- Mártisor Pinot Grigio
2017, Romania (£7.49,
Waitrose)Bright, sunny
white that’s fruitier than
most Italian PGs (think
lemon and pineapple).
A lip-smacking aperitif
for a fine spring evening. - Gaston de Veau Syrah
2016, Languedoc, France
(£8.50,Marks&Spencer)
Smooth, rounded and
super-ripe,withoodlesof
blackberries and a black
pepper twist. One for
spicy red meats.- Taste the Difference
River Block Sauvignon
Blanc 2017, Marlborough,
New Zealand (£9,
Sainsbury’s)Dazzling,
delectable NZ sauvignon
blanc, finely balanced
with tongue-tingling
notes of passion fruit,
gooseberry and lime.
Fab with asparagus and
hollandaise sauce.
T
he boom in premium
gin shows no sign
of waning. Big right
now are those that major
on floral botanicals or spicy
infusionsandthere’sanew
trend for cask-aged gins; pricey
bottles, but at their best
complex and subtle. Perfect for
adding a new dimension to our
favourite white spirit enjoyed
with tonic – and in cocktails.
The Old Curiosity Chamomile
& Cornflower Secret Garden
Gin (£42/50cl, Harvey Nichols)
is the best of the new floral
gins, with light notes of grass
and sweet hay meadows.
Martin Miller’s 9 Moons
Barrel Rested Gin (£45.75/35cl,
Wine Rack, Whisky Exchange,
Master of Malt)is a pale gold
cask-aged gin with a well
judged and balanced hint
of oaky spice.
For something sweeter, try
Gin Bothy Gunshot Infused Gin
(£38/70cl ginbothy.co.uk;
£39.99 Master of Malt),arich
ginliqueurinfusedwith
cinnamon and clove. Sip it neat.- Majestic Loves Grüner
Veltliner 2016, Hungary
(£6.99, or £5.99 as part
ofamixedsix,Majestic)
Refreshing, citrussy
Hungarian take on this
famous grape. Good with
scallops,plaiceorsole. - TheBeesKnees
Sparkling Rosé, Germany
(£3.49, Morrisons; £3.99
Ocado, Booths, Adnams)
This new alcohol-free
sparkler is made with
grape juice and green tea.
It’s surprisingly good; not
toosweet,withredberry
flavour and lively froth.- Extra Special Marques
del Norte Rioja Reserva
2013, Spain (£6.98 or 3
for2until11April,Asda)
Akeenlypricedriojawith
a whack of vanilla-tinged
oak, plus strawberry and
cherry. Great with lamb. - Bouchard Père & Fils
La Vignée Chardonnay
2014, Burgundy, France
(£13.99, independents
including Penistone Wine
Cellars and Sandhams
Wine Merchants)Modern
fresh white Burgundy par
excellence. It’s all apples
and clementines – perfect
with salmon steaks. - Iona One Man Band
2 013,Elgin,SouthAfrica
(£16, Marks & Spencer)
Broad-shouldered blend
with syrah and cabernet
sauvignon. Chunky cassis
and ripe redcurrant. Ideal
with lamb tagine.- Moët & Chandon Rosé
Impérial Champagne,
Brut NV, France (from
£32, Tesco, Sainsbury’s
and others)Fine rosé fizz
with raspberry and cherry
notes and a dry finish.
GRABABARGAIN
Trend-setting gins
WHAT’S HOT
SPLASH OUT
FRIDAY SPECIAL
Susy Atkins rounds up best buys and premium gins
CHEERS!
PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
Efficient yet inexpensive
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Putdownthatknife!
John Lewis Wine Bottle
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deliciousmagazine.co.uk 77drinks.