New ‘Showmelier’ shares wine pairings for popular TV shows

FIND YOUR DIAMOND OF THE SEASON

 Asda appoints a resident ‘Showmelier’ to expertly pair wine with the nation’s favourite TV shows, including Bridgerton.

Whether it’s a steamy historical drama, soap opera or thriller, new research from Asda reveals that more than half (62%) of Brits enjoy a glass of wine while watching their favourite TV shows.

Just in time for the hotly anticipated series 3 of Bridgerton next week, Asda announces the launch of its resident ‘Showmelier’. Tasked with pairing wines to popular TV shows, Asda’s Showmelier, Clive Donaldson, has been appointed to offer fans of the regency romance a unique way to elevate the viewing experience.

With the new series airing on the 16th of May, a well-paired wine is a must. Whether planning to watch Penelope and Colin’s romance bloom alone or with friends, Clive recommends the Asquith Gardens English Sparkling Brut (£18.00). Packed with savoury biscuity flavours and a tense acidity, this elegant bottle is an emblem of British summertime.

“This wine is high quality and very classy. Smartly dressed and made in a similar fashion to Champagne, this English Sparkling wine brings a British twist.”

More generally, a romance is always best enjoyed with a splash of wine, which can help to soften the on-screen betrayals and intimate exchanges. With a delicate colour and creamy berry flavours, Asda’s Extra Special Côtes de Provence Rosé (£9.75) is a classy glass of rosé and the perfect pairing for romance.

Viewers can go further in recreating the fancy Bridgerton experience at home for a fraction of the price by choosing the George Home Bell Shape Wine Glass – Set of 4 or George Home Bell Shape Champagne Glass – Set of 4 to drink out of. At just £12 each (working out at £3 per glass) an evening of episodes will feel instantly elevated.

In addition to his Bridgerton pairings, Asda’s resident Showmelier, Clive Donaldson, shares a selection of wine and TV pairings.

Reality

As more and more reality TV shows enter the mainstream, often with multiple episodes a week, fans of the format need a reliable tipple to enhance the ongoing trials and tribulations.

For the quarter (25%) of Brits who favour a glass of white wine whilst watching the telly, Asda’s Extra Special Pinot Grigio (£7.75) boasts a widely appealing rounded apple and white peach flavour, matching perfectly with reality TV which focuses on the everyday things.

For fans of popular social experiment Love is Blind, the Extra Special Prosecco Rosé Brut (£7.50) is a treat for all the senses.

“If you’re planning on tuning in to watch whether or not the couples say ‘I do’, you’ll want a suitably celebratory tipple. This quality pink Prosecco is a frivolous bottle of bubbles, perfect for indulging in whilst watching some nail-biting nuptials.”

Drama  

Whether you’re enjoying an episode of Succession or Line of Duty, it’s important to pair your show with an equally dramatic tipple. So, if like almost a quarter of Brits (24%), drama is your favourite TV genre to have a glass of wine with, Asda’s Showmelier has you covered.

With intense gooseberry flavours and an elegant feel, Asda’s Extra Special Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (£8.25) is the perfect pairing for those looking to enjoy a TV classic.

Sharing his thoughts, Clive says; “When I think of dramas, I think of those vibrant flavours from the Marlborough region packed with a fresh and fruity feel.

“With a long-lasting finish, this wine will stay with you almost as long as those dramatic cliffhanger episodes.”

Comedy

If you find yourself drawn to comedies like The Office or feel-good favourite Ted Lasso, you’ll want to pair each episode with something as bubbly as your favourite characters.

Filled with wildflower aromas and fruity peach flavours, Asda’s Extra Special Prosecco Brut (£7.50) is a fantastic, light choice that will bring a smile to your face.

“Served chilled, this bottle is easily quaffable with the easy-to-like flavours such as peach and apple. With flavours like that, this glass is sure to put you in a good mood and bring a smile to your face – just like a good comedy show!”

For those taken by the hit TV series, The Bear, and eagerly awaiting Season 3 this year Clive recommends an Extra Special Gavi (£9.25).

“Gavi is a restaurant wine packed with refreshing lemon and apple flavours that’ll pair well with almost any dish. If you’re getting in on the culinary action, why not give it a go.”

Thriller

Thrill-seeking viewers will need something as sophisticated as the plot to keep them going.

Well-balanced and fruity, a bottle of Asda’s Louvel Fontaine Champagne Brut (£15.00) is the perfect bottle for a night in front of the TV.

“Tense, nervous but always classy, a glass of champagne elevates a night in front of the television like no other.

“With hints of vanilla, a glass of this elegant tipple will set you up for those big finales and showstopping reveals.”

Sci-Fi

For those looking forward to the return of Stranger Things later this year like a fifth of the nation (21%) who enjoyed the show, you’ll be on the lookout for something a little different.

A fresh alternative to a rosé or white, the Gros Manseng Orange Wine (£7.50) opens up new worlds of wonder.

“Loaded with refreshing acidity and a pronounced structure, this wine will give you a whole new taste experience. Orange wines are produced like reds but utilise white grapes, bringing together savoury and fruity flavours.”

All wines are available to shop in-store and online at Asda.com.