Easy drinking
For my first set of recommendations I want to do something you can always have as a standby in case someone pops over or you need take something with you. All of these are light, easy-drinking wines you can pair with most food and are also great by themselves.
And with some late summer weather still hanging around we’ll start with a white. This is an Albariño grape, often found in Portugal & Spain but now also grown in California and Australia, although a lot of what was labeled as Albariño in Australia is actually thought to be something else. This one is Spanish, from Villa Dauga in the northwest and is super-light, crisp, summer white. It’s a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc, if you fancy a change from that and goes really nicely with fish, white meats or just by itself. We had it Easter with scallops, which worked great, cutting through the rich, creamy shellfish.
This one is SEK129, which I think is a steal.
Next we have a red, from Burgundy. Probably the most successful wine region in the world, if you include their fizz, white and red wines this is one of their most popular grapes, a Pinot Noir. Since I moved to Sweden I have bought more of this than any other wine I think, because if I can’t see anything else I fancy it’s always something I know I will like and almost everyone else enjoys also. It’s from Laboure-Roi and costs SEK145, with fantastic Pinot flavors of berries & cherries. Goes great with any meat, fantastic lighter choice for a BBQ or a perfect choice to open on a Friday night with your mates.
Last one is a fizzy – or rather two, because they do a pink and a white version. Also French, also from Burgundy (there’s a reason it’s so popular) but available in this white for SEK149 and this pink for SEK159. They’re Cremants de Bourgogne from Louis Bouillot and both represent fantastic value. I’ve had lots of Champagne for more than twice this price that isn’t as good as these. They’re both great with lovely berry & biscuit flavours that are fantastic with seafood or just by itself. I love them both but the pink is just a little bit sweeter.
Grape Expectations wine blog 