Have you tried Welsh wine? Or perhaps the question is would you try Welsh wine? Whilst any discerning drinker may have adopted a go-to region or country of choice, it may seem unusual to include Wales in the running. With Welsh Wine Week here from 30th May - 8th June, it’s the perfect time to try something grown and made a little closer to home.
When contemplating Welsh wine, it’s important to remember the wonderful sense of place that is such an important ‘ingredient’ of any wine. It might be helpful to think of the Welsh climate, the geology, the varieties and the producers as a treasure trove of ingredients brought together in different recipes all over the ancient landscape to create something unique, each one tells their own story from pioneers to relative newcomers. From sloping landscapes to coastal edges, organic and low-intervention techniques, as well as battling the (in)famous Welsh weather, the viticultural landscape of Wales is unique and special. You’ll find well-known grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as less familiar grape varieties including the crisp and floral Madeleine Angevine and fragrant Reichensteiner.
But what brings it all together? It’s the passion of dedicated winemakers who are putting Wales on the wine map. With many Welsh vineyards offering tours and accommodation, Wales is a ready-made destination for those who want to add a glass of wine to any staycation plans.
You can find a hand-picked range of Welsh wine at Tanners that will not only help you celebrate Welsh Wine Week but will help you discover some surprising food matching wines too. Enjoy!
Ancre Hill Estates Blanc de Noirs, Welsh Sparkling Wine (organic)
A soft, inviting nose of lightly toasted brioche with hints of beeswax, the palate adds a hint of citrus peel and the finish is clean and fresh.
"…This is not only a decent Welsh drop but also a wildly delicious Pinot Noir that teases all the senses with its restless energy and eventual completeness." Matthew Jukes, www.vineyardmagazine.com, 18th April, 2024
Try with: Eggs Benedict, Deep fried calamari, Salted popcorn
Velfrey Welsh Sparkling Wine
Grapes: A blend of Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir
Plenty of fresh citrus fruit but with a lovely, toasted brioche note on the nose. The palate is clean and fresh with hints of apricot, apple and finishes on a gently floral note. Last year’s Welsh Wine winner for best sparkling white.
Try with: Pan fried scallops, Pulled pork with apple sauce, Parmesan cheese straws
Glyndwr Dry, Welsh Regional Wine 2023
A light, floral, fruity, dry white with good fresh fruit character and hints of citrus apple on the palate. It is well balanced with a clean, fresh, finish. Richard and Sue Norris' vineyard is the oldest in Wales.
Try with: Zucchini fritters, Three-cheese quiche, Roast chicken with lemon and herbs
The Dell Vineyard Yr Afanc, Welsh Regional Wine 2023
Gentle, floral and very attractive nose. On the palate it is soft generous with luscious peach fruit, more floral notes and a nicely balance citrus freshness, with good length on the finish.
“I attended the annual Welsh Wine Showcase Event in March on the hunt for a wine to celebrate this festival…My headliner is a jaw-droppingly beautiful wine named after a mythical beast who is said to slink in the depths of Welsh mountain lakes. It is made from Reichensteiner, Schönberger, and Phoenix, and it reminds me of the classically dimensioned and uniquely beguiling, rare French white style, Jurançon Sec. The stone fruit, wildflower, quince, and jasmine tones are exhilarating, and the bitter bite of acidity and minerality on the finish brings the exuberant fruit to a dramatic conclusion.” Matthew Jukes, MoneyWeek, 23rd May 2025
Try with: Fish tacos, Creamy pulled ham pasta, Baked gnocchi with roasted butternut squash
