5 magnums to send your father this Father’s Day
Are you looking to do something special for your father this Father's Day? Look no further...each of these magnums provides the perfect gift.
Words: Izzie Price
If there was ever a year to show your father how much you appreciate him, it would be this year. All the usual occasions for having an in-depth, much needed catch up with the parents — family reunions, weddings, Christmas, Sunday lunches, weekends at home in the countryside — have been rife with cancellations, restrictions and limits, leaving many familial chinwags restricted to the grainy, patchy realm of video calls.
So this year, more than ever, why not show your father how much he means to you? We understand that Father’s Day is a tricky one to get right, with a need to demonstrate strong affection without going down the route of the high falutin — but that’s why we’re here. And, luckily for you, we’ve deduced that a magnum would go a long way this Father’s Day. It’s a strong statement of familial devotion, and it’s guaranteed to be enjoyed by the happy recipient: so we’ve curated a list of the best magnums to send your father this Sunday. Be sure to send him our regards.
Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV
Where is it made? We’re sure you’re familiar with Louis Roederer. After all, who isn’t? But we’ll take any excuse to wax lyrical about the house’s 240 hectares of vineyards, located exclusively in the Grands and Premier Crus of the Marne, France. This particular Champagne is one third Chardonnay and two thirds Pinots, as well as 10 percent of reserve wines which have been aged in oak casks for between two and five years.
What does it taste like? Both smooth and complex, the palate sees flavours of white-fleshed fruit such as apple and pear mingling with raspberries, cherries and blackberries, together with discernible notes of toast and almonds.
What does it pair with? This is another bottle that will go supremely well with fish dishes; and with shellfish, in particular. To ensure your father has the jubilant, celebratory meal he deserves this Father’s Day, allow us to suggest a paella recipe that might be just the thing.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV
Where is it made? England: West Sussex, to be specific. If you’re not already familiar with the joys of Nyetimber, let us fill that knowledge gap without further ado: Nyetimber provides some of the finest English sparkling wine you’re likely to find. The estate comprises 170 hectares of vines planted on the chalky, sandy soils of the South Downs: the perfect terroir for the perfect sparkling wine.
What does it taste like? Flowing into the glass in a twinkling, pale gold hue, this is a complex wine — and it’s all the better for its complexity. Distinctive toast and spice notes make themselves apparent on the nose, followed by gentle hints of baked apple, almond, honey and baker’s yeast on the palate.
What does it pair with? If your father likes fish, he’s in for a treat — this wine pairs delightfully with fresh, hearty meat and fish dishes. A crab meat salad is recommended — perfect for a hot, sunny Father’s Day — or you could push the boat out, and opt for a lobster centrepiece. And we’ve got the perfect lobster-themed recipe for you…
AIX Rosé
Where is it made? AIX is another one that we’d generally assume all gentlemen have prior knowledge of; but just in case, allow us to inform any non-initiated men that this particular wine hails from Provence, France; just an hour northeast from the city of Aix-en-Provence. Maison Saint Aix is a 130-year old winery with 75 hectares of vineyards, and remains one of the largest domains in the famous AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence appellation.
What does it taste like? That blissfully refreshing salmon colour expertly hides the initial aromas on the nose, which are so fresh and fruity they verge on candied. On the palate, red fruit and citrus flavours make themselves abundantly known, together with a touch of spice for a fresh, crisp flavour.
What does it pair with? If your father has a pool, that’s certainly the best place to enjoy this delectable rosé; and if he has a barbecue, even better. This wine will be exquisitely accompanied by any barbequed seafood (or any barbequed dish, full stop); and if he hasn’t yet found the perfect piece of BBQ kit, allow us to suggest a few that may work…
Boekenhoutskloof ‘The Chocolate Block’
Where is it made? South Africa. In fact, Boekenhoutskloof received the great honour of being named Platter’s South African Winery of the Year in 2020 — which bodes well for this particular bottle. Boekenhout was founded in 1776 in the Franschhoek valley (in the Western Cape), and is currently under the stewardship of Marc Kent: the same fellow who was voted Diners Club Winemaker of the Year in 2007.
What does it taste like? Don’t be a-feared; it doesn’t actually taste anything like chocolate (cue sighs of relief from fathers everywhere). Instead, it comprises a rich blend of dark fruits — such as plum, cherry, blackberry and blueberry — exquisitely balanced by hints of aniseed and tobacco. Just the thing for any patriarchs partial to a delectable red wine.
What does it pair with? Rustic is the name of the game here; and if your father can get his hands on some rustic Italian fare, in particular, that’s even better. Mushroom risotto is the perfect dish, in this regard (all the more so if porcini mushrooms feature in the recipe); but if your father isn’t particularly partial to mushrooms, we can suggest some alternative risotto recipes…
Ruinart ‘Blanc de Blanc’ Brut NV
Where is it made? We’ve waxed lyrical about Ruinart often enough; but that’s for good reason. The vineyard continues to maintain its status as the first Champagne house in France’s Champagne region. In fact, the white chalk quarries of Maison Ruinart, where the grapes are grown nearly 40 metres below ground level, are now listed as a World Heritage Site.
What does it taste like? The bright yellow colour of this champagne offers a tantalising hint of the flavours that are yet to appear; and it doesn’t disappoint. With distinct notes of nectarine on the nose, the palate gives way to an impeccably balanced cocktail of brioche, coffee, apples and almonds; perfectly counterbalanced by the merest hint of Chardonnay-influenced acidity.
What does it pair with? This is a versatile one; so, really, it’s perfect for any father with many and varied food tastes. Creamy cheeses tend to be a good accompaniment; and, since it’s sure to be a hot, sunny day (touch wood), we’d advise going back to the shellfish (or grilled fish) option. Whether mussels or oysters, we’ve got you covered there. Champagne and shellfish: a wonderful Father’s Day, indeed.
Your father may be receiving a magnum this Father’s Day, but what about you? We’ve got you covered: here’s why luxury cider should be your decadent drink of choice this summer
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