Wine culturist and expert Amelia Singer has tasted over 40 wines with friends to find the best value spring wine show stoppers.
Amelia, who is an international award-winning wine communicator and educator, has worked in the wine industry for the past 15 years and is a wine guru on Jamie Oliver’s Drink Tube Channel.
The wine expert has shared her verdict on the best spring white wines, red wines and rosés for under £12 and why they are perfect for spring.
Rosé
Amelia said springtime rosé should be “elegant, yet have enough personality to stand up to spring and remind one of the approaching summer”.
Chosen by Majestic Rosé – £9.99
Amelia said: “This is a savvy Provence alternative. It brims with red berry fruit but is tempered with bright acidity and verve minerality.
“Grown in the Pyrenees, the grapes are able to fully ripen in the sunshine but are kept fresh by the cooler nights. This wine is Provence with personality.”
USP: Perfect for seeing in the sprinkles of sunshine and vinously transports you to warmer climes.
Aldi’s Specially Selected Pinot Nero Rosato – £8.99
Amelia said: “The purity and intensity of wild strawberries, raspberries and red plum entice with the perfume and then on the palate with this Northern Italian beauty.
“It is succulent in fruit but is underlined with fantastic acidity and a slight hint of white tea. Poised yet persistent, this wine is a real spring find.”
USP: A sophisticated wine in such a beautiful bottle means this is the perfect option for long Springtime dinner parties.
White wine
According to the wine expert, springtime whites should be “young, fresh and put a spring in your step”.
Morrisons The Best Austrian Gruner Veltliner – £9.50
Amelia said: “Austria’s most important white grape comes in a variety of guises, but the most popular are crisp, bright and have a dash of white pepper.
“This is a superb example of that adored style, there is plenty of golden apple fruit, peppery spice and a slight apple pip bite which is extremely refreshing. A chiselled classic.”
USP: This is a first day of spring wine with its vital freshness and ability to pair perfectly with tricky spring vegetables such as asparagus and artichokes.
Tesco’s Finest Falanghina – £8.50
Amelia said: “This complex wine is an ancient native grape from the iconic producer, Feudi, in sunlit Campania. The sun-ripened apricot and peach fruit are enhanced with orange peel freshness and acacia honeyed nuance.
“Italian whites should be a springtime staple but this one is fantastic with seasonal raw ingredients as well as being resplendent on its own.”
USP: A springtime show-off aperitif – pair with fritto misto or seafood pasta for instant smiles!
Red wine
Spring Reds are “transitional wines which can either be chilled or need to perform as a hearty BBQ companion”, according to the expert.
Co-op Viento de Invierno Mencia – £9.50
Amelia said: “For fans of aromatic reds, such as Gamay or Pinot Noir, then THIS is the wine for you. This fresh red from the hillsides of Bierzo, in Northern Spain exudes gorgeous flowery aromas, black liquorice, pomegranate and inky plum compote.
“Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes to enhance its perfume and refreshing acidity. On the palate, these fruit flavours and spicy nuances are complemented by a slight pepperiness giving it extra gravitas and extra compatibility with food.”
USP: This under-appreciated grape is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Pretty and perfumed on its own but also fantastic with charcuterie, lentil salads and pate at park picnics or outdoor cinemas.
Waitrose Stellenrust Stellenbosch Manor Cinsault – £10.99
Amelia said: “This grape is usually blended into Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Provence Rosé, but has come into its own in South Africa.
“Cinsault delivers fresh, vibrant reds and this one is full of dark plum, redcurrants, wild herbs and a slightly smoky character due to oak ageing. This Cinsault is made from the large family-owned Stellenrust estate in Stellenbosch.”
USP: Hold your umbrella high over the barbie – this wine will get you in the barbecue mood and would be perfect with burgers, stuffed peppers, charred hot dogs, lamb souvlaki and simple chorizo starters!
If English sparkling wine is more your thing, then you could try some of these recommendations from English wine expert Henry Jeffreys.
