Bonfire night and winter wines from Laithwaites

With the nights closing in after the clocks go back, and winter fast approaching, we have chosen some classic Laithwaites labels to drink around bonfire night and on November evenings. 

To celebrate Bonfire Night, there’s a terrific Champagne, which is currently on a half-price offer, or a top Prosecco for those wanting a slightly lower alcohol level. 

Lovers of a high-quality Chardonnay at a very competitive price will enjoy our recommendation from Limoux in southern France, while we suggest two full-bodied winter-warmer reds as well as a medium-bodied New World Pinot Noir. 

And new customers can enjoy an extra 30 per cent off when they spend £95 or more – simply enter code 30OFF at the checkout.

Louis Dumont Champagne NV 12% ABV (£19.99)

The fourth-generation Rapeneau family, owners of the GH Martel Champagne house, also makes the excellent Louis Dumont brand gold medal-winning Champagne.

Containing the holy trinity of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, this non-vintage bubbly spent three years on the lees (yeast deposits at the bottom of the vat that improve the wine’s maturation, complexity and flavour) and has complex notes of toasted brioche, bread and biscuit on the palate.

Aromas of morello cherries and almond are also detectable. A bright acidity and refreshing citrus flavours counter its creamy textures. It is half price for the Christmas period, too, which is definitely worth celebrating. 

Alessandro Gallici Prosecco Anniversario 2024, Prosecco DOC Millesimato 11% ABV (£15.99)

Originally intended as a limited edition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Laithwaites’ founding, this prosecco has proved so popular that it now has a permanent place in its portfolio.

Made from organically farmed Glera grapes in the northern Italian village of Roncade by Alessandro Gallici, with whom Laithwaites has been working for more than two decades, this is a classy Prosecco in a uniquely shaped bottle. A creamy mousse gives way to delicious lemon and peach notes ahead of a long, toasty finish.

La Voûte Sélection Terroir 2024, Vin de France, 13.5% ABV (£17.99)

A superb Chardonnay that could easily be mistaken for something much more expensive from Meursault. The fruit comes from vineyards at 300m in Limoux, an enclave within the Languedoc in southern France, close to the Pyrénées.

The appellation is renowned for its sparkling wines and has some of the most interesting Chardonnay vineyards outside Burgundy. Clay, limestone and sandstone soils, as well as an Atlantic-dominated climate with cooling winds, are perfect for the varietal.

As vinification by winemaker Mark Hoddy took place outside the designated AOC Limoux appellation, it is classified as a mere Vin de France, but this surprisingly complex wine has elegant apple, peach and citrus notes with mineral freshness, a creamy richness and a lengthy finish. Delightful as an aperitif or with food.

Purple Owl Pinot Noir 2023, California 14% ABV (£13.99)

A good-value Pinot from the coastal region of California, where the purple owl clover is a native wildflower. Known for its shaggy spikes of pink, purple or lavender-coloured flowers (which adorn the attractive label), it is a vital nectar source for bees and butterflies.

This medium-bodied wine is very drinkable with its ripe cherry and raspberry fruit, freshness and elegance. A perfect accompaniment with chicken dishes.

Aluado Alicante Bouschet 2023, Vinho Regional de Lisboa, 12% ABV (£12.99)

Whereas nearly every other black grape has colourless juice, Alicante Bouschet’s is dark, which is why this wine is inky black. It does not need long skin maceration, allowing it to have velvety tannins and be very approachable at a young age.

Produced by renowned Portuguese winemaker José Neiva Correia at his Quinta de Porto Franco estate 60km north of Lisbon, this is rich and full-bodied with notes of damson, blackberry, mocha and spice. It pairs well with grilled meats and stews.

Saracosa Governo Rosso 2024, Toscana IGT 13.5% ABV, (£19.99)

A smooth, suave and seductive blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, with black cherry notes, that is made by Sofia Barbanera from vines planted near Saracosa Hill in Tuscany. The ancient ‘Governo’ technique (or to give it its full name, as per the label, of ‘Governo all’uso Toscano’) was used for this wine’s production.

It involves drying from between five to 10 per cent of the harvest until the grapes reach a semi-raisined state in late November, then pressing them and adding the unfermented juice to the rest of the harvest that has completed alcoholic fermentation. This accelerates the secondary (or malolactic) fermentation and enhances mouthfeel, colour and concentration. It’s a perfect serve with beef or pasta. 

Shop this winter selection at laithwaites.co.uk