We’re famous for our selection of spirits, especially whisky, but we also stock an interesting selection of wines. So if your old man’s tastes leans more towards the grape than the grain, here are ten wines for Father’s Day.
At Master of Malt, we’re not just masters of malt, we’re masters of wine too. Not officially, that would mean years of study and taking exams, but we do stock an excellent range from around the world. Whether it’s deep reds from the Rhone, elegant Burgundies, or something a bit funky from South Africa, we’ve got something for everyone.
So if your dear old dad leans more towards wine that spirits, Master of Malt is the place to shop for the perfect bottle for father’s day either as a gift or just to drink over lunch to show that you appreciate him.
Right, without further ado, here are our top wines for Father’s Day
Red wines for Father’s Day
Jean-Luc Jamet Côtes-du-Rhône L’Enclave 2018
Jean-Luc Jamet makes some of the most highly-regarded and expensive wines in the northern Rhone. If you’re feeling flush, try his Côte-Rôtie. But this very very special Cotes-du-Rhone offers much of the magic of big brother for a much more reasonable price. In fact, it comes from the same grape variety, syrah, and the same vineyards but from parcels of fruit that produce more easy drinking wine. It’s cheap considering where it comes from.
What does it taste like?
Notes of roasted coffee bean, cherry and a whisper of smoke, with fresh mint, blackcurrant, anise and cocoa. Try it with cold ham or Toulouse sausages. What have you got to lose? Sorry.
Côteaux du Lyonnais Traboules 2017
Here’s a lovely light easy drinking sort of wine. It goes with almost very dish imaginable. Even fish. It’s made from the grape of Beaujolais, Gamay Noir, but grown in the Côteaux du Lyonnais region which as its name suggests is rather near the city of Lyon at the top of the Rhone valley. This is perhaps the ultimate wine to eat with leftovers.
What does it taste like?
It’s all floral and fruity with blueberries, raspberries, liquorice and a slatey refreshing edge. It’s one of those reds that tastes delicious lightly chilled.
Niepoort Dão Rótulo 2016
The Dão region has been called the Burgundy of Portugal making joyful perfumed wines at a very good price. Niepoort is best known for its Ports but it makes wine all over Portugal as well as in Austria, for some reason. A blend of native grapes, Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Tinta Pinheira and Alfrocheiro, this Dão is delightful now but will age for many years.
What does it taste like?
Pungent floral nose with dark fruit, rosemary, fennel, and a little tannic bite. It makes a great affordable Burgundy alternative to drink with rich stews.
Badenhorst Family Secateurs Red 2018
This is made in Swartland, an area of the Cape that was almost unknown ten years ago but now makes some of South Africa’s finest wines. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache made from very old wines. With three years age, it has developed some real complexity but still with plenty of fresh fruit.
What does it taste like?
Blackberries and blackcurrants with lavender-like floral notes, a refreshing edge and a little nutty roundness on the finish. Perfect with turkey and all the trimmings.
Yeringberg Shiraz 2016
Incredible Australia Shiraz from the Yeringberg winery in the Yarra Valley near Melbourne. This region has long been the destination for wine lovers looking for elegance. It gets pretty cool down there compared with other famed Shiraz-growing regions so the wines tend to be lighter but with no shortage of good old Aussie fruit. Treat yourself.
What does it taste like?
Redcurrant and cherry, followed by delicate florals and forest floor, a whiff of dry smoke leading to clove and cinnamon. A perfect roast rib of beef wine.
White wines for Father’s Day
Rall White 2018
This is what’s known as a Cape blend, a uniquely South African mixture of grapes, usually with Chenin Blanc in the majority. In this case joined by Viognier and Verdelho, harvested predominantly from granite soils. The grapes are fermented in French oak, and aged on lees for 10 months to create a vibrant, tropical wine.
What does it taste like?
Tropical fruit and white florals, with an earthy mineral note leading into fresh peach.
Reichsrat von Buhl Bone Dry Riesling 2019
As you can probably deduce from the name, there is not an ounce of sugar in this wine, so if you think all German wines are sweet, then think again. This is from one of the country’s top estates in the Rhineland and it’s absolutely bursting with lively fruity deliciousness. It’s the perfect pick-me-up.
What does it taste like?
Masses of citrus, think grapefruit, lemon and nectarine with a savoury smoky edge. We’re thinking smoked salmon with blinis.
Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Vinzelles 2018
Tremendous Chardonnay from Joseph Drouhin, produced from the 2018 harvest of grapes grown in the Mâconnais region, south of Burgundy. After resting for six to eight months in a combination of stainless steel and oak, the wine was bottled up, ready to enjoy with dishes like dressed crab, seafood risotto or oysters.
What does it taste like?
Zesty with plenty of citrus tang, soft notes of orchard fruits – apples and peaches, with wafts of floral vanilla and nutty oak.
Cantina Terlan Winkl Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Here’s something you don’t see every day, a Sauvignon Blanc from Italy. This is made in the Sud Tyrol in the far north of the country. After gentle pressing and slow fermentation, the wine is divided between steel tanks and large wooden barrels, where it rests for seven to eight months.
How does it taste?
Zingy fresh with elderflower, peach, limes, peaches and aromatic fresh mint. This would be delicious with a rich goat’s cheese tart.
Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Chardonnay 2019
English Chardonnay just keeps getting better and better, and this is probably the best of the bunch. This is now the sixth vintage of Chapel Down’s premium single vintage Chardonnay. The grapes ferment using wild yeasts, before ageing in old oak which imparts a subtle nuttiness to the wine.
What does it taste like?
Baked apples and orchard fruit, buttery almond, soft oak, crisp pear, and fresh apple peels. If you’re looking for a whine to go with buttery roast chicken, then look no further.
Millton Te Arai Chenin Blanc 2017
Most people associate Chenin Blanc with the Loire or its adopted home in South Africa, but there are some pretty tasty examples coming out of New Zealand these days. This comes from Te Arai, a coastal vineyard, and made from a mixture of organic and biodynamic grapes, and aged in a mixture of large oak barrels and stainless steel.
What does it taste like?
Baked apples and orchard fruit, buttery almond, soft oak, crisp pear, and fresh apple peels. Give it a go with some soft cheeses.
