THE world-famous Chelsea Flower Show is coming to an end and early summer flowers are just coming into full bloom. So why not take inspiration, plant yourself outside and sip these fantastic floral finds...
Marks & Spencer’s showcased the best of its floriculture at the flower show and you can toast its success than with a fabulous fizz from one of the country’s top sparkling wine estates? Try Ridgeview Marksman Brut Rose 2013 Sparkling Wine, NV (£21, Marks & Spencer). It has lots of charm with enticing aromas of wild strawberries, red berry fruit flavours and a hint of cream on the soft mousse. Delicious as an aperitif but it is also a great match for luxury seafood canapes if you really want to push the boat out.
Specifically designed to make you want to enjoy a glass of wine, New Zealand’s most famous label and its Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand (£21, Sainsbury’s, Tesco). This is the wine that made the world take New Zealand’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc seriously – and still makes wine lovers many years after its first release. Fresh and vibrant, with ripe lime and grapefruit flavours, together with nectarine and gooseberry flavours. Although quite pricey it is a great example of a New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc.
Otherwise known as ‘the garden of South Africa’, the Western Cape offers fragrant whites such as Southern Point Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa (£7.98, Asda) with wafts of white peach on the nose and an aromatic palate of lush white fruits and blossom, balanced by a delicate freshness on the finish. A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with generous gooseberry and tropical fruits. Great as an aperitif or perfect with goat’s cheese or a summer salad.
DRINK OF THE WEEK
Voted best gin at the San Francisco World Spirit Awards 2014, Hayman’s London Dry Gin (£17.99, www.masterofmalt.com) is the ‘perennial’ of the gin market with its consistent balance of juniper, coriander, lemon and orange peel that makes this crisp, fresh-tasting, all-weather gin the one to reach for if you’re looking for depth of flavour and classic juniper dryness. Just add tonic and a slice. It's a perfect gift for fans of GnT...
