Wine cupid: columnist Aidy Smith
(Picture: Aidy Smith)I’ve worn many hats in my life, but playing wine Cupid is a first.
Still, I’m giving it my best shot, and below I’ve delved into a few wines ideal for those nights when it’s all about just the two of you. The seven bottles below should suit a broad range of tastes, and similarly are fit a broad range of dates — whether it’s pushing the boat out on a Saturday night or just adding a touch of romance to the midweek.
With that in mind, it’s time to pop the cork on your inner Romeo or Juliet — here’s my pick of date-night drinks.
Della Vite Prosecco Superiore DOCG
True, I usually struggle with prosecco: more often than not I find they showcase such little flavour, I think I may as well be drinking carbonated water. One I definitely don’t struggle with, though, is this bottle. By far the best prosecco I’ve ever tasted, this stunning stuff is the result of a partnership between the Delevingne sisters, Chloe, Poppy and Cara. While it’s a little more expensive than many are used to with this sort of fizz, its texture, flavour and personality justifies it. Apricot, nectarine and apples burst through on the nose with a medley of pear, citrus, honey and zesty danish pastry on the palate. If you’re going to buy Italian bubbles, why not get the cream of the crop?
£18.69, The Bottle Club
ASDA Extra Special Rueda
Spanish wines have long been a steal for the price, and this from the underrated Rueda region proves it. Made from verdejo grapes â — a perfect substitute for the likes of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio â — this light-bodied crowd-pleaser is the ideal date-night choice when you don’t want to break the bank. Drink it now to reveal notes of orange zest, fresh pears and almonds with a lime and citrus backbone and watch for the distinct texture that begins to form as it sits in the glass and warms up a little. Oh, and it’s versatile with food, so whether you’re trying to impress with chicken or fish, it’ll work wonders.
£5.50, ASDA
Graham Norton Sauvignon Blanc
I’ve lost count of how many years the talkshow favourite has had his wine on the shelves, but year on year the quality continues to improve. Made from 100 per cent sauvignon blanc, from New Zealand’s famous Marlborough region, this is the perfect sipper for a date night movie or to toast the start of the evening with. Gooseberry and passionfruit meet ripe and juicy apples with a kiss of pineapple. Lovely, easy-going stuff; one for when the wine definitely shouldn’t be the focus of the evening.
£9.99, The Bottle Club
Care for Wild Rosé
This picturesque pink is produced from pinotage — try saying that after a glass — alongside a kiss of chenin blanc to guide its flavour in a more refreshing direction. This is a wine that gives back, with each bottle helping to endangered rhinos in South Africa through the Care for Wild program. The wine itself is bursting with fresh fruits and a silky mouthfeel. Everything from cherry, raspberry and redcurrant to peach, apple and pear jump out. Perfectly suited for the sunshine, this is all but built for a picnic date — just remember a flask, as this is at its best when nicely chilled.
£7.95, Slurp
Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum Toscana IGT 2015
A date-night round-up wouldn’t be complete without a dreamy Tuscan red and this wonder ticks all the right boxes. A French and Italian love affair, it’s quite frankly one of the best wines I’ve tasted this year. Rich tannins and deeply intense dark fruits combine to offer seductive flavours of dark chocolate, ripe cherries, rich black pepper coated raspberries and dark plums. There’s a long embracing finish of cedar spice and cherry compote that seems to never finish. It screams romance from the second the aromas lift from the glass. Make sure to set the scene — decanter and candles, definitely — as, given the (justified) high price, it’s one best saved for the very special nights.
£90, KMW Wines
The Black Pig The Prize Shiraz 2019
Aussie shiraz sparks a desire in me that other people feel on a fiery first date, and this is an outstanding example of the style. Rich and decadent blackberries meet dark plum, stewed raspberries and an oaky spice: it’s incredibly intense, the flavours are focused and there’s a sumptuously long finish. It’s just what dreams are made of — well, mine, anyway. Be sure to decant for about half an hour before drinking to get the very best out of it; it’s young and it needs a little air to get to its best.
£19.99, Virgin Wines
Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2013
The latest release from renowned Pol Roger is one to impress with (well, that or say sorry with - !) Either way, what’s in the bottle is a force of nature, much like its nameseake. The relationship between the Champagne house and the late Prime Minister began in 1945 when Churchill tasted Pol Roger for the first time during a lunch with the British Ambassador to France. Upon meeting Odette Pol-Roger, the two began a life-long friendship until his death in 1965. Each year Madame Pol-Roger would send Churchill a case of their vintage and upon his death, the house even black-bordered its labels for bottles destined for the UK as a sign of respect. Just 10 years later, they further paid tribute by naming their prestige cuvée after him (if that isn’t a bit of wine-based date knowledge to impress, I don’t know what is!) Expect a medley of lemon zest with fresh apples and pears alongside a sticky honeyed brioche on the nose. The palate offers strawberries and raspberries married together with a creamy apricot and vanilla French toast before a zing of pink grapefruit strikes in for the finish. Divine; one for the sort of date that might also feature diamonds.
£236, The Finest Bubble
