NK EXPERTS’ PICK OF FESTIVE FARE
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he real deal,” Great Taste 21. Maynard’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 1992 Aldi, £19.99. Charles Metcalfe, co-chair at the International Wine Challenge, says: “Gloriously mature, filled with flavours of dried fruits and spices, and supple as silk. You can drink this with the Christmas pudding or a slice of cake. Or just sip it with some walnuts.” 22. Workshop Benchmark Shiraz 2016 Morrisons, £10. Charles Metcalfe says: “The rich, fruity flavour of this Aussie shiraz is a magic match with turkey, the sausage-meat stuffing, even the cranberry sauce. Hailing from the McLaren Vale in South Australia, it is juicy and inviting, with generous blackberry and plum flavours.“23. Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marks & Spencer, £11 24. Tesco finest* Chablis Premier Cru 2015 £15.00 25. The Co-operative Irresistible Fiano 2016 £6.99 26. The Best Rioja Reserva Blanco 2011 Morrisons, £7.99 27. Shorn Black Edition Sauvignon Blanc Morrisons, £7 28. Gavi del Comune di Gavi Broglia Waitrose, £14.99 29. Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2015 Tesco, £17 30. Brouilly 2016 Marks and Spencer, £12. Oz Clarke, TV presenter and co-chair at the International Wine Challenge, says: “Beaujolais is a dreamy part of France, where the warmth and selfindulgence of the south take over. They grow France’s most easy-going, appetising red – and the best villages, like Brouilly, put their own name on wines which are even more juicy, even more appetising, even more irresistible.” 31. Triade White 2016 Waitrose, £8.79 Oz Clarke says: “Italy has always been about gutsy reds, with the whites a sort of mouthwash afterthought. But that’s all changing, especially around macho Naples, where they’ve still got grape varieties that the Romans planted which got clobbered when Vesuvius erupted. This mouthwatering white mixes three of these old varieties into a scented dry wine, full of lemon curd softness, and that sharp but exotic tang of fresh lemon peel.” 32. Barolo 2013 Lidl, £10.99 33. Fortezza dei Colli Chianti Classico Riserva 2014 Lidl, £6.99 34. Asda Extra Special Selection Pinot Noir 2014 £8.50 35. Colomé Altitude Blend Malbec Cabernet Franc Tannat 2015 Marks and Spencer, £12 36. Chapel Down Brut Sainsbury’s, £18. Stuart Cauldwell is head chef of Roast Restaurant in Borough Market, South London. He says: “The aromas of red apple and lemongrass pair perfectly with roast turkey or a nut roast. It’s also a delicious aperitif first thing in the morning with smoked salmon – a great alternative to champagne.” 37. The Waitrose Blanc de Noirs Brut £21.99 38. Tesco Finest* English Sparkling Wine £17.50 39. Heretat el Padruell Brut NV (Cava) Marks and Spencer, £8.50 40. Le Caves De Hautes Cotes Cremant De Bourgogne NV Marks and Spencer, £12 41. Morrisons The Best Vintage Cava Rose 2015 Morrisons, £6.50 42. Martin Miller’s Gin Tesco, £22. Gin specialist David T. Smith, who was a judge for the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition, says: “A solid gin that makes a beautiful gin and tonic. It has universal appeal, but is also a little different as it has a particularly refreshing aspect to it.” 43. Heston from Waitrose Spiced Mulled Cider 75cl £3.45. Jack Layer, Masterchef 2016 finalist, says: “Delicious, warming and you can drink a lot of it (or at least more than mulled wine!). Perfect warm-up after a brisk walk on Christmas day.” 44. Morrisons The Best Pedro Ximenez NV Morrisons, £6 45. Hermits Hill Botrytis Semillon 2013 Marks and Spencer, £9.50 46. Chateau de Myrat Sauternes Grand Cru Classe 2013 Aldi, £11.99 47. Tesco Finest French Grain Vodka £16 48. Morrisons 5 year old Distillers Choice Blended Malt £16 49. Clarke’s Bourbon Whisky Aldi, £11.99 50. Tesco Finest 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky £20