1. Hidalgo ‘La Gitana’ Manzanilla
Region: Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain; Grape: 100% Palomino Fino; ABV: 15%
The Palomino grapes for this wine are harvested in the Bodega’s own vineyard in the areas of Balbaina y Miraflores, two of the most respected zones around Sanlúcar. A lively, crisp, young Manzanilla with yellow apple aromas, lemon and floral notes (dried flowers, chamomile). A touch of sea breeze and iodine. On the palate it starts light and dry, with lots of apple flavours. Becomes saltier than the nose suggested, with subtle hints of liquorice and salted almonds. Very light herbal notes as well. Waitrose £14.99
2. Ramos Pinto Adriano White Reserva Port
Region: Douro, Portugal; Grapes: Codega, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Viozinho; ABV: 19.5%
Made from the Douro Demarcated Region’s finest white grape varieties, the grapes are hand-picked, and the vinification technique is traditional, the skins being slightly macerated. A most careful selection of wines is used for the blend and on average have been aged in the cellars in oak barrels for seven years. Pale gold with an intense and complex aroma of ripe golden fruit, blending tropical aromas with crystallized orange, plus hints of spices. On the palate is full bodied with a mature luscious tone and finishes with a balanced freshness and a long-lasting finish. (served with or without tonic) Quaff £24.99
3. Chapel Down English Sparkling Rosé NV
Region: Kent, England; Grape: Pinot Noir, Rivaner, Reichensteiner; ABV: 12%
This elegant sparkling wine from the excellent Chapel Down winery is made using the Traditional Method, from a blend of grapes that thrive in the cool climes of Kent. Slight hints of rose petals and a soft strawberry character, this crisp, medium bodied sparkling wine also has a citrus streak and fine, persistent bubbles. Smoked salmon is a fantastic match to this wine, along with crab salad. It was recently selected by Decanter magazine as one of the fifty best wines in the World.
Majestic £27.99 mix six, or £37.99 for single bottle
4. Domaine de Villemajou Rosé, Corbières 2023
Region: Corbières, Languedoc, France; Grape: Cinsault, Grenache, Grenache Gris; ABV:13%
A creamy and floral rosé with aromas and flavours of red fruits and herby notes and a rich texture from a period of barrel ageing. Its fuller body will pair with more robust foods than the rosés of Provence, so try this with spicy dishes or fruity cheeses.
Majestic £16.99 Mix six or £19.99 for single bottle
5. La Morandina Moscato d’Asti 2022
Region: Piedmont, Italy; Grape: 100% White Muscat; ABV: 5.5%
Through a deliberately unhurried and natural fermentation process, the wine’s effervescence unfolds in an alluring and persistent way. The resulting wine embodies a remarkable freshness, presenting a vivid array of floral aromas underscored by peach and citrus with a balanced sweetness.
For an ideal culinary pairing, consider drinking this wine with hazelnut biscuits or indulging in the classic Torta di Langa. During the summer months, its charm is beautifully accentuated when enjoyed alongside a fruit salad composed of ripe peaches and succulent strawberries.
Butler’s £15.49
6. Pieropan Soave Classico 2022
Region: Veneto, Italy; Grapes: 100% Garganega; ABV: 12%
Made from organically grown grapes, this wine is brilliant straw yellow in colour, with greenish hints. On the nose it has aromas of white flowers, almond blossoms, marzipan and a touch of citrus. The palate is rounded and has flavours of ripe fruit perfectly balanced by a fresh, clean acidity. Long and fragrant, it has a note of fine, almond pastry on the finish. Quaff £19.99
7. Pieropan ‘Ruberpan’ Valpolicella Superiore 2020
Region: Veneto, Italy; Grapes: 60% Corvina,20% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, 5% Croatina plus some percentages of local varieties; ABV: 14%
The wine takes its name from the Latin adjective “ruber”, which translates to “red”, and it describes its intense ruby colour. The wine ages in wood for about 48 months and it develops a mostly fruity aromatic profile, with hints of red rose, cinnamon and cocoa. On the palate it is round with velvety tannins, it has a long persistence and a surprising freshness. Quaff £29.99
8. Cave Wojtkowiak, Bugey-Cerdon Méthode Ancestrale Demi-Sec Rosé
Region: Savoie, France; Grapes: 80 % Gamay, 20 % Poulsard; ABV: 8%
An Alpine speciality, Cerdon is a pink, lightly sparkling wine made from a majority of Gamay grapes planted on steep hillside slopes. Very soft bubbles with a natural sweetness and an irresistible flavour of crushed strawberry and raspberry. Serve chilled with strawberries and cream! The Wine Society £12.34
To accompany the wines we had salted almonds, fresh strawberries, four different cheeses, biscuits, two quiches, fingerellas and lemon tart.
The group voted the Adriano White Port as their favourite of the evening