Mum’s the word

Forget high-priced flowers and chocolate this Mother’s Day (March 30); indulge her with one of these tasty bottles instead…

1. Vilarnau ‘Gaudi’ Organic Rosé Cava Brut Reserva 2022 Spain (£10 mix 6, Majestic, 12%)

 A glass of quality fruity, artisanal, traditional method pink Spanish fizz like this will lift Mum’s spirits. Delicious (and handsome value for money)!

2. Spier Villa Blue Albariño 2023 South Africa (£12.99, Laithwaites, 13.5%)

 A mouthwatering, rich, textural South African Albariño (SA only has 35 ha), with delicious, tangy, melon, apricot, white peach and grapefruit-licked pizzazz. Partner it with dim sum or sushi/seafood.

3. Arbousset Tavel Rosé 2024 France (£11.50 Clubcard price until 21.4, Tesco, 13.5%)

 Bold, tangy, dark-hued Grenache-forward Rhône rosé with bags of ripe red fruits, medium acidity and a little chewiness on the finish. Lovely drinking.

4. Les Pionniers Rosé Champagne NV France (£24, Co-op, 12%)

 Exquisite own-label champagne made for Co-op by Piper-Heidsieck, with a creamy texture, delicate notes of cherries, raspberries and a toasty finish. Pour it with gougères or smoked salmon.

 5. Haysmith’s London Dry Gin (£16.49, Aldi, 40%)

 Aldi’s bargain premium gin has a fresh citrus, juniper, and peppery hit. It is as happy solo as it is with mixers.

6. Chapel Down English Sparkling Rosé NV Kent (£26.99 until 15.4 at Waitrose, £27 mix 6 at Majestic & Nectar card at Sainsbury’s, 12%)

 This local winery’s stylish, best-selling NV pink bubbly will have Mum coming back for another sip! Think raspberry, strawberry and citrus. Kudos.

Follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines

Eileen Leahy
Author: Eileen Leahy

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