As Varied As The Season

BUBBLES FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Nothing quite beats the clink of glasses with friends, and so as we stop to notice things we love about the UK at this time of year, what better choice than a stunning English sparkling wine?

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV is beautifully crafted by award-winning winemaker Cherie Spriggs. Blended over several vintages for that perfect balance of elegance and intensity, this classic English sparkling wine from Nyetimber’s vineyards in West Sussex and Hampshire richly deserves all the accolades it receives.

It pairs perfectly with a range of canapés like salmon and cream cheese before a Sunday roast, or with scallops and sushi as lighter options. Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV is available in Waitrose at £38.00, and Fortnum & Mason.

WARMING WHISKY

Autumn wouldn’t be complete without warming the cockles with a great Scottish whisky and Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Whisky makes for the perfect dram.

Family owned and managed by 5 generations since 1865, Glenfarclas uses time-honoured traditions to create the finest quality Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the traditional Speyside way. Bottled at 60% ABV, Glenfarclas 105 offers a complex combination of spicy, rich and sweet notes. Add a small drop of water to open up the fabulous flavours of this whisky, which is perfect for kicking back with friends or simply to savour at home.

The Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Whisky is available from The Whisky Exchange, Amathus, Hay Wines and The Whisky Stock at a RRP of £53.75-£55.95.

WONDERFUL REDS

Autumn really is red’s time to shine, and there’s a spread of delicious varieties from across the world to suit every palate, budget and occasion.

Have you heard of Chilean País? First brought to Chile in the 16th century, this grape is growing in popularity for producing high-quality lighter and fresher fruit styles of red wine. I really enjoy Morandé Reserva One To One Old Vines Pais 2019, a lovely light-to-medium bodied red that’s well-balanced and offers smokey and spicy notes, together with fruity blackcurrant and redcurrant flavours. It’s delicious with cured meats and hard cheeses, tomato-sauce based pastas and grilled lamb or sausages.  Morandé Reserva One To One Old Vines Pais 2019, Maule Valley, Chile is available in Majestic at £8.99 (or £7.99 as a mixed case of 6 bottles).

If you’re looking for a fuller-bodied red, consider Porta 6 Vinho Regional from Lisboa in Portugal. Portugal produces so many good wines of all styles, and this blend of Tinto Roriz, Castelão and Touriga Nacional offers an attractive brambly character and dark fruit flavours of blackcurrants and plums. An excellent red that’s versatile with a wide variety of winter dishes, it’s available in Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Asda at £7.50 - £8.50.