Bradleys’ Wine Lover’s Guide: Top 10 Must Try Wines for Every Occasion

As wine lovers, we know that choosing the perfect wine for each occasion can turn an ordinary gathering into a memorable celebration. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet evening, or celebrating a special milestone, the right wine can make all the difference.

To help you choose the perfect wine, we have put together a Wine Lovers Guide with our top 10 favourite wines including some white, red, orange and sparkling wines. All of them are ‘must-try’ wines suitable for various occasions. Each one has been carefully selected by the Bradley’s team to offer you a delightful adventure through the world of wines.

Bradley’s Must Try White Wines

Let’s start with white wines and two wines that are certain to be crowd pleasers at your next soiree. Remember, white wine is best enjoyed chilled and pairs perfectly with seafood, poultry, light pasta dishes, and fresh summer salads. Our two white wine recommendations are the Wooly Sheep Sauvignon Blanc and the Pazo das Bruxas Albariño.

1. Wooly Sheep Sauvignon Blanc

Originating from New Zealand, Wooly Sheep Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant and zesty white wine. With its crisp acidity and notes of tropical fruits and gooseberries, this wine is perfect for a summer picnic or a light seafood dish. It’s refreshing and invigorating, making it an excellent choice for warm weather gatherings.

2. Pazo das Bruxas Albariño

Hailing from closer to Ireland, Pazo das Bruxas Albariño comes to you from the Rías Baixas region in Spain. This is a white wine that embodies the essence of coastal vineyards. Its citrus and floral aromas, combined with a hint of minerality, make it an ideal pairing for shellfish and other seafood. Enjoy this wine during a sophisticated dinner party or a relaxed evening by the sea.

Bradley’s Must Try Rosé Wines

Rosé wine is a pink-hued wine, known for its refreshing qualities, fruity flavours, and versatility, is perfect for warm weather. It is particularly popular in France, especially in the Provence region, which is known for producing some of the best rosés. Our two Rosé wine recommendations are the Rosabelle Grenache Rosé and Minuty Côtes de Provence Rosé – both of which are French rosés.

3. Rosabelle Grenache Rosé

Rosabelle Grenache Rosé is a delightful French wine with a pale pink hue and vibrant flavours of red berries and citrus. This rosé is perfect for brunches, garden parties, or simply sipping on a sunny day. Its light and refreshing character make it a versatile choice for various occasions.

4. Minuty Côtes de Provence Rosé

From the renowned Provence region in France, Minuty Côtes de Provence Rosé offers an elegant balance of floral and fruity notes. Its delicate structure and refreshing acidity make it an excellent companion for salads, grilled vegetables, and light appetisers. This wine is ideal for enjoying during a sophisticated outdoor gathering.

Bradley’s Must Try Orange Wines

For a wine that will impress your guests and pique their interest, serve a chilled orange wine.

Orange wine is gaining popularity among adventurous wine enthusiasts and sommeliers, This is a unique, amber coloured wine made from white grapes with extended skin contact, offering bold and complex flavours.

Orange wine is sought after due to its niche production, unconventional methods, and limited availability compared to more traditional wine varieties. Produced in smaller quantities by select wineries, Orange wine is a treat not to be missed.

5. Salamandre Grenache Blanc Orange Wine

Salamandre Grenache Blanc Orange Wine is an intriguing choice for those looking to explore something different. This wine, with its extended skin contact during fermentation, boasts complex flavours of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Perfect for adventurous wine lovers, it pairs well with rich dishes like roasted meats and hearty stews.

6. Fratelli Felix Campania Bianco Orange Wine

Fratelli Felix Campania Bianco Orange Wine from Italy offers a unique tasting experience with its blend of floral, fruity, and earthy notes. This orange wine is ideal for pairing with Mediterranean cuisine, such as grilled fish, olives, and savoury pastries. Its bold character makes it a conversation starter at any dinner party.

Bradley’s Must Try Red Wines

Red wine, rich and complex, has been enjoyed since ancient times; the oldest known red wine dates back 6,000 years.

The rule of thumb, with red wine, is that it should be served at room temperature, ideally between 60-65°F (15-18°C). However, it can be slightly chilled if preferred, and many red wines benefit from decanting to enhance their flavours and aromas.

Our two red wine recommendations are the Matsu El Picaro Toro Tempranillo and the Alpha Zeta R Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso.

7. Matsu El Pícaro Toro Tempranillo

Matsu El Picaro Toro Tempranillo from Spain is a robust and full-bodied red wine. With its rich flavours of black fruits, liquorice, and spices, this wine is perfect for pairing with grilled meats and hearty stews. Its bold character makes it a great choice for a winter gathering or a cosy evening by the fire.

8. Alpha Zeta R Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

Alpha Zeta R Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso from Italy is a smooth and velvety red wine. Known for its rich cherry and plum flavours with hints of chocolate and spice, it pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, roasted meats, and aged cheeses. This wine is ideal for a romantic dinner or an elegant celebration.

Bradley’s Must Try Sparkling Wine/Champagne

Sparkling wine, including Champagne, offers effervescent joy with its lively bubbles and vibrant flavours. Originating from France’s Champagne region, it has celebrated countless milestones since the 17th century.

Sparkling wines and Champagnes are most popular during celebrations like New Year’s Eve, weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions, where their festive bubbles add a touch of elegance and joy. However, while often associated with celebrations, sparkling wine is versatile and can be enjoyed casually with a variety of foods, making it suitable for any occasion.

Our two red wine recommendations are the Gustav Lorentz Crémant d’Alsace and the ol Roger NV Champagne.

9. Gustav Lorentz Crémant d’Alsace

Gustav Lorentz Crémant d’Alsace is a sparkling wine from France that offers a delightful alternative to Champagne. With its fine bubbles and notes of apples, pears, and brioche, it is perfect for toasting special occasions or enjoying as an aperitif. Its elegance and freshness make it a versatile choice for various celebrations.

10. Pol Roger NV Champagne

Pol Roger NV Champagne is a classic choice for those looking to celebrate in style. This prestigious Champagne from France features a perfect balance of citrus, almond, and toast flavours, with a creamy texture and persistent bubbles. Ideal for weddings, anniversaries, or any significant milestone, Pol Roger NV Champagne adds a touch of luxury to any event.

Whether you prefer white, rosé, orange, red, or sparkling wines, this guide aims to offer you a curated selection of must-try wines for every occasion.

Each wine brings its own unique story and flavour profile, ensuring that you can find the perfect bottle to enhance your special moments. Cheers to discovering new favourites and making unforgettable memories with these exceptional wines.

At Bradleys specialist off-licence, you can choose from our huge range of quality wines to find your perfect bottle. Everything from white and red wine to rosé or organic, we have you covered. Our wine range reflects many personal favourites which we are happy to stand over and recommend.

Get everything you need on our website www.bradley’s off licence.ie. Bradley’s Off Licence is a specialist off licence and food store that has proudly served the people of Cork City since 1850.