There's something wonderfully civilised about enjoying a glass of quality white wine with lunch. Whether you're dining al fresco on a rare sunny day or enjoying a cosy pub lunch when the weather is typically British, the right white wine can elevate your midday meal from ordinary to exceptional.
While the focus here is on exceptional wines rather than food pairings, we'll touch on some classic British lunch options that work brilliantly with these stellar white wines. From premium Chablis to zesty New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, here's our guide to the best white wines for your lunchtime pleasure.
Domaine Fillon, Chablis 1er Cru 'Les Beauregards', 2020
This exceptional Premier Cru Chablis comes from Domaine Fillon & Fils, a fourth-generation family estate deeply rooted in the heart of Chablis. Their commitment to quality-driven, terroir-expressive wines is exemplified in this stunning 2020 vintage.
Sourced from 35-year-old vines planted on classic Kimmeridgian limestone soils, this wine offers remarkable depth and complexity. The ageing on fine lees adds beautiful texture, while the wine maintains that characteristic Chablis mineral freshness. Expect vibrant aromas of green apple skin and preserved lemon, complemented by notes of almond, kaffir lime, and sour pineapple, with a yoghurt-like creaminess that rounds out the palate.
This sophisticated white pairs brilliantly with a classic British seafood lunch – think dressed Colchester oysters or a Devon crab sandwich on freshly baked sourdough.
Domaine Devillard, 'Le Renard' Chardonnay, 2018
From the prestigious Devillard family, known for their exceptional Burgundian estates, comes this elegant 'Le Renard' Chardonnay. Though modestly labelled, it benefits from the same expert winemaking team behind their renowned Premier and Grand Cru wines.
The 2018 vintage has matured beautifully, developing layers of ripe apple and peach flavours with subtle spice notes. The gentle creaminess from bottle age provides wonderful depth, while the refreshing acidity keeps everything in perfect balance. This is white Burgundy at its approachable best – complex yet charming.
Pair this refined Chardonnay with a traditional roast chicken and bread sauce served with seasonal vegetables – a quintessential British Sunday lunch that works equally well midweek when time allows.
Totara, Premium Sauvignon Blanc, 2022
New Zealand's Marlborough region has revolutionised how we think about Sauvignon Blanc, and Totara's Premium offering showcases exactly why. Named after a native New Zealand tree revered for its strength, the Totara winery benefits from diverse vineyard sites across Marlborough's Wairau plains and Awatere valley.
This vibrant Sauvignon Blanc bursts with the classic lime, green apple and gooseberry notes that made New Zealand famous for this variety, complemented by tropical hints of mango and passionfruit. The palate is bright and well-defined, with juicy acidity and a refreshing finish that carries a subtle herbaceous character.
This wine shines alongside a classic British pub lunch of beer-battered fish and chips with minted mushy peas – the zesty acidity cutting beautifully through the richness of the batter.
Viña Costeira, Tambora Albariño, 2022
While Spain might not be the first country that springs to mind when thinking about white wine, Albariño from Galicia in Spain's northwest is rapidly gaining recognition across the UK. Viña Costeira, founded in 1968, stands as a benchmark producer in the Rías Baixas region.
Their 2022 Tambora Albariño is a true delight – bursting with tropical aromas of pineapple and mango alongside vibrant citrus zest. The palate delivers crisp green apple and lemon flavours with a distinctive mineral backbone that reflects its coastal origins. The finish is long and mouth-watering – precisely what you want in a food-friendly white.
Try this Spanish beauty with a British ploughman's lunch featuring mature Cheddar, Branston pickle, crusty bread and apple – the wine's bright acidity balances the richness of the cheese perfectly.
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Whether you're enjoying a special lunch occasion or simply elevating your midday meal, these outstanding white wines – representing different grape varieties from classic wine regions – demonstrate that lunchtime wine doesn't need to be an afterthought. From the mineral precision of Chablis to the tropical exuberance of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, there's a perfect white wine waiting to complement your favourite British lunch.
