Ophelia Hirst's Wine List

Things I’ve enjoyed drinking over Summer

Summer should be all about long lunches, dipping in and out of the sea, and drinking bucketloads of rosé in the sun. Sadly, the UK had other plans this year. Rosé only softened the blow of miserable day after miserable day slightly.

However, I took solace in light bodied, slightly chilled reds instead. Not white wine cold, somewhere between 13-15 degrees does the trick. Ca’ La Bionda’s Valpolicella Classico has been hitting the spot, deliciously fruity, juicy and silky, and at a very sensible 12.5%. Another I consistently reach for is the 2022 VdP Méditerranée from Cristia, just delicious grown-up juice. And the wine rack should never be without Clos de Roilette Fleurie, or A Dos Manos Garnacha, in my opinion.

I continue my fascination and slight obsession with the wines from Marcel Deiss – so vibrant, electric and appetising. The 2022 Complantation remains a great introduction to the style, and a benchmark for the region’s blends. And who can say no to white Burgundy? (Not me). I continue to be wowed by the wines of Frantz Chagnoleau – so taut and mineral, but rich and unctuous – to use a professional description, they’re super yummy. Franck Bonville’s NV Blanc de Blancs continues to hold a place in my heart; endlessly enjoyable to drink and unreal value for money.

Things I’m looking forward to drinking in Autumn

And now for the things that feel like a big ol’ hug. I’m looking forward to tucking into a plate of Pappardelle al Ragu, washed down with Castagnoli’s Terrazze Chianti Classico, or digging into a steak with Bonnefond’s supremely elegant 2017 Les Rochins Cote-Rotie, from a plot just next to the famous (and famously expensive) La Landonne. And for the truffles! It has to be something from Piedmont, so why not Christoph Kunzli’s wacky but wonderful blend of Nebbiolo and Croatina, the 2022 La Maggiorina. I must say I’m rather looking forward to that now…

Ophelia Hirst, Buyer