The UK may have got into gear relatively recently with winemaking, but we’ve long been producing quality drinks from our orchard fruit. Expert Susy Atkins rounds up the best. Plus... distillery news
MATCH OF THE MONTH Tesco Finest Saint Chinian 2021, Languedoc, France 13.5% The rich flavour of venison means it can take on a full-bodied red, and this southern French blend of mainly syrah and grenache is perfect for the venison steaks, celeriac mash and blackberry gravy on p122. There’s a sturdy structure with plump cassis and notes of blackberry. £9, Tesco
Tiptree English Quince Liqueur, Essex 28% With its spicy aroma and honeyed quince flavour, this is an autumnal delight. Based on Hayman’s gin, it’s a luscious digestif on its own. Alternatively, top up a shot with fizz for an instant orchard cocktail. £19.99 for 35cl, tiptree.com
Adnams Quince Gin, Southwold, Suffolk 40% Quince juice and botanicals have been added to gin here and the result is an intriguing, fruity spirit with a jasmine whiff and plenty of ripe orchard fruit sitting somewhere between quince and ripe yellow pear. Makes a juicy G&T. £26.99 for 70cl, adnams.co.uk
M&S Cornish Cider with Blackberry & Blackcurrant 4% Bright cerise, lightly sparkling fruit cider with a crisp, tart streak to balance its sweetness. The berries shine through; chill it for a charcuterie board or chicken liver paté. £2.50 for 500ml, Marks & Spencer, Ocado
Sandford Orchards Vintage Apple & Oak, Devon 6.7% A properly dry and mouthwatering cider aged in new oak barrels after fermentation, which has added intricate notes of toast and vanilla. It’s strong and robust so it stands up well to cold pork cuts and hard cheeses. £2.80 for 500ml, sandfordorchards.co.uk
Somerset 5 Year Old Cider Brandy 42% Every bit as good as many a bottle of calvados, Julian Temperley’s cider brandy is made entirely from Somerset apples at his distillery in Burrow Hill. Expect warming layers of wood-spice, mellow ripe apples and peppery toffee nuances. £39.45 for 70cl, spiritskiosk.com; £42.94, masterofmalt.com
English Vintage Perry 2022, Herefordshi
