Given that we are all going to be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this weekend, probably with family and/or friendly, I have tried to recommend Jubilee wines which will appeal to as many people as possible. Keeping in mind that we are all watching our finances, my choices are mainly in the more skinted than minted section, but still offer great quality.

I dare say we are all up for a celebratory drink to congratulate Her Majesty on her phenomenal reign, for most of us, she is the only sovereign we have known. I am therefore starting with a couple of sparkling beauties:

Chateau ‘L’Extra par Langlois’ Crémant de Loire Brut

Majestic

£13.99 but £11.99 in their mix any 6

This is an absolute cracker. This little gem is a Cremant from the Loire valley. Cremant wines are made in the same way as Champagne, but are from grapes grown in other regions, such as the Loire Valley and Burgundy. The winery and estate belong to Bollinger, one of France’s finest Champagne houses. They don’t do ordinary and only make great wines. This beautiful fizz is a testament to their experience of making sparkling wines.

Even at £13.99, it is great value, but as usual at Majestic, if you buy 6 or more bottles of wine, then the price reduces to £11.99.  It will go with just about anything and for me, it has definitely got to be number one choice for celebrating the Jubilee.

Codorniu 1872 vintage cava brut 2017

Waitrose

£10.99, down to £7.99 until 7 June

If you are looking for something slightly cheaper, then look no further than this sparkling wine. As you know, I am a big Cava fan and this is a great fizz. It is yeasty with a Granny Smith flavour and is a fine example of Cava from one of the great Spanish winemakers. It is exceptional value at the moment, as it is on an excellent offer into next month. Cava like this makes a great match for salty and savoury snacks like green olives, cheesy pastry nibbles and tapenade and would be a great way to start a party.

Porta 6 Lisboa Red Wine

Tesco

£7.50, £6.00 with a Tesco clubcard

This is a wine made in Portugal, from the Porto region. I am usually not one to look at a wine label and let it influence me simply because the label looks pretty, but on this occasion it stopped me in the aisle, and I took a second look and was glad I did. The graphics are great. Someone has gone to a lot of trouble in promoting this wine and, at £6.00, I thought why not give it a try? Portuguese wines are really outstanding value and this is no exception. I suspect many will be celebrating the Jubilee with a family/friends party and this wine will suit perfectly. It is soft and fruity enough to be acceptable to all palates. Easily quaffed, I have no doubt it will be hard to stop drinking even when the food has finished. One of the best things about this wine is that it also comes in a 2.25 litre box – equivalent to 3 bottles for £17.00, (Clubcard price) which makes it astonishing value for a party night and will keep for weeks in the box, if there is any leftover, which I doubt!

Las Veletas Carignan-Grenache-Mourvedre 2016, Maule Valley

Majestic

£14.99 or £10.99 as part of mixed six

Definitely one if you’re planning on a really special occasion on the Jubilee weekend, or any time this summer. This is a deeply satisfying, elegant red, which reaches far beyond its price. Made from a blend of three grapes usually more associated with southern France than Chile. Aged in oak barrels, it has a subtle sprinkle of sweet spices and red berries. It is versatile enough to accompany any dish, but I would suggest it is better than that and can bet would be a perfect accompaniment to roast beef and beef Wellington; 2 of our greatest British dishes.

I know it is on the upper end of my usual budget, but we are celebrating something none of us will ever see again in our lifetimes.

Fantastic value at Majestic’s mix any six offer.

Bowler & Brolley Rose

Aldi

£9.99

Given what we are celebrating, I thought it appropriate to include a wine made on these shores. This fits the bill perfectly. Bowler and Brolley are an Aldi brand name given to a range of their English wines and sits in their Specially Selected range. A very pale pink, this wine is made from selected English grapes and made in South Devon by Lyme Bay Winery. They have carefully crafted and blended 5 grape varieties to make what is a lovely example of rose wine. It can be paired with most buffet offerings, I particularly liked it with honey and mustard sausages, sticky chicken wings and a Welsh goat’s cheese, or simply enjoy in the garden on a sunny weekend. Another idea would be to go in the loft, find your old wicker picnic basket and take everyone on a picnic!

The Best Touraine Rose

Morrisons

£7.75

Another lovely rose, made in the Touraine are of the Loire Valley, France. It is a blend made specially for Morrisons by a top winemaker in the region from Gamay and Cabernet Franc grapes. A real bargain for a rose wine of this quality. It will pair well with any party food. Ideal as well if you have a few drivers or low drinkers coming to your party, as it is relatively low in alcohol and can be made into a refreshing spritz.

A great party or picnic wine and a bargain at its current price.

El Domador del Fuego Blanco 2020, Rioja, Spain

Sainsbury’s

£7.00

Most people will think of red wine when they see the name Rioja. However, this is an unoaked white Rioja made mainly with the viura grape. It is aromatic, with a scent of fresh pears and has a juicy flavour of more pears, light peach and lemon. Dry and well-balanced, it can be drunk either on its own, or good with light chicken dishes and buffets, particularly quiches.

Bella Verità organic Falanghina 2021, Italy

Marks & Spencer

£9.00

Another white, often overlooked, this wine is from the Apulia region of Southern Italy. There’s a nice weight and soft, ripe texture to this wine made from 100% falanghina grapes. Most people, when they think of Italian whites will tend to think of soave or pinot grigio. Falanghina is one of those wines which is often off the radar. It’s not oaky or over-rich but well rounded, which makes it more interesting than most pinot grigios. If you want something a bit different for the Jubilee, then this makes a great accompaniment to creamy seafood pasta or fish pie. However, it is versatile enough to pair with most foods and would be a great talking point for your guests. What’s more it’s organic. What’s not to like?

 

If you’d like to see more wine recommendations take a look at our wine blogs

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