A long lunch needs very little: good food, great company and wine that keeps pace with a celebration. The trick is choosing bottles that are delicious enough to make an occasion of it, but versatile enough to move effortlessly from the first glass to the last. Editor Trudi Brewer shares the lineup we will be serving at our spring BeautyEQ long lunch.
There is nothing better than starting a long lunch with something chilled and effortlessly chic — a pale French rosé to sip with nibbles as everyone settles in. Move on to a fruity, softly creamy Chardonnay alongside lunch, then bring out a lush, velvety Italian red when the conversation gets longer, the food gets richer, and nobody is quite ready to go home. From hosting a ladies' lunch, a leisurely weekend away, or a dinner with old friends, these three bottles have the food-friendly versatility and easy-drinking appeal to keep the afternoon flowing.
Best Rośe: Saint Max Côtes de Provence Rosé, $25
Some wines practically come with their own holiday soundtrack. Saint Max Côtes de Provence Rosé is one of them — pale pink, effortlessly elegant and made for long lunches, sunny afternoons and that moment when someone says: Shall we open another bottle? From the renowned Château Mont-Redon winery in the Rhône Valley of France, which is the largest producer of wine in the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This blush pink rosé blends Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes. The first impression is its delicate, almost translucent pink colour — the classic visual signature of Provence rosé. But don't let the blush fool you into thinking it's all about prettiness. This 2023 vintage opens with vibrant grapefruit and peach, followed by a delicate, fresh mid-palate. It's dry, citrusy, and refreshing. And uncomplicated is exactly the point. But perhaps its greatest appeal is its versatility. It’s the perfect aperitif; take it to a barbecue, and serve it at a long ladies’ lunch. We keep a bottle cold for when the afternoon calls for something pink, crisp, and French. Pour it well chilled, and you add the sunshine.
Graze with: A platter of cheeses and seeded crackers.
Dine with: Fresh fish and Mediterranean vegetables with citrus dressing.
best Chardonnay: Domaine Paul Mas Estate Nicole Vineyard Chardonnay, $26
Forget everything you've heard or read about Chardonnay being either too buttery or too oaky; this French Chardonnay takes a fresher, more elegant route. Featuring ringing ripe tropical fruit and bright citrus lemon, it sits comfortably in the sweet spot between crisp and creamy. In other words: sunshine, but with restraint. Domaine Paul Mas has deep roots in France's Languedoc region; the Mas family have been cultivating grapes there since 1892. Nicole Vineyard is part of that story, producing wines that showcase the warmth and generosity of southern France while retaining the freshness that makes Chardonnay so food-friendly.
This Chardonnay features stone-fruit flavours and gentle creaminess on the palate, balanced by refreshing acidity, while subtle oak adds texture without dominating.
It’s the perfect wine to introduce your taste buds to French Chardonnay without the price tag that can come with others. It's a little taste of the Languedoc sunshine — and at this price, an excellent bottle to keep chilled for an impromptu dinner, leisurely lunch or simply because it's Friday.
Graze with: Creamy burrata or goat's cheese, with pear, crackers and a little honey.
Dine with: A creamy pasta or chicken salad.
best red: Pasqua Desire Lush And Zin Primitivo Puglia, $23
Transport your taste buds to Italy with this big-hearted, juicy Puglian red that delivers exactly what its name promises: lush, generous and very moreish.
Made from 100 per cent Primitivo, an Italian grape closely related to Zinfandel, it grows in Puglia in southern Italy—a region known for sun-soaked vineyards and richly flavoured reds. The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and crushed, then undergo pre-fermentation maceration and mature in wood for around six months, bringing nuances of liquorice, vanilla, coffee, and cocoa to life. This wine and its label reflect the passion and energy of the Pasqua family, who have been winemaking since 1925. It’s best described as soft and velvety, and very indulgent. It’s the kind of red you could order in pizza and share with old friends, or enjoy over a decadent long lunch with your favourite clients - no dress code required.
Graze with: Hard cheese like cheddar and Parmesan, salty crackers.
Dine with: Pizza, pasta, or slow-cooked meats with seasonal greens.
A variety to suit every taste.