Wondering what wine to enjoy this spring? We have a few delicious suggestions

Spring is in the air and I love nothing more than being able to get outdoors and make the most of warmer days and lighter evenings. I really enjoy an alfresco lunch or a glass of wine as the day draws to a close. There is just something extra special about enjoying a lovely wine in the fresh air!

With that in mind, I thought it might be helpful to talk through this month’s Seasonal Offer in a little more detail. I often get asked what my go-to wines are for certain foods or occasions, and I do have a few I return to, but the real pleasure for me is discovering and trying something new, which is what I hope to offer you with my selection of wines that make up our new Seasonal Offers.

Seasonal Offer White Wine

Our wonderful springtime white wine in this month’s offer is the delicious Esk Valley Pinot Gris. This is an incredibly versatile wine, perfect with food and for an evening glass on its own. Although the same grape variety as Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris has quite a different style. This is a dry style of Pinot Gris with peach, pear, citrus and honey aromas and flavours. A small portion of barrel fermentation has added richness and complexity, resulting in a delicious and very moreish wine. Full-bodied, yet refreshing and elegant, Esk Valley Pinot Gris comes from the vineyards of sunny Hawkes Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. A single vineyard wine from the Keltern Vineyard situated on a stony river terrace, where warm daytime temperatures and cool nights create the ideal conditions to grow premium Pinot Gris.

Food and white wine pairing

When it comes to matching wine to your meal of choice, this Pinot Gris has lots going for it and is packed with flavour. It makes a perfect partner to grilled and roasted white meats, fish and shellfish, salads and mild creamy cheeses, as well as Asian and spicy foods. It’s perfect for a picnic. All you need now is a glorious sunny day!

Seasonal Offer Red Wine

Our Seasonal Offer red wine is the fabulous M. Chapoutier Bila-Haut Rouge, Côtes-du-Roussillon Villages, France 2020. From the famous M Chapoutier stable - the biodynamic pioneers of the Rhône Valley, dating back to 1808. The sun-soaked vineyards in the south of France are ideal for producing this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignon, offering fresh red and black berries with a hint of spice. Another versatile wine, it is a lovely to drink at room temperature, but can also be slightly chilled for sunny barbecues, picnics or an alfresco lunch in the garden. During the winemaking process, the grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed.

The maceration lasts from two to four weeks based on daily tastings. And in keeping with the innovative, inclusive approach of this winemaker, all M. Chapoutier wine labels are in Braille. Food and red wine pairing Enjoy this wine with grilled or roasted red meat, casseroles, pizza and pasta, or mature strong cheese. It’s a real winner with Mediterranean dishes and beef.

An extra special wine to try

Caliterra Pétreo Carmenère, Colchagua Valley 2020, Chile. Our premium selection for this Seasonal Offer, Caliterra Pétreo Carmenère, is from Chile’s Colchagua Valley. This rather special Carmenere is surprisingly intense with an aromatic palate, quite different from the one usually associated with this variety, which is a result of its unique terroir. Colchagua is known as Chile’s Valley of Light, which is where Caliterra has two vineyards on a premium hillside spot. ‘Pétreo’ refers to the special clay and sedimentary soils found here, where only Carmenère and Malbec grapes are planted. With its beautifully integrated tannins and soft berry fruit, Carmenère has gained something of a cult following. With fruity aromas of sour cherries and blueberries, it is juicy and bracing, with a medium yet deep structure. An elegant wine with lots of personality. A new dimension to Chilean Carmenère. Food and wine pairing Grilled or roasted red meat works well with this wine, as does spicy food, pizza and pasta, casseroles and mature strong cheese. It is also a great choice for salads and picnics. Buy our Seasonal Premium Red Case HERE I do hope these wines sound of interest. My aim is to introduce wines that I feel work particularly well with the seasons, and that you may not have come across before. Happy tasting! Diana