Wine O’Clock Wines
The Mistress of Wine Recommends:
Alpha Estate Chardonnay 2018 Greece
£14.99 @ Aldi
When people know I am in the wine trade, I often get asked what my favourite wine is. My desert island wine is vintage Champagne, but when it comes to the white grape I drink the most; it is most definitely Chardonnay. I love it! Whilst the grape is actually quite neutral, I think lightly oaked examples are just delicious and this is a great value wine at just £14.99, with lots of spicy French oak on the nose and palate, balancing acidity, elegance and charm. A barrel fermented bargain, the packaging is also first class so a great dinner party gift too!
Wiston Estate Rosé Brut NV England
£28.00 @ Waitrose Cellar
This is one of my favourite English pink fizzes and is a blend of the classic 'Champagne trio' of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, made by the talented Dermot Sugrue. The acidity is fresh but not too tight and the red berry fruit is flavourful and crunchy with English strawberries, raspberry and redcurrant. It has become a bit of a staple when the girls come round, and it's one of those bottles that when people have it for the first time they immediately want to know what it is and where they can buy it!