As we move towards spring, we often spring clean our homes, and even our wardrobes.  But when was the last time you spring-cleaned your wine rack?

Are you still buying the same wine brands, grape varietals or blends you’ve been buying for years?  If so, you may be missing out on the hottest new arrivals that not only deliver great value, but also pack a punch on the palate.  

Let us help you pick from the latest trends, try something new, and chill out with an altogether hotter glass of wine.

Decluttering:

Clear out space on your dusty wine rack.  Out with the old and in with the new.  Some wine really is worth aging, and will improve in the bottle.  But, if you typically spend less than £10 a bottle and buy at the local supermarket, any Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé that’s lain on your shelf or in your fridge for a while will likely be past it’s best if it’s vintage is 2012 or before.

Remember if your wine is from the southern Hemisphere (South Africa/Argentina/New Zealand/Australia) the grapes are harvested around March so that wine is 6 months older than your French equivalent of the same age

Restocking:

The hottest whites will see you through spring and into summer.

Londoners have been going gaga over Picpoul de Pinet since last summer.  (Pronounced: PickPool du PeeNay)  It’s a white wine that truly expresses it’s sense of place, and that place is the South of France, by the seaside, near the Thau lagoo.  Serve with a dish of mussels, and this lip smacking, lemony zinger will be right at home.  It’s from the Languedoc region, home of value when it comes to France, so you’ll be able to find some decent examples at under a tenner, and it’s got enough weight to serve with your fish and chips!

Groovy Grüvee, or Grüner Veltliner to give it it’s full name, is the Austrian wine that all self-respecting London restaurants have added to their wine lists in the last year or two.  Another dry, un-oaked white that balances crisp acidity with juicy citrus fruit and adds the complexity of white pepper, the odd floral note along with grapefruit and lemon.  It’s got a lot going on, and will cheerfully accompany your green salad, seared scallops or just to keep you company.  It’s not an airhead of a wine.  Spend around £12-15 on this grape from the Kamptal or Wachau regions and you’ll discover a new best friend.

If you can’t get enough of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, you’re not alone.  Sauvignon Blanc has been Britain’s biggest selling white for several years.

But it seems that shipping wine 12,000 miles is not the most environmentally friendly option when we’ve got English Bacchus right here on our doorstep.  English Sparkling Wine has been getting all the press over the last 2 years, but the dry white wine from the Bacchus grape is the answer to the eco-conscious Sauvignon Blanc drinker’s prayers.

This wine brings you all the gooseberry goodness and makes a lovely aperitif or partner to a dressed crab or crumbly goat cheese just as well.  My personal favourite comes from Kent’s Chapel Down vineyard, but if you staying local, there are softer versions available from the Thames Valley’s Brightwell Vineyards, Stanlake Park and Oaken Grove.  Wait a month or two till the 2014 vintage is released as it is from one of the best years of late.  Prices range from about £8 – £14 which is similar in pricing to the New Zealand varieties..

And the hottest red?  If you’re looking for value, Spain’s Monastrell (known as Mourvèdre in France or Mataró in Australia) has evolved from is role as the M in a GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) to a single varietal that delivers everything from bright juicy fruity flavours in young versions, through to serious oaked gems that deliver leathery, tobacco and spice notes. Matching grilled pork, lamb or even charcuterie meats like salami, you won’t destroy it if you chill it.  The Spanish do. And because it’s not yet achingly hip – you should be able to bag a decent one for around £8.50.

Heather Harrison