At The Oxford Wine Company we spend our days surrounded by thousands of delicious wines, spirits and beers. But which of them do we decide to drink at home? Take a look below for our team’s top picks for this month.
What We’re Drinking in May
Ted Sandbach, Owner & Chairman
Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula 2023 – £37.50 £33.75 – A delightfully soft and elegant wine from Mornington Peninsula which is much better value than any Burgundy at this price. Not an everyday or party wine, of course, but one to share with someone special or simply drink on your own.
Amie X Rosé 2023 – £17.50 £15.75 – Amie x Rosé is a pale, dry rosé that balances freshness with subtle fruitiness. Crafted from Grenache grapes in the south of France, it gives a crisp, elegant profile with notes of citrus and peach.
Neil Gladding, Sales Director
Château Pas du Cerf Diane Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2023 –£18.50 £16.65 – Everyone needs a go-to Provence rosé for summer! And this is delicious.
Jacques Charlet Terra Occitana Pinot Noir, Vin de France 2023 – £12.75 £11.48- This is a great summer red. Chill it slightly for the best experience.
Domaine Jean-Francois Protheau, Montagny 2020 – £29.75 £26.78- This is a classic white Burgundy – indulgent but worth it.
John Shuckburgh, WSET Educator
Domaine Grier Maccabeu, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2023 – £12.75 £11.48 – Great fridge-door white! A Southern French wine made from a grape – Maccabeu – that is shared with Spain, where it can be found in Cava and white Rioja .
Domaine Grier Grenache Noir, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2023 – £12.75 £11.48 – Juicy everyday red! From the region closest to the Spanish border and showcasing Grenache – one of Spain’s important black grapes.
Quinta do Noval 10 Year Old Tawny Port NV – £29.50 £26.78 – Classic dark, stewed fruit flavours mingle in a luscious palate with smoky, nutty notes from oak ageing. This is a benchmark Tawny that is great value for money. Pass the cheeseboard!
Aljoscha Wright, Buyer
Amaro Montenegro – £26.50 £23.85 – A lighter Amaro for fresh zesty summer cocktails.
Dominio de Tares El Paisano de Tares 2023 – £14.50 £13.05 – Stick this in the fridge for a quick chill and it becomes a great accompaniment to gardening.
Alheit Vineyards Cartology, Western Cape 2023 – £37.75 £33.98 –Sourced from super old, low-yielding vines, this is an absolute cult Chenin.
Manda Joyce, Wine Advisor
Vinos del Viento Wanna Be Pét-Nat 2024 – £18.50 £16.65 – Resolve the red vs white dilemma! I served this pink sparkler recently to friends with opposing wine tastes and they both thoroughly enjoyed it.
Bodegas Barbadillo Sábalo, Vino de la Tierra de Cádiz 2022 – £17.50 £15.75 – The grape usually used to make sherry is presented here unfortified (and 11.5%), unoaked and organic. It is complex, silky, fresh with a kind of briney-chalkiness. Wonderful with fish and seafood.
Château Megyer Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos, 50cl 2018 – £29.75 £26.78 – Stunningly intense sweet wine, dried apricot, honey, candied peel with (and here’s why it’s so great) perfectly balanced acidity. Yes, with dessert, but also strong cheese.
Katy Barker, Retail Marketing Manager
Emilia Lambrusco IGT ‘Fontana dei Boschi’, Graziano 2022 – £29.75 £26.88- Had this recently with a creamy steak pasta, and it absolutely hit the spot. Bursting with wild strawberries and blackberries, with a subtle hint of balsamic in the background.
Thomas Stopfer, Zweigelt Classic, Wagram 2023 – £14.75 £13.28 – This is an easy going, super drinkable red that is the perfect pairing for a summer evening. It’s packed with juicy cherries and bramble, with just a little hint of spice to keep things interesting.
Clos Del Rey Le Sabina Blanc, Côtes du Roussillon AOP 2024 – £15.75 £14.18 – Deliciously creamy, juicy number from the south of France, with notes of white peach, pear and citrus zest with subtle minerality.
Mark Warde-Aldam, Shop Manager
Inniskillin Gold Niagra Vidal Icewine 37.5cl 2022 – £54.50 £49.05 – Icewine from Canada that is intensely tropical with citrus flavours, with rich sweetness and crisp acidity.
Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla 50cl NV – £12.75 £11.48 – My favourite Manzanilla in a handy 50cl bottle. Make sure you have some salted almonds on hand. Marriage in heaven!
Clos De Chevigné Les Morats, Saint-Veran 2022 – £25.75 £23.18 – Looking for value in Burgundy? Go to the Côte Chalonnaise! Light oak with plenty of depth.
Min Yee Tseu, Corporate and University Account Manager
Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Blancs, Sussex 2019 – £45.00 £40.50 –This is a wonderful Blanc de Blancs from a fantastic English sparkling wine producer – think lots of green apple and croissant against a refreshing acid backbone.
The Isle of Raasay Hebridean Gin – £40.00 £36.00 – A zesty and juniper-led gin that’s perfect for Negronis or G&Ts from a Scottish island that has only 161 people (and counting)!
Greco DOP Janare Selezione, La Guardiense 2023 – £13.75 £12.38 – A surprisingly easy going white wine that’s made from an indigenous Italian variety and is perfect for warmer evenings.
Emily Silva, Head of Retail and Marketing
Txomin Etxaniz Txakolí, Pays Basque 2023 – £18.50 £16.65 – Sunny afternoons are coming, and that always puts me in mind of crisp, zesty white wines – preferably paired with shellfish. If that’s your thing too, you should pick up a bottle of this Txakoli to keep on standby in the fridge! Pure Basque brilliance.
Domaine Gayda, Figure Libre Cabernet Franc, Pays d’Oc 2023 – £20.00 £18.00 – This longtime OWC favourite never fails to deliver. With dense dark berry fruit and a delicious herbal lift, this is a delicious example of Cabernet Franc from a fantastic Roussillon estate.
Domaine Jean-Max Roger Sancerre Rosé Cuvée Clocher d’Amélie 2023 – £22.50 £20.25 – If you love Provence Rosé but fancy a change, this Sancerre Rosé may be just the thing. Dry, delicate and very elegant, this pink Pinot Noir has a gorgeously soft, seamless texture and long, harmonious finish.
Nick Gorton, Shop Manager
Tio Pepe Fino En Rama Saca 2025 75cl – £21.00 £18.90 – We always eagerly await the release of Tio Pepe’s Fino En Rama each year, and this year’s release is no disappointment! A crisp, refreshing fino with a bit of extra texture and body from minimal filtration.
Orange Pinot Gris Rosé, Tsarev Brod Winery 2022 – £20.75 £18.68 – Somewhere between Orange and Rosé, this Bulgarian gem is a must-try for those who like funky wines. With red and stone fruit character and some texture and grip from skin contact makes for an excellent wine with food, but still delicious on its own.
S A Prum Essence Riesling Feinherb 2023 – £13.75 £12.38 – A wine that I can drink at any point in the year, but coming into its own as the days lengthen and weather warms. Stone fruit aplenty, and a touch of residual sugar to balance the zingy Riesling acidity. Another picnic favourite.
Thom Allinson, Buying & Logistics
Rathfinny Mini Classic Cuvée, Sussex 50cl 2021 – £24.50 £22.05 – The ideal size bottle for sharing (according to Winston Churchill). Perfect for a picnic around Blenheim.
Rayos & Truenos L’Enfant Verdejo, Rueda 2022 – £13.75 £12.38 – From a lesser-known Spanish region, Rueda, this white is crisp and refreshing, a real crowd pleaser!
Bodega Del Rio Elorza ‘Verum’ Pinot Noir, Patagonia 2023 – £17.25 £15.53 – A really expressive Pinot with crunchy red fruit at the forefront, followed by earthy and chocolate notes on the finish.
Emma Bristow, Wine Advisor
Vignoble Guillaume Flûte Enchantée: Classic Label NV, Franche-Comté NV – £21.75 £19.58 – Wonderful sparkling wine from the Franche-Comté region of France. Pear, quince and apple notes on the palate enveloped in a rich toasty pastry finish. Elegant and persistent bubbles with a long finish.
Georgiev/Milkov Rubin Brestovitsa Single Vineyard, Thracian Valley 2023 – £25.75 £23.18 –100% Rubin grape which is a crossing of Syrah and Nebbiolo. Aged for 10 months in a mix of Bulgarian and French oak. Aromas of raspberry and black cherry followed by notes.
Domaine Sauvion Chardonnay ‘Le Bois Chalard’ Val de Loire 2023 – £11.75 £10.58 – Easy drinking unoaked Chardonnay from the Loire valley. Elegantly crisp with notes of white blossom, citrus, stone fruits and melon.
Romain Alaphilippe, Shop Manager
Domaine Désiré Petit, Trousseau Rouge ‘Les Grandes Gardes’ Arbois 2023 – £29.75 £26.78 – Bright, peppery, and utterly Jura—this Trousseau delivers crunchy red fruit, earthy spice, and just the right touch of rustic charm. A fresh and vibrant snapshot of Arbois in a glass.
Vignoble Guillaume Pinot Noir Vieilles Vignes, Franche-Comté 2023 – £28.75 £25.88 – Just as impressive as their sparkling wines, this Pinot Noir opens with a beautifully Burgundian nose and follows through with a juicy, fruit-forward palate that’s pure Pfalz charm. Hats off to our wine buyers for spotting this standout bottle.
Lucy Harrison, Shop Manager
Buil & Giné, Joan Giné Blanc, Priorat 2020 – £24.75 £22.28 – I’m glad this is back on the shelf! A wonderfully textural white from Priorat, usually known for its reds. Full of peaches, citrus, a touch of ginger as well as a subtle toastiness.
Double Barrelled Parka, Pale Ale 440ml – £4.25 £3.83 – A juicy and refreshing pale ale from my hometown, with citrus and tropical notes- perfect for sitting in the garden in the sun!
Vinos del Viento Garnacha Old Vines, Campo de Borja 2021 – £15.25 £13.73 – A perfect red for spring! A fresh and juicy Garnacha with vibrant red fruit, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs.
Duncan Laing, Wine Advisor
St Hallett ‘Gamekeepers’ Grenache Shiraz Touriga 2017 – £11.48 £12.75 – Up your game with this unique blend, combining two Rhone favourites and the Portuguese Touriga grape (used in Port) for added structure. The touch of spice on the palate makes this a great match for Moroccan tagine, and of course venison and pheasant!
XT3 West Coast IPA, XT Brewery – £3.10 £2.79 – If you’re after a sessionable West Coast IPA, this is it! Classic citrusy aromas and a hoppy bite. Enjoy with a burger, tacos or pizza.
Peri Peri Cucula Perricone – IGT Terre Siciliane 2021 – £17.50 £15.75 – The heritage Perricone grape from the crossroads of the Mediterranean has its roots in ancient Greece. Herbal on the nose, juicy dark fruits on the palate, which is a bit reminiscent of Syrah. Try with rich tomato-based Italian dishes such as aubergine parmigiana.