The best wines and spirits to buy for spring 2023
Spring is on its way, and drinks editor Susy Atkins has all the best wine and spirits buys you need for brunch, roasts, fish, steak, chocolate – whatever it is you’re feasting on this spring, including over the Easter weekend. Plus an intriguing new made-in-England rum, and a no-alcohol pick…
Best wine buys for spring and Easter 2023
Kleine Zalze Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2021, Western Cape, South Africa 13%
A versatile and refreshing white to suit fish, seafood, green veg and light chicken dishes as well as being an aperitif. It’s a cocktail of lime, melon and peach with a mouthwatering finish. Available from Tesco (£7.50).
Extra Special Pinot Noir 2020, Valle de Leyda, Chile 14%
Raspberries and juicy red plums burst out of this keenly priced, softly textured Chilean pinot, and there’s a dab of chocolate too. Bang on with a rare steak or duck – and even with richer fish such as salmon or tuna. Available from Asda (£7).
Victorine de Chastenay Crémant de Bourgogne Brut NV, France 12.5%
A smashing fizz from Burgundy, made in the champagne method, delivering plenty of bubbles and a citrus tang. Dry with a light toastiness, it’s one to pop open for an Easter celebration (and goes well with brunchy egg dishes too). Available from Majestic (£19.99 or £11.99 as part of a mixed six).
The Best Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Australia 13.5%
A great match for mutton or lamb shoulder. Velvet-smooth, ripe and balanced Aussie red, loaded with rich cassis flavour to take on roast mutton with roast potatoes. Available from Morrisons (£10).
The best spirits, fortified wine and nolo picks for spring 2023
Egg Royale Cream Liqueur, Gravity Drinks, England 15%
An utterly indulgent glass egg filled with a rich chocolate cream liqueur. The liqueur is a fine one, made with cocoa, vanilla and real cream, its sweetness spiked by quite a kick of warming, spicy alcohol. Available from Amazon; The Whisky Exchange; Master of Malt; Harvey Nichols (£25).
Waitrose Fine Tawny Port, Oporto, Portugal 19%
Mellow, rounded port that’s emerged from oak casks with layers of toffee, plump raisins and toasted hazelnuts. Chill it lightly to sip with chocolate desserts, Easter eggs or a box of the best chocs. Available from Waitrose (£8.49 for 75cl).
Everleaf Mountain Non-Alcoholic Aperitif, England
One of the best ‘nolo’ aperitifs around, Everleaf’s Mountain release has a scent of sour cherry-drops with complex hints of herbs, tart rosehips and juniper. Top it up with 1:3 light tonic, served over ice. Available from Everleaf Drinks; £18, Marks and Spencer (£19 for 50cl).
Hitchhiker Azorean Orange Blossom Rum, Bristol, England 40%
Gorgeous new rum made from a blend of aged spirits originating
in Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago. Added Azorean fruit and British botanicals give an easy-drinking style with tropical fruit, honey and a note of spicy cinnamon. Available from Hitchhiker Rum and All Things Drinks (£37.50 for 70cl).