Image: James Craxton
Sea Change Wine launched in 2018, has been supporting marine conservation and the fight against plastic pollution through its partnerships with charities such as Plastic Oceans UK (now Ocean Generation), Sea Changers and the Olive Ridley Project.
I cannot recall ever beginning a review, by mentioning the packaging but here it is, Sea Change is an eco-conscious wine brand, leading by example. The wines arrived with minimal packaging, with the unnecessary plastic wrap covering removed from the neck of the bottle and its label, made from plant based ‘Natureflex, clear’ which is fully biodegradable and compostable.
The bottle labels feature a unique sea animal illustration, hand drawn, to demonstrate the impact of marine plastic pollution. Sea Change is working hard to help turn the tide on plastic pollution by donating a percentage of each purchase to marine conservation charities, which personally, I find commendable.
As we head into Summer, my tastes change, and I feel less drawn to the heavier reds that I demand in autumn and winter, in favour of something lighter and refreshing.
Now in the interest of full disclosure, I should state that I am something of a Johnny Come Lately, where Rosé wines are concerned. However, over the last 12 months, I have had a complete ‘volte face’ and now for picnics, barbeques, and those rare trips to the beach, I am more likely to reach for a finely nuanced Rosé.
Image: Clare James
Which is where Sea Change comes in, with its exquisite Provence Rosé, packed full of zesty grapefruit, delicate white peach, and tropical pineapple flavours, and if that doesn’t scream picnic to you, I don’t know what will. Serve it chilled with summer salads, other light dishes and summer salads.
The Sea Change Provence Rosé is available to buy online at www.seachangewine.com at £16.99 RRP. The Provence Rose
No matter how evangelical my conversion to Rosé wine, I could never forsake my first love that is red wine, in these summer months, I crave a lighter red. Step forward Negroamaro 2019, a real hidden gem of a wine, hailing from Pugila in Italy and blending the taste of fruit led Merlot and a flavoursome Malbec.
Versatile, easy-drinking, Sea Change Negroamaro is medium bodied with a velvety mouth feel, well balanced, with flavours of berry fruits, especially red and black cherry at the forefront. A lovely lingering finish is one to savour. Medium bodied with soft tannins, the initial burst of bright fruit is followed by a smooth, lingering finish.
This wine is the perfect accompaniment to any Italian dish, like a wholesome tomato-based pasta or crispy stone baked pizza – both taste great alongside a glass of Sea Change Negroamaro
Best drunk when youthful and fresh (the wine not the drinker), at room temperature, or just below. Sea Change Negroamaro 2019 RRP £10.49 www.seachangewine.com