Harvey Nichols Birmingham’s new wine specialist, Tatti Sukamongkol, is a young wine enthusiast with an extensive knowledge of both old world and new world wines. With a passion for rebellious food pairings and the chemistry behind wines and spirits, the latest edition to the Harvey Nichols team can recommend a wine for any occasion.
Wine specialist, Tatti Sukamongkol
To ensure you’re celebrating the season in style, Tatti has shared his expert wine selection for Spring.
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RATHFINNY WINE ESTATE
Blanc de Blancs Brut English Sparkling Wine 2017, £39.95
This elegant English Sparkling wine has flavours of yellow apple with high acidity. It has a pillowy texture, creamy finish and notes of ripe papaya, freshly baked brioche, salted butter, lemon meringue pie, almond croissant, spiced apple crumble, crunchy white peach, zingy grapefruit, honey, marshmallow and orchard blossom.
The exceptional 2017 vintage is described by wine experts as having similar quality to 1920’s Champagne. Only a limited run of 9,333 bottles were produced so it’s truly special.
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CERETTO
Moscato d’Asti 2020, £21.00
Sparkling, sweet and best served chilled, this wine is on-trend and low in alcohol. It has sweet orchard fruit flavours of crisp green apple, crunchy pear, spices, peach, sherbet, blossom, lemon curd and marzipan, all of which is kept fresh by a delicate spritz. It is magical with desserts and perfect for picnics or decadent breakfasts.
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MOUNTAIN TIDES
Partial Carbonic Petite Sirah 2019, £32.5
This joyfully juicy, sparkling red is made using petite Sirah grapes that are picked early and undergo carbonic maceration. Expect tart cranberry, juicy cherry, tangy raspberry, red plums, crunchy energy and lots of fun. It’s an ideal choice to drink in the Spring or serve at the first barbeque of the year.
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ROMITORIO
Brunello di Montalcino 2016, £55.00
Full-bodied, opulent, rich and creamy in texture, it fills the mouth with vibrant cherry, wild strawberries, cornflowers, spices, dried herbs, gamey meat, sage, vanilla, mocha and forests after the rain. Although already startlingly impressive, given more time it will become increasingly leathery and herbal. This red promises to be truly exceptional.
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RAPAURA SPRINGS
Rohe Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2018, £18.95
Rapaura Springs’ Rohe Blind River Sauvignon Blanc has an almost Viognier-like richness to it. The fresh, but subtle, acidity is hidden beneath a wealth of mango, melon, passionfruit, apricot, papaya, grapefruit, guava, vanilla, lemongrass and roasted yellow pepper. It’s just so juicy and luscious, it’s impossible not to fall in love with.
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ESCARPMENT
Hinemoa Riesling 2017 Half Bottle 375ml, £15.00
This crowd pleaser is crafted using hand-selected bunches of super-ripe Riesling grapes grown at Escarpment’s Te Muna Road site. It’s fruit forward, deliciously sweet and great value for money.
It is intensely concentrated and almost syrupy in its lusciousness, but the classic Riesling acidity keeps everything fresh and perfectly in check. It’s a fantastic choice to pair with a cheeseboard, fruit-based desserts, particularly citrusy puddings, or maybe even dumplings with a spicy dipping sauce.
