Spread a little love

For us the varying delights of Valentine’s Day usher in the idea that winter might end in the not too distant future, which is always a cause to celebrate.

The fact February 14th falls on a Monday shouldn’t stop us from a bit of responsible drinking. It may be the week’s least sexy day, but let our selection get you right in the mood. What better way to show someone special you care than with a pink drink? 

Bon Courage Estate is nestled amongst the rivers, vines and rose bushes of South Africa’s Robertson Estate.

Boasting some of the country’s finest vignerons, this region’s reputation is growing with every vintage. Jacques Bruére Cap Classique Cuvée Rosé Brut is the snappily titled, rosé sparkling wine from this father and son team. Made for nearly 100 years in the same way as the famous French fizz, and from the same varieties, this is our standout alternative to those less keen on paying Champagne prices. Refreshing, with lemons and green apples, overlaid by raspberries and wild strawberries and backed up by a very pleasing creamy biscuitiness, this is serious bang for buck winemaking and scrumptious. Pair it with a range of lighter, fish or meat-free dishes for a brilliant alternative to white wine.

Sticking with the sparklers, why not push the boat out with a proper pink Champagne from a top-notch grower-producer?

That term, ‘grower-producer’, is really important in Champagne these days. Unlike the big names that buy 90-99% of their fruit, these guys farm their own grapes and make wine from them. This means the quality control is higher and rivals wines several times the price from the big names. André Levasseur Extrait Gourmand Brut Rosé NV is simply one of the very best non vintage rosé Champagnes you can buy. Flavours of nectarines, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, pink grapefruit, vanilla sponge and redcurrant are all underpinned by a crisp, dry, full, buttery richness. Sublime.

Shall we talk about still wine for a moment..?

Let’s. Poggio del Moro brings us the surprisingly grown-up and complex Galio Rosé.A slightly reductive aroma when first opened soon falls away to reveal a delicious and multi-faceted wine of great depth and interest. Not necessarily a guzzler but more of a considered sipper, this wine offers bright refreshing cranberry, tangerine, green leaf and a little smoke. Great acidity, a pleasingly creamy texture and a long elegant finish keep you coming back for more. Wonderful on its own but brilliant with game or mushroom-heavy dishes, we think this wine is a total winner.

From Italy to France next. What introduction does Provence rosé need?

The standard by which all other rosés are measured, this beautiful part of the world consistently produces the supple, elegant, lightly-hued pink wines everyone desires. Fleur de Mer is no exception. Effortlessly combining citrus, peach and red berry flavours with crisp acidity and a full, round mouthfeel, it’s hard not to fall for this wine. Transport yourself to a sundrenched chaise longue in the sea-facing drawing room of a Provencal gite, French doors open wide, chiffon curtains billowing in with the cooling sea breeze, shades on, a glass of Fleur de Mer in hand, and the smell of Bouillabaisse wafting from the kitchen… Bliss.

From the glamorous beauty of the South of France to the bucolic charms of West Dorset.

Now with arguably the tastiest, flavoured vodka available; Black Cow Strawberry Vodka. Made from whey, the usually discarded by-product of cheesemaking, Black Cow combines the Mongolian tradition of making alcohol from milk with the Northern European tradition for producing a clean, clear, high-strength spirit. This unique, ever so slightly sweet and deliciously smooth vodka is then introduced to thousands of misshapen English strawberries that would otherwise go to waste. Once thoroughly steeped, this vodka offers all the layers of strawberry flavour imaginable – wild strawberry, fresh, ripe strawberry, strawberry compote, strawberry ice cream and strawberry yoghurt. Drink neat, over ice or with just a dash of lightly flavoured mixer for a delicious aperitif to get things moving in a more romantic direction.

Last but certainly not least, on the theme of love and all things pink we have everyone’s new favourite fizz, prosecco.

Specifically Vinicola Serena’s Tenuta Berni Prosecco Rosé. Weirdly, pink Prosecco production has only been allowed by the local lawmakers since 1st January 2021, but such is the natural fit for Prosecco to be pink, it feels like it’s always been here. With yummy citrus notes, that appealingly familiar pear drop character, a delicate raspberry tinge and a lovely creamy mouthfeel we can’t recommend this (very) affordable fizz highly enough.