Perfect Wines for a Spring or Summer Wedding
By Master of Wine, Christopher Burr
15/10/2022
I have recently been contacted by a cousin of mine, and also a good old friend whose daughter is getting married, to get my advice on wines for their weddings.
When I got married back in the 1970's we had a good tea after the service, then a few glasses of Champagne for toasts and with the wedding cake. Nowadays there are wedding breakfasts and a whole range of wines are needed.
I would certainly advise two good wine merchants who provide a most useful bespoke service, such things as Sale and Return, so as it is best not to run out, but if you have bought too much this is a useful service. Glass hire can also be useful, free delivery, and if it is at an outside venue, advice on corkage. You can even free samples of selected wines in Majestic.
Have a look at what Laithwaites offer; Laithwaites Wine Service >>
Also, Majestic offer a good service; Majestic Wine Service >>
As a first glass (or three) at the reception, it is alsways good to have fizz, it gets everyone going.
Many people are happy with a good Prosecco, it is good value and easy drinking. I would recomend San Leo Prosseco in Waitrose. Nicely dry and almondy with crisp ripe pear fruit. A real crowd pleaser.
The 75cl Bottles of San Leo are £9.99, and Magnums, which always look impressive, are £21.99 per Magnum.
But many want to splash out on Champagne. if not for the reception, certainly for the toasts and speeches. Majestic have great value Heidsieck Monopole, Gold Top Vintage Champagne for £24.99. A very good Champagne with lots of complexity, the proper stuff.
If however you wish to be particularly patriotic, there are some excellent English Sparkling wines available, and again at Majestic, their Definition English Sparkler is £16.99 which is good value. Laithwaites have a top English sparkler, South Ridge Cuvee Merret 2017, a wine used for Royal and Government receptions, and £24.99.
If a white wine is needed, everyone likes Pinot Grigio and crowd pleasing is important. A good wine is Laithwaites Il Papavero Pinot Grigio from Sicily. Fresh, crisp and a regular prize winner. £9.99.
I have chosen two reds for you to try. The first is Spanish, not Rioja which is very popular, but from a region just to the south. At Laithwaites they have a 2015 Ermita de San Lorenzo Gran Seleccion. £10.49 per bottle for a full case. Soft round full and complex.
At Majestic, an old favourite of mine comes from near Carcassonne, south of Bordeaux. Chateau de Pennautier, Esprit de Pennautier, Cabardes is a blend of Bordeaux grapes and Syrah. It is complex and full bodied and a classy crowd pleaser. £12.99 per bottle for a full case.
My final advice, is try all the wines first to ensure that everyone involved, particularly the bride and groom, approve. Enjoy and congratulations.