King Charles III coronation and wines fit for bank holiday – Lynn News Wine O’Clock

Wine O’Clock column by Giles Luckett

Hello. I don't know about you, but I'm in a celebratory mood.

The historian in me loves a historic event, and the hammock devotee finds the prospect of an extra day staring at the sky with a glass of something diverting to hand well worth celebrating.

Now while I can't quite offer you a red, a white, and a blue wine (actually, I can, but I don't want us to fall out), I can suggest some wines that will allow you to raise a glass of wine that's fit for a king.

First up, a white Burgundy, the Sainsbury's Macon Villages (on offer £9 when you buy any six). White Burgundy is the ultimate expression of Chardonnay, and this offers lovely flavours of apples, peaches, pears, and citrus with just a touch of minerals and honey to the finish. If the weather holds, this will make a fantastic sunshine sipper.

Next is another classic, the Zalze Bush Vine Chenin (Waitrose £8.99). Kleine Zalze's one of the best South African wineries, and their Chenin is always first-rate as they let the grape's natural beauty flood out.

This is a medium-bodied white that has a nose that mixes tropical fruits with nuts and a palate that balances peach stones, pineapple, and pears with tangy notes of lemon and lime to give a refreshingly food-friendly glassful.

A good glass of rose always brings a smile, and Aldi's Specially Selected Provence Rosé (£6.99) fits the bill nicely. Billed as their answer to Whispering Angel (Waitrose £20), and while I can see why, of the two, I'd sooner drink Aldi's wine.

This is how I like my French rosé; clean, fresh, packed with strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of gentle spice, and superb with pink fish and soft white cheeses.

And so, to the reds. I'll dish up a red Burgundy as we started with white. Louis Jadot's 'Les Roches Rouges' Mâcon Rouge (Majestic £12.99) is a bargain of a Burgundy. Recent vintages have been kind and imbued this Pinot Noir with extra ripeness and softness.

Open and leave it for a couple of hours, and you'll be treated to a lovely soft, velvety wine packed with forest fruits, red cherries, beetroot, and a hint of spiced berries.

And to finish, a fizz. If you're happy to push the boat out, I wholeheartedly recommend the Bruno Paillard Rosé (Champagne Direct £55). Amber in colour, this is a stunning champagne that offers a hit of raspberries, strawberries, and yeast with a hint of salty minerals to the finish.

If you want something within an ace of being as good but for more everyday drinking money, then you need the Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rose (Majestic £16.99). Bursting with red and black berries, brioche, peaches, and dried strawberries, it's a celebration in itself.

Have a fine coronation. More soon…