Staff Picks: Our Favourite Wines of May

Welcome to another month of staff picks! Each week, our team dives into our collection to select their favourite wines, offering unique perspectives for every palate.

This May, we have a fantastic selection that's sure to tantalise your taste buds, so get ready to discover your new favourite bottle!

Fraser's Brunello Alternative

The powerful elegance of a good Brunello is right up my street, but even with my staff discount, it's strictly special-occasion territory. When I'm after something in that mould but without splashing out, one I keep coming back to is Brio Toscana. It's crafted by Brunello specialists Castello Romitorio, who take just as much care over their younger, early drinking wines as they do their top end blockbusters. Whether alongside a hearty stew, a proper roast beef dinner, or—as the weather perks up—something suitably meaty off the barbecue, Brio does the trick every time. Bags of character, brilliantly drinkable, and refreshingly easy on the wallet.

Brio Toscana, Castello Romitorio

Single Price: £20.50

Mixed 6 Price: £18.50

Debbie's Lakeside Rosé

When the weather perks up, this summery rosé from Lake Garda is the bottle I quietly reach for again and again. Don’t get me wrong—I love pale, crisp Provençal pinks as much as the next person—but this takes freshness up a notch. When things get properly warm (fingers crossed), it's exactly what's needed. Think more redcurrants than strawberries, with a lovely tang of grapefruit. Chill it right down, let it work its breezy magic, and you'll soon see why it's my secret weapon for sunny afternoons. Properly refreshing, and a bit different too.

Monte del Fra Chiaretto di Bardolino

Single Price: £17.90

Mixed 6 Price: £15.90

Grace's Go-To Albariño

Albariño might be having a bit of a moment, but to be fair that's mainly because it's genuinely cracking wine, especially bottles like this. Everyone knows it's spot-on with seafood (and it really is), but there's plenty more to it than prawns and oysters. Its crisp, lemony freshness and salty edge also work wonders with creamy sauces, goats' cheese, spicy Asian dishes, even roast chicken. Plus, when I'm after something properly refreshing with enough fruity depth to enjoy on its own on a warm May evening, this hits the spot every single time.

El Camaron Albarino

Single Price: £17.50

Mixed 6 Price: £15.50

Phil's Unexpected Alvarinho

French name, Portuguese grape – that got my attention. What was Alvarinho doing in the Languedoc, a good few hundred miles from its usual Atlantic playground? Turns out, Domaine de la Grande Courtade are having a bit of fun – and it’s paid off. Grown on cooler sites and picked early to keep its zip, this version keeps all the fresh citrus and peachy lift you'd expect, just with a bit more Mediterranean sunshine. It’s crisp, vibrant, and dangerously drinkable. Unexpected? Yes. But it really works – and I’ve been enjoying it every time the sun’s out.