RAISE A GLASS
AFTER a couple of weeks tempting you with white wines for your festive celebrations, I’m here with red wines. What’s more they’re all £10 or under. This first red is smashing. The
Society’s French Syrah 2019 (£7.95, The Wine Society) would be an ideal partner to beef, goose or lamb on your Christmas table. And turkey too, why not?
It has a ripe nose of blackberry, blueberry and black plums and a trademark syrah tingle of spice. It’s great at the price.
I’ll stay with the same grape family, and Grapevine Shiraz (£3.69, Aldi) was a real surprise. It is bright and fruity, with red and black fruits. It’s not going to wow you with complexity, but at that price it’s a nice staple to buy for busy celebrations.
Lidl’s Winemaker’s Selection Barossa Valley Shiraz (£5.79), below right, is a bargain for a concentrated, ripe, bold, black-fruited shiraz from this famous Australian region. I don’t know how Lidl consistently sources such tasty wines at a great price. I’m pretty much a pushover when it comes to this wine from the southern Rhône: Famille Perrin Les Cardinaux 2018 (£7, from £10, until January 1 at the Co-op). The grape grenache takes centre stage, with syrah and mourvèdre as supporting partners. Aromas of strawberries, red fruits, a touch of violet and a snap of twig are a delight. I love it.
This next wine picked up a silver in this year’s Decanter awards. Artesano de Argento Fairtrade Organic Malbec Cabernet Franc (£10, Sainsbury’s, but 25% off in a buy six or more deal until December 13) has very worthy fairtrade and organic credentials. More importantly it is wonderfully moreish, with black fruits, plums, and a tickle of spice to wake up jaded festive palates. It has an equally lovely sister wine in Tesco: Artesano De Argento Organic Malbec (£8).
Both would be happy alongside your festive fare, whatever the dish – that means vegan too.
Now my favourite wine, pinot noir. Morrisons The Best Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (£8, reduced from £10 until January 1), is another great buy. It’s a collaboration between Morrisons and the superb Chilean wine producers Errazuriz. My first nose-dip rewarded me with cranberries, strawberries, a mushroom savouriness and woody notes.
■ Find Jane on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes. Email jane@onefootinthegrapes.co.uk