16 February 2023

This is why you should never save your ‘best’ wine for a special occasion

16 February 2023

It’s safe to say, one of the biggest wine crimes is saving a bottle for best – and discovering it’s past its prime.

And it’s typically the most expensive wine! An excellent vintage from a standout region, a label you decide to stash away for a special occasion, or celebratory champagne left languishing at the back of the cupboard – stored for too long and before you know it… it’s lost its verve.

So, hurrah for Open That Bottle Night, celebrated on the last Saturday of February (February 25 this year) – one of the most fun days in the wine calendar, created to make us uncork a top drop, or just be a bit more adventurous.

Don’t have a special wine to single out? Then have fun bringing friends together and discovering new flavours, regions and revisiting some of the classics with these prize picks…

1. Specially Selected Criollo Albariño 2021, Maldonado, Uruguay £9.99, Aldi, in-store

With the Uruguayan wine scene making waves, why not switch out your usual albariño from Galicia, Spain, for the cool, coastal vineyards of Maldonado? Here, you’ll find a similar mineral character to the white peach flavours, aligned with new world fruitiness, and backed by fresh acidity and a mouth-filling finish. Accessible and exciting.

2. Château de Belleverne Saint-Amour Le Cru de Amoureux 2020, Beaujolais, France, £13.29, RannochScott Wines

If Beaujolais – or Bojo, it’s new trendy name – has been off your radar, now’s the time to reacquaint yourself with this world class wine; such as those from Saint-Amour, with its reputation for sophisticated, elegant reds exhibiting expressive florals, a bright fruitiness and silky, lasting finish. Made from the finest gamay grapes and a great vintage by all accounts, this is your go-to.

3. Château Ksara Sunset Rosé 2021, Bekka Valley, Lebanon, £14.99, Strictly Wine

A high-altitude rosé from the powerhouse of Lebanese wine, this is a gutsy yet plush, dry rosé, full of ripe, red berry fruit with hints of spice, subtle vanilla notes and a streak of minerally keeping everything fresh and lively. It proves the rosé wines of Lebanon’s oldest winery can be just as impressive as those from the South of France. Aptly named, it’s the colour of a stunning sunset.

4. Luigi Bosca Malbec Seleccion de Vistalba 2020, Mendoza, Argentina, £16.99, Waitrose Cellar

Argentina’s speciality grape thrills us in so many ways. Vivacious, violet-scented, rich and opulent, with plummy spice, tiers of ripe, sweet blackberry fruits caressing the palate, well-judged oak and a smooth, long velvety finish – this is a wine to swoon over. Not inexpensive, but your friends will agree it wildly over delivers for the price. Bring on the steak!

5. Louis Latour En Paradis Pouilly-Vinzelles 2019, Burgundy, France, £25.99, Majestic

From a celebrated producer with a solid track record, Louis Latour craft wines at every level, and rarely disappoints. Here, generosity and elegance are the hallmarks of this Burgundy blonde. Scented with light honeysuckle, acacia and creamy vanilla, the round, rich palate shows tropical fruit characters, a hint of pineapple and gentle vanilla, punctuated with ripe, apricot fruit, finishing fresh and balanced.

6. Ridgeview Sparkling Red Reserve, East Sussex, England, £55, Ridgeview Wine Estate

Australian sparkling shiraz may have brought the fun of red fizz into focus, but here we have a persistent pinot bringing something special to the party. An exciting limited release, this eye-catching ruby red, enhanced by a shimmering effervescence, sings from the glass. Utterly delicious, the cherry aromas and dry, forest fruits sparkle with energy and vibrancy, with subtle spice through the finish. Worth seeking out.

7. Maison Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs 2015, Champagne, France, £72.95, The Whisky Exchange

Cited as a top vintage for champagne, this 2015 captures everything you look for in a blanc de blancs (chardonnay). Made with grand cru grapes – the highest classification – the gentle beads of bubbles offer delicate florals, mineral notes, a touch of citrus, immaculate creamy fruit showing real finesse, and a long, classy finish. With a chic, white cage, sleek, narrow necked bottle and dynamic label (RSRV stamp highlights the best), self-gift if you can’t bear to share with a significant other.

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