January 2026 - It Must Be Wine O'clock

A fine example of how good an English wine can be.

This Chapel Down Bacchus from Tenterden in Kent is a fine example of how good English wine can be.

Chapel Down Bacchus 2023 (England)

English wine has come on in leaps and bounds over the last twenty years or so and this Chapel Down Bacchus from Tenterden in Kent is a fine example of how good English wine can be.

This is an aromatic, fresh, crisp wine, with aromas of apple, grapefruit and melon on the nose, and flavours of peach, melon and apple on the palate.

Produced by England’s largest wine producer, it is a light, well-balanced wine with a long finish. It is a wine that can enjoyed by itself or paired with seafood, salad or an Asian dish.

It also pairs well with Wensleydale cheese.

Available from Grape Britannia, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Majestic (£15-16)

A fine Chardonnay from New Zealand to get the new year off to a great start!

A fine Chardonnay from one of New Zealand’s foremost wine producers

Oyster Bay Chardonnay, Marlborough 2023 (New Zealand)

This fine Chardonnay from one of New Zealand’s foremost wine producers, Oyster Bay, will get the new year off to a great start! With aromas of peach, apple and grapefruit on the nose, and flavours of nectarine and peach on the palate, it’s a very good representation of a cold climate Chardonnay from a region best known for its excellent Sauvignon Blanc wines.

The layers of fruit are well supported by the bright acidity, subtle hints of oak and the creamy texture, creating a delightful wine which is perfect by itself or with a seafood or vegetable dish.

Available from Sainsbury’s, Majestic, Tesco (£11-£12)