Honey Spencer’s Affordable Wine Picks For Summer
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WHITE
‘Force Celeste’ Semillon, Mother Rock, Swartland, £15.80
Country: South Africa
I love this wine – it’s absolutely electric. Prepare your tastebuds for a real departure from the norm, with dry, salty flavours and layers of lemon sherbet-esque acidity. A white for those who enjoy being kept on their toes, it goes perfectly with oysters and lemon, scallops, and green salads.
Available here
Txakolina, Agerre, Basque Country, £19.35
Country: Spain
There’s holiday wine, and then there’s txakoli – the wine of Spain’s famed Basque Country. It’s hard to drink these wines and not be transported to a beach in San Sebastian with the waves lapping at your feet. It’s dry as a bone, with notes of perfectly ripe, flat white peaches and a pinch of Maldon sea salt. It’s a perfect apéro wine, so pair it with salted almonds, olives, boquerones or even a little slice of silky jamon.
Available here
Arcese, Vittorio Bera Figli, £19.50
Country: Italy
This is another bottle that will take you entirely by surprise. With flavours of red apple, Brazil nuts and popping candy, it starts with a fizz, giving way to a real heady white. Ideal for a dinner party, pair it with mushrooms, risottos and cacio e pepe.
Available here
Artefact Blanco, Finca de Don Quijote, £14
Country: Spain
Artefact Blanco is the house white at my restaurant Sune, and I swear to god it is just so good, both for value and pure deliciousness. You’ll find flavours and notes of green apple and sun-warmed citrus, with a real freshness and texture. Another great apéro wine, it works well with classic park fare and tomato-based summer dishes.
Available here
ROSÉ
Grundstein Rosé, Nibiru, Kamptal, £20
Country: Austria
Bad, flavourless rosé has overstayed its time in the sun. I love this bottle because it captures all the joy of rosé while offering something entirely new. It has notes of red fruit crumble and gentle baking spices, with soft minerals on the finish. Perfect with fresh strawberries in the sunshine.
Available here
Marsannay Rosé, Bruno Clair, Burgundy, £19.50 (was £24.50)
Country: France
Finding Burgundy under £20 is nothing short of a miracle these days. This is a serious rosé that commands attention. It’s elegant and structural, with lingering notes of summer fruits and well-thumbed novellas. Pair it with fish such as trout, or even a savoury terrine.
Available here
Entras Rosé, Domaine Entras, Languedoc, £19
Country: France
This is a full-throttled pink rosé that sparks joy with every sip. With notes of citrus peel and tart wild strawberries, it’s incredible drinkable and stands up to bolder flavours, like salmon or textured salads with savoury notes.
Available here
Triennes Rosé, Domaine de Triennes, Provence, £13.95
Country: France
If you’re going to do Provençal rosé, spend a few quid extra and do it right. Triennes is full of delicate flavours, with a rounded finish and zero bitterness. Subtle and elegant, it has notes of macerated strawberries with a dollop of cream. I like it with a big bowl of briny black olives.
Available here
SPARKLING
Vouvray Brut ‘La Rocherie’ Sebastien Brunet, Loire Valley, £19.20
Country: France
You can get pretty close to the full champagne experience here for a fraction of the price. This sparkler has stone fruit and summer citrus flavours, with a unique hint of early morning French boulangerie. Pair it with salted nuts, a slice of comte or crumble of parmesan.
Available here
Pet Nat ‘Oniric’, Entre Vinyes, Catalunya, £16.65
Country: Spain
This is the ultimate pet nat at a price you can bear. It’s ultra dry and invigorating, with hints of white flower and honey blossom thanks to a small portion of muscat in the blend. Enjoy a glass or two with Nocellara olives, crinkle-cut salted crisps and a lick of sobrasada on salty crostini.
Available here
VdF Negrette, Château Le Roc Ambulle, Languedoc, £17.40
Country: France
Heralded by my wine friends as ‘grown-up Ribena’, this tastes like freshly made summer jam with a dusting of garrigue herbs. I love this wine because it always finds me when I need it most. One for your friends who don’t just like dry wines, and perfect with fruity desserts, ice-cream and sorbets.
Available here
Folias de Baco (Uivo) – Aqua Nat 2021, £14.50
Country: Portugal
A deeply refreshing, low-alcohol pour for those who are planning a full day in the sun, Folias de Baco has notes of crunchy cranberries. There’s also a mineral water-like quality which makes it very fresh. The ultimate sparkler to enjoy with a pizza.
Available here
Natural Wine, No Drama: An Unpretentious Guide by Honey Spencer (Pavilion Books, £25) is available to buy now. Visit Amazon.co.uk
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