03 May 2025
This bank holiday weekend there’s no better time to indulge in the delightful world of wines. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering with friends, a romantic dinner, or simply looking to unwind, the right bottle of wine can elevate any occasion.
In this special edition of our wine column, we’ll be exploring a curated selection of wines that promise to add a touch of elegance and joy to your bank holiday celebrations.
From crisp, refreshing rosé perfect for a sunny afternoon, to robust reds that pair beautifully with hearty meals, our featured wines cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. We’ll also be highlighting an exquisite sparkling wine that is sure to impress your guests and make your festivities truly memorable.
Françios Martenot Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé (£18 or Buy 3 Save 25% at OCADO)
With a pale pink colour and fine bubbles, this Crémant de Bourgogne offers subtle flavours of redcurrant and raspberry.
Fruity and lengthy aromas give a dry and balanced finish. Wonderfully enjoyed throughout any special occasion, even if that special occasion happens to be an extra day off work.
Violette de Mireval 2024 Comté Tolosan VdP (£8.99 from Laithwaites)
If you’re a fan of rosés that offer zesty crispness and delicate berry notes reminiscent of Provençal wines, Violette de Mireval is sure to delight. This exquisite rosé is crafted by American winemaker Nicole McPheeters, who utilizes the local Négrette grape to create a truly moreish wine. The charming city of Toulouse, known as ‘La Ville rose’ due to its distinctive brick architecture and elegant rosé wines, provides the perfect backdrop for this creation.
Négrette, a grape cultivated in the region for centuries and known in Australia as Pinot Saint Georges, produces both supple reds and deep pinks. Nicole McPheeters,
originally from Arizona, has honed her winemaking skills across the globe, from Australia to Bordeaux. Her quest to craft a modern rosé led her to select Négrette grapes from award-winning growers, resulting in a vibrant, lively pink wine rich in ripe summer berries, exotic fruit, and citrus notes. Enjoy Violette de Mireval chilled as an aperitif or paired with seafood for a delightful experience.
Calvet Sancerre Rosé (£17.50 at Waitrose)
One for the oyster lovers, this pale pink rosé is complex and rich with aromas of small red fruits. It has a round and mellow palate with a lovely and fresh lingering finish.
Its light, fruity and dry rosé is delightful when paired with shellfish and seafood. It is the perfect match for oysters, grilled shrimp, and goat’s cheese.
Don Cayetano Merlot Malbec Rosé 2024 (£9.99 From Laithwaites)
Luis Felipe Edwards, a distinguished name in Chilean winemaking, has been honoured as ‘Winery of the Year’ four times. Their latest creation, a Merlot-Malbec rosé, is packed with the vibrant fruit flavours that Chile is famous for. This rosé offers crisp, red berry notes that are irresistibly refreshing.
Moillard Bourgogne Gamay (£14.50 from Morrisons)
This rich, generous wine offers aromas of blackcurrant and blackberries. Subtle tannins reveal a full and round finish. An excellent accompaniment to soft cheeses such as brie or goat’s cheese. This red goes especially well alongside baked camembert with fresh bread and a sweet red onion chutney. And at this price it’s an absolute winner!
Notebook Old Vines País 2022 (£10.99 from Laithwaites)
The Notebook Old Vines País 2022 is a captivating red wine from Chile’s renowned Maule Valley. This wine is crafted from the País grape, a variety deeply cherished in Chile and now gaining recognition on the global stage. The grapes are sourced from ancient vines, lending a unique depth and character to the wine.
The Notebook Old Vines País 2022 is soft, fruity, and incredibly approachable, making it a pure delight to drink. Its vibrant flavours and easy-going nature make it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a lively dinner party.
Babele Merlot (£7.99 from Laithwaites)
One of the most exciting names emerging from Romania’s wine scene is Cramele Recas. Established in 1998, this innovative winery has quickly become a leader in producing premium wines.
The estate boasts a state-of-the-art winery and vineyards with a rich history dating back to 1447. The founders, Englishman Philip Cox and his Romanian wife, have infused the estate with international expertise, enlisting renowned winemakers like Hartley Smithers from Australia and Nora Iriate from Spain.
Among their latest offerings is the silky-smooth Merlot from the Babele range, inspired by the Romanian tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring. This Merlot is bright and succulent, bursting with flavours that are perfect for immediate enjoyment.
The Merlot’s juicy, smooth profile features vivid aromas and flavours of spiced plum, vanilla toffee, and pepper, all culminating in a silky finish. As one of Romania’s leading wine producers, Cramele Recas delivers exceptional value and taste, making this Merlot a fantastic choice for any dinner table. Only 100 bottles left so be quick!
So, pour yourself a glass, sit back, and let’s toast to a wonderful bank holiday weekend filled with great wine and even better company.
