RAISE A GLASS
It’s dad time. Well, almost.
It’s Father’s Day on Sunday June 16, and so here are a handful of ideas.
Perhaps dad likes vodka; in which case Nine Tines Vodka (RRP £42, 70cl, online at the Nine Tines website, left) could smash it as a special gift.
The potato vodka, from north Yorkshire, won two golds and a silver medal in The Spirits Business Global Vodka Masters 2023.
I’m used to vodka being shy on aromas, but this one is definitely not! There’s a nudge of caramel and sweet vanilla – not unlike a Werther’s Original. I have to say it’s moreish.
If dad likes bold red wines, then don’t hold back, and percolate his palate with
Baron De Ley Gran Reserva
Rioja (£19, Waitrose, right).
A gran reserva Rioja is only made in years when the grapes are just perfect, helping the wine to age with generous complexity.
If that sounds like dad too, he’d like the vibes of this velvety wine as it weaves its flavours of plums, dried fruits, cinnamon and toast.
Another silky smooth red is this one from South Africa:
Neethlingshof Estate Pinotage (£14.95, online at wadebridgewines.co.uk, left). It is worthy of being poured alongside a special roast for dad and is juicy with ripe red and black fruits.
Think blackberries, red plums and summer fruits. It also has a flirt with vanilla and spice.
I taste-tested Athlon Xinomavro Syrah (£9.99, Aldi) with a friend who happens to be a father, to gauge if it is dad-friendly. And he gave it the thumbs-up.
It has just the right amount of spice to contrast with lush red and black plums. I’m sure if dad sipped this before, with, or after, a special meal he’d be very happy indeed.
Raise a glass to dad with a bubble or two.
I returned from an amazing trip to the Loire just hours ago (more on that soon) and it seems right to celebrate your own pop with a pop of fizz from that region.
Lacheteau Crémant de Loire (RRP £16, Ocado) is a grown-up crémant, which, if you didn’t know, is made in the same way as champagne.
It is driven with ripe apples and soft white peach, with seams of bubbles which keep on giving.
Finally, if you only have memories of dad, think of him with a special sip of something, as I will think of mine too.