Each month, we will be bringing you our top picks of seasonal ingredients, our wine recommendations and important dates for your calendar.

Mackerel

Oily fish like mackerel (or sardines) need a crisp, dry white; Picpoul, Muscadet or even a modern style Vinho Verde. For a taste of the al fresco, Mediterranean lifestyle, plump for a Provence rosé.  Domaine Morin’s Picpoul de Pinet exhibits green apple, citrus and white blossom with the classic saline note you expect from the region and would be a great accompaniment. Similarly the dry and crisp nature of Château Paradis with its floral aromas and pear and citrus notes, compliment the simplicity of grilled fish. 

Globe Artichoke

Sometimes labelled a ‘wine killer’, artichoke (especially when grilled) can actually be very well paired with a dry white. As ever, any sauce needs to be taken into account so mayonnaise or hollandaise can allow for a slightly richer wine. If in doubt, always go bone dry with crisp acidity such as a Sancerre or Albariňo. We are pleased to have a high quality Albariňo from Rias Baixas (Galicia); Noelia Bebelia is a husband and wife labour of love. Simon and Noelia produce this crisp yet tropical masterpiece from their 7acre vineyard in the cool, damp region on Spain’s Atlantic coast.

World Gin Day – Badachro – 8th June

Located in the hamlet of Badachro in the Scottish highlands, Gordon & Vanessa Quinn hand forage an array of exquisite botanicals from the surrounding hills, woodland, fields and shores of the Gairloch and combine them in their beautiful (and rather mature) copper pot still ‘Delilah’. Badachro Gin is a reflection of the pure air, water & land that defines this unique and ancient land. Find out more about them here.

National Fish & Chip Day – 7th June

As already discussed last month, a crisp white is a classic partner for this great British dish but why not turn it into a decadent treat by serving it with Champagne? The acidity and bubbles cut through the grease in the batter brilliantly for a truly unexpected partnership. Champagne Lombard create a very dry house style which accentuates the acidity and would work really well with this classic dish. Try the Brut Reference as an introduction to the range or trade up to the Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Brut Nature with zero dosage to guarantee maximum crisp freshness. 

Eat with the seasons

As well as artichokes, other seasonal ingredients in June include hake, whitebait, courgette, mange tout, watercress, cherries, gooseberries. Get in touch for any wine matches you may need for seasonal dishes.