Elizabeth & Wine

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    June's Picks: The Finest Wines to Savour

    29 June 2023 · 3 min read · by Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite

    June's Picks: The Finest Wines to Savour

    Oh, how I've savoured some incredible wines this June! From cherished classics to exciting new finds, here's a tantalizing lineup that's bound to captivate your taste buds. Have you had the pleasure of experiencing any of these gems? If not, grab a bot tle and tag me @ElizabethWineGirl.

    Assorted wine bottles with June 2023 favourites banner

    1. Exton Park English Sparkling Rosé, Hampshire, England

    Prepare to be dazzled by this rising star in the English wine scene, curated by the exceptionally talented winemaker Corinne Seely. Keep a watchful eye out for this one - did it catch your attention during the buzz of #EnglishWineWeek? Social media fans may have seen it on the Instagram feed of The Retreat at Elcot Park, one of Britain’s most esteemed hotels, by The Times. Corinne Seeley is an absolute star and it’s such a privilege to have one of France’s top female winemakers here in the UK, producing wonderfully balanced sparkling wines from Hampshire! Delicate & dry. White peach, red berries & a floral finish.

    Shop here: £39.00 at ExtonParkVineyard.com

    Exxton Park rosé bottle beside potted plants and Gibson Square sign

    2. Bread & Butter Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California

    These wines are a true testament to their name, delivering creamy and buttery flavours just as promised! Made by the skilled hands of Linda Trotter, a brilliant female winemaker from California, they're available in most supermarkets and really affordable. Trust me, these bottles are an absolute must-have for your shopping list, perfect weekday drinkers that won’t break the bank.

    Shop here: £10.99 at Majestic

    Two wine bottles and a glass on a sunny terrace

    3. Hambledon English Sparkling

    Indulge in the essence of quintessential English charm with every sip of this remarkable sparkling wine. Close your eyes and let its taste transport you to the picturesque English countryside, another superstar from Hampshire’s thriving sparkling wine scene. Lively, zesty citrus with apples and plums.

    Shop here: £32.00 at Waitrose / On Offer: Only £27.00 (29.06.23)

    Hand holding Hambledon sparkling wine bottle on a sunny rooftop terrace

    4. Wakefield Promised Land Pinot Grigio, South Australia

    Wakefield Promised Land Pinot Grigio beside a wine glass on a garden table

    This wine graces the shelves of most supermarkets, always providing exceptional value at just £9 per bottle, and often available at an even more enticing price, so wait for the discounts (I always give a shout on my Instagram)! But what truly sets Wakefield apart is their unwavering commitment to sustainability and ocean conservation, making them a winery with a noble cause. It’s fresh and zingy but still has a good balance and depth for a pinot grigio, definitely one for warm summer days.

    Shop here: £9:00 from ASDA / On Offer: Only £7.50 (29.06.23)

    Wine bottle and empty glass on garden table with potted plants

    5. Zana Sauvignon Blanc, Romania

    Zana Sauvignon Blanc bottle and filled wine glass on a London rooftop

    Romanian wines are really having a moment, if you haven’t yet discovered Romania’s wine scene, this is a great way in to the region. Prepare to be impressed by this sauvignon from Cramele Recaș in Romania. Its affordabilitydoesn’t mean a compromise on flavour, it’s bursting with fruity notes, gooseberry, passion fruit and tangerine with a long finish! There are true hidden treasures of Romanian wine, so now is the time to expand your horizons - it's an adventure you won't regret!

    Shop here: £9.00 at Ocado / On Offer: Only £7.50 (29.06.23)

    Wine glass and Sauvignon Blanc bottle on rooftop terrace

    6. Beronia Rioja, Spain

    Beronia Rioja Reserva 2018 beside a glass of red wine, olives and Spanish tapas

    Seeking an effortlessly enjoyable Rioja? Look no further. Begonia Rioja effortlessly captures the essence of fruitfulness and boasts all the beloved characteristics of a Rioja, without any overwhelming heaviness or oak, with ripe red fruit, spice, smooth and round. It's a great choice for any occasion and will stand up well at a summer bbq.

    Shop here: £14.99 at Waitrose / On Offer: Only £11.99 (29.06.23)

    Rioja wine bottle, red wine glass and tapas on table

    7. Shelter Winery Spätburgunder, Germany

    I LOVE wines of Germany. So many people overlook German wines, and to be fair, the Germans often do keep a lot of their best product for the home market! Prepare to embark on a journey of flavours with this red wine that dances on the palate with ripe red fruit like cherry, raspberry and strawberry, with soft tannins for a touch of structure. A crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, here's my top tip: chill it for a refreshing twist on a red wine, and let it elevate your summertime drinking experience.

    Shop here: £16.50 from Rye Fine Wines

    Glass of red wine beside Spätburgunder bottle on a table

    These exceptional wines represent a diverse selection of flavours from various corners of the world. Each bottle tells its own story, offering unique characteristics that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning wine enthusiasts. So, raise your glass and join me in celebrating the joy and pleasure that these magnificent wines bring to our lives.

    Elizabeth x