Cooee, we’re back! And back in some style with a corking offer from Swig, stalwarts of the Spectator Wine Club under my sainted predecessors. I’m so pleased we’ve tempted them back, especially in this, their 25th anniversary year.
Founded by Robin Davis in north London’s Belsize Park, Swig has become one of the country’s finest independents and is Decanter’s 2021 Best Midsize Online Retailer. Just saying. As always, only the best is good enough for Speccie readers.
Like you, I’m sure, I rather overcooked it during the festivities. My sister-in-law is convinced she’s an alcoholic having received a personally signed Christmas card from her local Majestic manager, whereas my wake-up call was finding a passer-by photographing the New Year’s Day empties in my recycling and beckoning a friend: ‘Chum, you’ve got to see this!’
As so it is I cling desperately to the wagon. It’s a dreary place and all that sustains me is the memory of tasting many of Swig’s glorious wines on your behalf and making this dandy selection. These are the bottles with which you should be restocking, not least because each one boasts a hearty £3 off.
The 2021 Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc (1) from Swartland, South Africa, is an old favourite. Made from hand-harvested old bush vine Chenin with touches of Grenache Blanc and Semillon, it’s full of ripe peach and pear notes, herbs and honey and I love it. £11.50 down from £14.50.
The 2020 Christoph Bauer Spezial Gruner Veltliner (2) from Weinviertel — Austria’s main winegrowing region — is a perfect expression of this increasingly popular grape. Christoph Bauer is famed for his organically produced wines and this is delectably apple-fresh and crisp with Sauvignon-like acidity tempered by a touch of honeyed cream.
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