What To Drink At Fortnum's With Helen McGinn This Spring
WHAT TO DRINK AT FORTNUM'S
WITH HELEN McGINN
The Spring Case
At Fortnum’s, creating joy is our speciality, and we’re thrilled to announce that our next joyful instalment comes in the form of a cork-poppingly brilliant collaboration with award-winning wine expert, presenter and author Helen McGinn, aka @knackeredmother, as she curates a series of wine cases, each containing six specially selected, beautiful bottles, all for your sipping pleasure.
This first spring inspired case is designed with Easter in mind, and as we go in search of a corkscrew, we’ll let Helen take it from here… ‘this edit is chock-full of wines guaranteed to see you through any Easter celebrations in real style. There are two gorgeous sparkling options and a couple of very special whites and reds, one from (quite literally) the ends of the earth and another such good value it’s almost indecent.’
1.
Fortnum's Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne
£45
Produced exclusively for Fortnum’s by the Hostomme family for the last 30 years, this Grand Cru Champagne is made from Chardonnay grown in the family’s vineyards in the Cote des Blancs. The wine is aged for three years ‘sur latte’ – that is, lying horizontal on wooden racks – for extra flavour and complexity and the result is deliciously crisp and elegant with a touch of brioche.
2.
Fortnum's Cremant d'Alsace, Domaine Bruno Sorg
£21.50
Crémant is the way to go if you want champagne-style wines at a fraction of the price and this one from Bruno Sorg in Alsace, a Fortnum’s partner for the last fifteen years, is an absolute winner. Made from a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, it’s more aromatic than most with gorgeous crisp orchard fruit flavours.
3.
Fortnum's Alvarinho, Anselmo Mendes
£14.95
Winemaker Anselmo Mendes makes this fabulous single varietal Alvarinho from Monção & Melgaço, a spot in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region known for producing some of the best wines from this brilliant grape. Fuller-bodied than your average Alvarinho, it’s completely unoaked and the peach and apricot fruit flavours really shine.
‘When Fortnum’s asked if I’d like to collaborate on some wine selections I wondered if I might be dreaming. Seriously – I’ve loved the Fortnum’s wine shop for years, often finding an excuse to wander the aisles in the name of research. A real hidden gem, the choice of wines is surprisingly eclectic with everything from brilliant go-to bottles to something a little (or a lot) more special from many of the world’s best wine producers. Join me as I journey through the Fortnum & Mason wine range and discover for yourself just how much joy they bring to the table!’
Helen McGinn
4.
Fortnum's Côtes du Rhône, Andre Brunel
£12.95
From one of the top estates in Châteauneuf du Pape, the Brunel family has made wine with Fortnum’s for the last 20 years and this blend of (mostly) Grenache and Syrah really is one of the best value Cotes du Rhône red wines around. Wonderfully smooth and supple with classic bramble fruit flavours.
5.
Salt River Sauvignon Blanc, Westen Cape
£23
Named after an area in Cape Town where winemaker Duncan Savage runs his urban winery, this incredible Sauvignon Blanc is made from grapes sourced from old bush vines around the famous Stellenbosch region. Fresh with orange blossom flavours and a salinity that leaves you wanting another mouthful.
6.
Otronia '45 Rugientes' Pinot Noir, Patagonia Argentina
£32
From Argentina’s Patagonia region, Bodega Otronia’s vineyards lie on the 45th parallel where the climate is incredibly challenging when it comes to cultivating vines. However, the resulting wines really are quite magical and star winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia has produced a stunning Pinot Noir with sleek red fruits and gentle spice.
Inspiration
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