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), below right, 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.
Asda can be proud of its latest success at the International Wine Challenge. Asda Extra Special Barbera d’Asti, 2018 (£6) won the IWC Great Value Red under £8. Judges loved the “haunting, veiled beauty” of
this wine which is flecked with red cherry notes.
It’s such a friendly wine when it comes to food pairings. You can go for the roasts, cheeses, and all the veggie sides!
My final choice isn’t red, but made from red grape varieties – merlot and the native Romanian grape Feteasca Neagra. Solara Rosé (£10, noblegreenwines. co.uk) is generous with its aromas of mango, lychee, sweet strawberries and redcurrants.
I’d enjoy it with pork or turkey; and especially a sip or two during a relaxing Boxing Day of leftovers. I’m so looking forward to my festive feasts!
Find Jane on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes. Email jane@ onefootinthegrapes.co.uk