THE BEST WELSH WINE PAIRINGS
Originally brought to Wales by the Romans, the art of winemaking was reintroduced in 1875, when the country’s first commercial vineyard was planted near Castell Coch for Lord Bute. But World War I ended UK wine production, and winemaking didn’t return to Wales until the 1970s. Today, the Welsh wine industry is booming, with almost 30 vineyards across Wales.
PAIRINGS
Chardonnay 2018, Ancre Hill Estates
Monmouth-based Ancre Hill Estates creates a range of organic wines from their south-facing vineyards, from sparkling rosé to pinot noir. We recommend pairing their 2018 Chardonnay with a creamy Brie or Camembert-style cheese, such as Angiddy, Cenarth Brie or Perl Wen – or the Gouda-style Teifi Natural.
Solaris 2018, Montgomery Vineyards
The zesty Solaris 2018 from Montgomery Vineyards in Powys won silver at the 2019 Welsh Wine Awards and pairs beautifully with a good Caerffili such as Thelma Caerffili, Teifi Caerphilly or Cenarth Caerffili; or, alternatively, a fresh goat’s cheese – we’d opt for Tysilio or Pant-Ys-Gawn.
RONDO 2020, Gwinllan Vineyards
Aged in 2 year old Barolo Barrels, 2020 Rondo has developed into a stunning vintage, which we think is the best we have seen to date! Similar in style to a Malbec. This red goes perfectly with Local salt marsh Welsh lamb cutlets, chargrilled on the barbeque or with a steaming bowl of ‘Cawl’ on a cold winter night! This also pairs beautifully with a good cheddar such as Snowdonia Black bomber; the perfect pudding post roast!