DRINKING IN THE SPRING

The world of wine provides for every season - from warming winter reds to sunny summer sparkles - and in between, spring is perfect to ease out of the cold and renew. We asked Les Hall from The Wright Wine Company in Skipton to recommend a white, red, rosé and fizz fit for the season.

Georgia is frequently described as the cradle of wine. And rightly so, the vine has been cultivated here for over 8000 years and in this small but beautiful country, wine is produced almost everywhere except for the extreme highlands. Whilst famed for juicy reds and the now uber trendy amber (or orange) style of white wine I’ve decided to go for something a little different… The Teleda winery is located in the east of the country and sources grapes from vines of at least 50 years of age. Modern techniques are merged with those stretching back thousands of years. And so, my recommended white is this elegant, crisp and dry wine which is a blend of three native grapes ; Kisi, Mtsvane and Rkatisteli. You’ll find flavours of citrus, peach and pear, balanced with a hint of minerality. Enjoy entirely on its own or with grilled fish or chicken.

Red Winery On, Yecla, Murcia, Spain.

To many people Spanish red wine is Rioja, and that’s it. Isn’t it? Well, no. And here’s an example… Every so often a wine appears in the shop (seemingly from nowhere) with a serious ‘wow’ factor leading almost immediately to a strong following from both customers and staff alike. This is such a wine and is, without hesitation, my recommended red. Whilst the label is undeniably striking (it really does glow in the dark) the liquid is the real star of the show. The grape here is Monastrell (popular in this part of Spain) blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. So, you’re probably thinking this will be a pretty robust customer. Well, yes. But this wine is surprisingly soft and smooth too with elements of caramel, ripe red fruit and toasted spice. A seriously food friendly wine. Try it with anything from charcuterie and tapas style dishes right through to casseroles and your traditional Sunday roast.

Rosé

Yes, I know. It’s another Provençal pink. And I make no apologies at all for this recommendation because, for me, this is a most beautiful example indeed. I’m very much in the ‘drink rosé all year round’ camp, but I know that for many, this is a style relied upon under bluer skies during warmer weather. So, as Spring shifts up a few gears why not give this wine a try.

Located in the green rolling hills of inland Provence, near the town of Brignoles, surrounded by wonderful scenery and wildlife, there are 100 hectares of organic vines here giving rise to some seriously good red, white and rose wine. Les Deux Anges is a Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah blend, all strawberry and citrus fruit aromas and super smooth on the palate with notes of mango and pomelo. Blimey, just typing this is making me want a glass! Totally delicious on its own, but equally at home on the table with typical Provencal dishes, fish, grilled meats and the like.

Fizz Ferghettina, Brescia, Italy. Franciacorta Brut

Picking a sparkling wine to recommend has proved difficult. On one hand I was thinking of something super traditional, whereas on the other I was flirting with something funky. In the end I think I’ve pitched it in the middle… From the north of Italy, south of Lake Iseo, comes this most wonderful sparkling wine, a ‘Champagne style’ blend (Chardonnay and Pinot Nero), which might still not be on everyone’s radar. Here we’ve got an instantly approachable wine, gentle enough, and with clear citrus and apple flavours. Soft and delicious. Enjoy on it’s own or with lighter mains such as shellfish or cold meats.