The best wines and spirits to buy for spring 2023

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).