wines I’m drinking this spring

Sparkling
Langham Corallion NV

My current favourite English Sparkling Wine has to be Langham’s Corallion. I’m a huge admirer of head winemaker Tommy Grimshaw’s low-intervention approach — from gentle oxidation during pressing, wild first fermentation, added texture from oak barrels and a low dosage — all of which make Langham’s sparkling wines truly unique in the UK.

Corallion, made from 88% Chardonnay, delivers stunning acidity, a delicate saline edge, and vibrant notes of preserved lemon and green apple. It’s the perfect aperitif or a sublime match for fresh fish and seafood.

White
Flint Vineyard’s Bacchus Fume 2024

I love Bacchus — those delicate elderflower and grassy notes, the bright acidity (yes, there is a theme!), and the delightfully low alcohol always win me over. Flint’s Bacchus Fumé takes it a step further: extended skin contact and oak aging add remarkable structure and depth, creating a wine with real layers of complexity. Perfect for a leisurely spring or summer lunch!

Red
Danbury Ridge Pinot Noir 2022

Did you know Essex is being called the Burgundy of England? It’s true—the Crouch Valley is the warmest part of the country, and grapes seem to thrive on its London Clay soil. My first taste of Danbury Ridge’s Pinot Noir, some years ago, was blind, and I genuinely thought it was a Beaune Premier Cru. The 2022 vintage—outstanding across the UK—is beautifully layered with cherry, strawberry, baking spice, and a hint of mushroom and forest floor, all held together by fine-grained tannins. Simply perfect.