RAISE A GLASS
I’M KICK-STARTING my Christmas themes with wines suitable for people who follow a vegan lifestyle.
November is World Vegan Month and The Vegan Society (vegansociety.com) says that the number of vegans in Britain quadrupled between 2014 and 2019. Its no surprise that In 2018 the UK launched more vegan products than any other nation.
Which leads me nicely to the new vegan-friendly Vine & Bloom wine range from Spar. There’s pinot grigio, merlot and rosé and the wines are £6.50, reduced to £5.50 until the end of January. They’re simple and easy-drinking (my preference was the merlot).
Spar wants all of its own-label wines to be vegan-friendly from 2021. Many already are, including a frequent visitor to my fridge, Bourgogne Chardonnay (£9).
Unoaked, it has a bite of citrus, green apples and a refreshing acidity.
Here are two more vegan whites. Co-op Irresistible Chablis (£12.50) is made for the Co-op by one of the top Chablis producers, Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard.
This is mouth-watering, zesty and crisp with a sensation of wet stone.
By contrast, Guigal
Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2017 (£10.95, thewinesociety.com) has notes of white peach, pear, a touch of honey and aromas of acacia flowers.
Viognier takes centre-stage in this full-bodied blend from the southern Rhône. It’s a delicious wine, happily suited to light Christmas starters, richer foods and Asian-style dishes.
I’ll turn my thoughts to reds and a confession. I tasted a couple of these with home-made cottage pie which isn’t veganfriendly at all! But it shows that these wines are perfect for everyone, vegan or not.
Errazuriz Estate Series Carmenère
(RRP £16.60, Ocado and Majestic) is a hug of a Christmas wine. The grapes are grown in the Aconcagua Valley in
Chile and the wine has been aged in oak. This delivers a mouthfilling flavour with notes of black fruits and toasty spice.
Cune Crianza (£9.99, Majestic, or £6.66 in a buy six deal) is a moreish Rioja with a nose full of red fruits and cherry, with vanilla and a dash of sweet spice. This spice cuts a dash in the mouth and the fruit lingers, waiting for your next festive sip.
Jackson Estate Vintage Widow Pinot Noir 2015 (£20.99, Ocado) has won the Pinot Noir Trophy at the International Wine and Spirit Competition. Try this and all your Christmasses will have come at once.
I’ve met the winemaker and I’m thrilled this subtle, elegant wine, has won so much praise. It has
notes of raspberry and black fruits, with dried herbs and cedar wood. The red fruit flavours and soft tannins just keep on giving. (If you order online before December 3 it drops to £15.74)
Finally, Solevari Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 (£11.99, virginwines. co.uk) is produced by the Cramele Recas winery in Romania. It has ripe red fruits on the nose, with cranberries, blueberries and bilberries making themselves known. Spice nibbles at the edges and the lasting flavour is of blueberries.
■ Christmas party wines and alcohol-free for the drivers.
■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.
Next time: