Discerning drinker: Jubilee sparklers
Many of us — even republicans — will use the Jubilee bank holiday weekend as an excuse for a good knees-up. I’ve already written (see bit.ly/KrJFgJ) about some of the reasons to celebrate with English sparkling wine.
Our sparklers are a mixed bag but quality is improving fast; the best place to explore them is at Julia Stafford’s diminutive but fascinating Wine Pantry (13 Stoney St, Borough Market, SE1, winepantry.co.uk) which always has several English bubblies open for tasting.
Then again, few English wines are cheap and your street party will probably require more affordable volume quaffing. The following wines cover both drinking strategies.
Ridgeview Merret “Marksman” Blanc de Blancs Brut 2009, Sussex (M+S, £24 reduced to £19 until June 5)
Ridgeview’s are among the best English sparklers. I’m impressed by this Blanc de Blancs, left: for an all-chardonnay wine grown in our unforgiving climate, it has some finesse, crisp and lean with attractive floral notes.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée 2007, Sussex (Waitrose, £29.99; or £22.49 until June 6 when you buy any six bottles of wine — 25 per cent off )
Nyetimber is in most critics’ view — mine included — the most serious English sparkler, right: this is fresh and clean but well balanced, with some depth.
Tesco Anjou Blanc 2011, Anjou (£4.99)
About as good a white as you’ll find under a fiver: crisp, bright, juicy chenin blanc fruit from the Loire.
Gran Tesoro Garnacha Rosé 2011, Campo de Borja (Tesco £3.49)
This Spanish rosé is a little basic although a lot better than most wines in this price bracket: fresh red berry fruit, fully dry and with a little more weight than some.
Waitrose Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages 2010 (£7.29 or £5.47 until June 6 when you buy any six bottles)
Textbook Côtes du Rhône from a fine vintage, by leading southern Rhône négociant Gabriel Meffre. Brims with sweet, peppery fruit — majority grenache plus syrah and touch of mourvèdre.
