her own winery and in 2007, that dream came true when Aslina Wines was born, named after her grandmother, showcasing her talent and fostering transformation and diversity within the South African wine industry.

Aslina Umsasane

A seriously well-structured Bordeaux-style red made to be the centre of attention. Full-bodied dark depths are plush with rich blackberry and plum, and woody spice before a satisfying long finish – the complete package.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £19

Lelie Van Saron - Natasha Williams

Meet Natasha Williams, the talented winemaker behind Lelie Van Saron, her own label nestled within Bosman Family Vineyards as of 2014. From her early days, a perceptive school counsellor saw her winemaking potential, and after completing studies in Oenology at Stellenbosch University, she learnt even more in California and France before venturing out on her own adventure. Natasha's philosophy revolves around a minimal approach, crafting her Chardonnay and Syrah wines with purity, harmony, and balance. Cheers to her delightful and terroir-driven creations!

Lelie van Saron Chardonnay 2020

Vibrant cool climate single vineyard sustainably farmed Chardonnay, with an inviting citrus nose hinting opening up to fresh minerality on the palate, and the perfect touch of toasted oak.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £31

VineVenom - Samantha Suddons

Introducing Samantha Suddons, the fearless winemaker behind the boldly named VineVenom! Her journey in winemaking started at just 21 when she moved to South Africa. After mastering her craft with the Cape Wine Academy and Wine and Spirits Education Trust, Samantha honed her skills at renowned wineries like Mullineux and Reyneke, the latter of which made a lasting impression on her as she became inspired by low-intervention, biodynamic, and organic practices.

Shining Rosé

Carignan which spent 7 months under flor yeast and Touriga Nacional contribute equal parts to this extremely complex Rose, showing instant saline notes swept away by a bouqet of rose petals, red apples, cherries, strawberries and gentle herbs. Such a fresh and vibrant feel with way more going on than just red fruits.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: R180 (Only in South Africa but it’s around £8)

Carmen Stevens Wines- Carmen Stevens

Meet Carmen Stevens, the unstoppable force behind Carmen Stevens Wines – South Africa's first 100% black-owned winery! In the apartheid-era, she roared to be heard, fighting prejudice to pursue her winemaking dream. Medals came thick and fast for her wines, but despite this she wasn’t able to get a bank overdraft to launch her own business. After blazing a trail as head winemaker at Amani Vineyards, Carmen finally fulfilled her dream by starting her own venture in 2011. With sheer passion and determination, she's won countless awards, including being voted Winemaker of the Decade! Her wines are a true reflection of her commitment to quality and detail, with hand-picked grapes and individual attention to each vineyard block. She even does incredible charity work on the side – what an inspiration.

Catoria Shiraz

This is a Shiraz that stands out from traditional styles, showing off Durbanville and Stellenbosch terroir simultaneously. Jammy fruits galore, wafts of smoke and hints of peppery spice make every sip intriguing and all in all, it’s a characterful full on Shiraz that’s easy to love.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £13.99

Of course, it’s not just South Africa producing the inspirational women of wine, so have a read through others from across the world here.

What is the Best Thing to Drink on Aeroplanes?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment a holiday starts, but sipping on an in-flight drink whilst cruising above the clouds is a guaranteed way of getting into the mindset. But have you ever noticed any differences in how your favourite drinks taste at 35,000 feet?

Well, you’re not imagining it. The altitude lessens the ability of our senses to detect complexities in flavour, and the pressurised, dry air subdues taste buds, dries out the nose and de-intensifies aroma. It is easy to forget just how much our taste relies on our small, and in the cabin, you may well notice that your favourite aromatic wine on terra firma is unusually shy in the cabin. Did you know that even the loud engines compromise taste, for example!? So, bearing that in mind, how do we drinkers adapt to these conditions and avoid disappointment when the drinks cart comes around?

The key is to opt for bolder, fuller, and more intense flavours, whilst avoiding subtle, more nuances and fragrant drinks. Particularly when it comes to premium aged liquids like older whiskies and wines, the full sensory experience involved in enjoying these is best left till your feet are back on the ground!

When deciding in-flight white wine, you’ll get more out of powerful whites like Chardonnay, Rhone blends, and Viognier-based bottles. For reds, look out for punchy Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah.

Tomato juice is sold in surprisingly huge quantities by airlines, nearly as much as beer in the case of Lufthansa. Research shows that this umami flavour profile may not only avoid the compromise of other tastes, but actually may be enhanced! So, if a Bloody Mary is an option or perhaps savoury gins, then these may taste even better than usual.

One semi-myth of in-flight boozing is that you get drunk quicker. Some say that the pressure change thins the blood, strengthening the effects of any alcohol consumed. What’s more likely however is that the lack of oxygen, dehydration, fairly empty stomach (airports are expensive and plane food’s reputation isn’t the best), limited movement and vacation excitement contributes towards an intoxicated feeling – so there’s some truth to it we suppose. One thing to note; carbonated booze is very popular on flights, and these are absorbed by the body at a faster rate, so if you want to avoid any tipsiness until you reach your destination, maybe steer clear of these.

One Minute Wine Ace: Albariño

The 1st August is Albariño Day! If you haven’t tried Albariño before, listen up as this is going to be your new, go-to, all rounder, white wine. Trust me…

What is Albariño wine and where is it from?

Albariño is a white wine grape whose spiritual home is the naturally beautiful region of Rías Baixas in Galicia, northwestern Spain; a place characterised by its wet and wild,coastal climate given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and a lot of granite in the soils. 90% of wine grapes planted here are Albariño; it is the white, fine wine region of Spain.

If you think of stormy seas, ripening lemons, wet rocks and sea spray, you’ll have an instant feel for these wines. 

Albariño vineyards in Rias Baixas with their characteristic vine training system and granite poles to keep air circulating.

What does Albariño wine taste like?

Albariño has thick skin and ripens slowly. This contributes to its famously vibrant acidity and elegantly intense aromatics of citrus and peach. It also has a deliciously cool minerality, which makes it a wonderful pairing for fish and seafood. 

Styles of Albariño 

Winemakers in Rías Baixas have been experimenting with Albariño in recent years in order to offer varying styles of wine. Traditionally, the wine has been fermented in stainless steel and is made to be drunk young to preserve its super fresh character. We are however, seeing more and more wines that have seen some oak ageing and /or time spent on the lees (dead yeast cells from fermentation), which give the wines a creamier texture and more complexity of flavour. Wines made like this are more gastronomic, meaning they can handle richer flavours and textures when it comes to food pairing. 

A classic fish dish made to go with Albariño

There are also some subtle differences in the wines from each of the five sub regions of Rías Baixas:

Val do Salnés: This is the largest sub-region, famous for its sandy soils and traditional vineyards and style of Albariño. 

O Rosal: This subregion is near the Portuguese border where soils are more granitic. Other white grapes such as Loureiro and Treixadura are also grown here, so it’s a good place to try blends. 

Condado do Tea: Located inland along the Tea River, Albariño here is a little more floral, thanks largely to the alluvial soils.

Ribeira do Ulla: Towards the north and along the Ulla River, this small subregion has a mix of granite, schist and alluvial soils and a slightly milder microclimate thanks to the river. Wines here are floral and vibrant with a particular tropical note.

Soutomaior: The smallest sub-region near the town of Soutomaior with granite soils and vines on steeper, terraced slopes, which help bring more minerality and salinity to the wines as well as a pronounced white blossom note.  

More Albariño vineyards with granite buildings and supports.

Where to taste Albariño in the UK?

Head over to www.albarinoday.co.uk to find stockists as well as venues for tasting Albariño wine. Here are some of my favourites:

PLANET OF THE GRAPES

Leadenhall, Bull's Head Passage, London.

Planetofthegrapes.co.uk

THE TAPAS ROOM TOOTING

Broadway Market Tooting, Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RJ.

thetapasroom.co.uk

EVUNA NORTHERN QUARTER

Evuna NQ, Thomas Street, Manchester.

evuna.com/restaurant/manchester-northern-quarter

THE ELM TREE INN

Shop Lane, Langton Herring, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4HU.

theelmtreeinn.co.uk

Six Albariño wines to try:

Condes de Albarei 2022, Val do Salnés

Made by Adega Condes de Albarei, this is a super fresh, zesty white with delicate flavours of apricot and white peach.

£14.99 from The Wine Flyer

@condes_de_albarei

Torre la Moreira 2022, Condado do Tea

Made by Bodegas Marques de Vizhoja, this is a cracking, youthful Albariño with a soft texture and a pretty, floral character. 

£13.40 from Vinissimus

@bodegasmarquesdevizhoja

Albariño Martin Codax 2022, Val do Salnés

Made by Bodegas Martin Codax, this is a brilliant introduction to Salnés Albariño with its lemon citrus acidity and salty kick. 

£14.58 from The Great Wine Co

@bodmartincodax @martincodax_uk

Santiago Ruiz 2022, O Rosal

Made by Bodega Santiago Ruiz who are considered to be the fathers of Albariño, being the first to sell these wines from Galicia. This particular bottle is a blend of Albariño with Loureiro, Treixadura, Godello and Caíño Blanco.

£22.25 from DrinkFinder

@bodegasantiagoruiz

Turonia 2021, O Rosal

Made by Quinta Couselo with a touch of oak and 4 months on lees, this is a zesty, concentrated, lemony white with refreshing acidity. 

£21 from Bottle Apostle

@quinta_couselo

Silandeiro Sobre Lías 2022, Val do Salnés

Made by Bodegas Gallegas, this lees aged Albariño has a gorgeous, lemon peel, white peach and honeysuckle nose and a deliciously silky mouthfeel.

£23.95 from Mothervine

For more in depth information on the delicious wines of Rias Baixas, visit www.riasbaixaswines.com