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Ahoy Hot Bottlers!

2016 has bravely turned to February after January stormed the ramparts and claimed victory here at Castle Vino. What a start to the year adventuring with James Martin helping celebrate Chewton Glen’s 50th birthday as master of ceremonies with Mary Berry by my side.  Huzzah! I'm looking forward to Saturday Kitchen celebrating Chinese New Year at 10am on BBC1 this Saturday 6th February. It’s the Year of the Monkey and while my producer hasn’t entirely ruled out a trip to the jungle, I’m hopeful we’ll swing some monkey magic your way. And lush wines, of course.

I’ll be back on Radio 2 in a few weeks time to tantalise you with a brand new show and sitting in again for Clare Balding to present Good Morning Sunday on April 17th. Tune in, tweet or email the show for your dedications nearer the time - gms@bbc.co.uk

As I type this I am in the south of Spain deep in sherry country tasting a wine that’s as rare a unicorn. Some of these old sherries, more than 100 years old, have made my eyes well up such is the intensity of sipping all that time. That, and their price tags. Look out for my coverage of these rare beauties in The Mail on Sunday’s Event Magazine on 28th February.

But sound the Trump Of Good Taste and ignite the Orb of Awesomeness because my new Fizz Glass has just landed in the UK - Huzzah! Aside from it being perfect timing for the ideal Valentine's gift to be topped up with the Fizz of the Gods, I am thrilled with the design of my Fizz Glass to complement The Glass. The Fizz Glass has a short stem to fit in the dishwasher, is individually mouth blown, doesn't cloud (thanks to non-lead crystal) and is beautifully crafted to bring out the best in your bubbly for maximum enjoyment. As if you need an excuse to drink more fizz (I’m looking at you, Mum) go and pop your cork at ollysmith.com/shop and secure your Fizz Glass today.

The testing, as you can imagine, was extensive here at HQ with thanks to my buddy Daniel Primack of Winerackd who helped with the design and Zalto who actually made it all happen over in Austria - cheers you guys.

Now, to business. It's the Six Nations! This is Barney’s favourite sporting tournament resulting in delighted barking with every single try and conversion, (he mainly supports England but being a Border Terrier proudly snuffles and huffs whenever Scotland takes the field). Whether you’re a rugby fan or just a lover of fabulous tipples, here are a few Hot Bottles from across Europe to celebrate this momentous Rugby showcase which always heralds the coming of Spring.

HOT BOTTLES

England: Wiston Estate Rosé Brut 2011 (12%) £35.95 Corney & Barrow. This ain’t just one of the best bubblies in Britain, it’s fizz that stacks up on the international stage and then some. Gorgeously racy and poised, this pink sparkling award-winning star is like a ref with the respect of every captain and every coach. In fact it’s not just the ref, it’s that rare ref who creates stellar performances by encouraging play to flow. Dive in.

France: Domaine Rochette Côte de Py Morgon 2014 (13%) £13.95 Lea & Sandeman. I can’t believe there’s still stock left of this stunner, one to pounce on if you’re up for fragrance, summery strawberry aromas with sublime mineral purity underpinned by juicy glory. More of a full-back than a prop, this Beaujolais Cru is fine wine’s last affordable line of defence.

Italy: Tesco Finest Teroldego 2013 (12.5%) £5.50 is a bright tangy red on the lighter side with a respectable level of alcohol that can be sipped solo or with match-cheering nibbles. And I love it with a beef stir fry! A winger of a wine that feels racy without being too heavy.

Wales: Tiny Rebel Fubar Pale Ale (4.4%) £2.10 available online manages to be hoppy without being an OTT tropical face-bender. A decent bet to toast your team if they be winning and Welsh.

Scotland: Tamdhu 10 Year Old Single Malt Speyside Whisky £34.49 Waitrose is a beautifully mellow drop with sweet spicy depth (think cinnamon) and a mellow twist of sherry cask. A great ambassador for Scotland and as closely knit as the most finely balanced scrum.

Ireland: Teeling Single Grain Whiskey £35.95 masterofmalt.com is a refreshing and upbeat whiskey that's perfect for sipping gently throughout the tournament whoever you support! And you can always nab a mini 3cl sampler for £4.93 to try this water of life and see if it hits your posts or converts you at once.

And one for luck, for those who will always wonder how the competition might have been if Argentina had joined the ranks, a sleek puma of a wine - Lidl Bodegas Tonel 22 Malbec 2012 (14%) is an absolute star for just £5.99 - scented, dark and powerfully poised. The best bargain wine to buy this week and a proper gem for the price.

Later in the year I shall be sailing with P&O Cruises and on the road with The Ideal Home Show

I’ll be appearing in London on 22nd and 24th March and later in the year in November and you can find out more and book your tickets here.

I’m also hitting the road across the UK with my buddies Oz Clarke and Tim Atkin as Three Wine Men.

Tickets are available now and I look forward to welcoming you to the shows in person where we can raise a glass to the good times together. If you’ve not been before, it’s 600 wines in a room full of friendly pourers with Oz, Tim and I on hand to pick  the perfect bottle to suit your palate. With nibbles, masterclasses and new friends to meet, every show we do proves that learning about wine is a frenzy of fun. Our first event is all about bubbly, 24th May brings our first event in London, Let’s Get Fizzical - for one night only. Grab your tickets for the 2016 shows here:

London Summer 17th & 18th June

Cardiff 22nd & 23rd October

Manchester Christmas Tasting 19th & 20th November

London Christmas Tasting 3rd & 4th December

See you somewhere along The Wine Highway!

Keep in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WeChat, always a pleasure to hear your news and see what’s gracing your glass. And thanks for watching and listening to my shows and reading my scribbles. If you want to read my weekly wine column at Event Magazine you can find it online to read and share for free here.

Happy February you beauties and let’s make March mighty.

Olly x