Grape vine
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS pulls the cork on the best bottles for Christmas Day CHRISTMAS means many things to many people, but there’s one thing we can all agree on: the food and drink are a highlight.
From a flute of festive fizz, to a glass of white or red to toast a festive feast, here are some favourite wines in tune with traditional Christmas fare...
UNDERNEATH THE TREE
Champagne Didier Chopin Brut NV, France (currently £14.99, down from £29.99, laithwaites.co.uk): A small grower champagne that’s made from pinot noir and meunier, otherwise known as a blanc de noir, this is a joy from beginning to end. A lemony gold with aromas of toasty brioche, it’s opulent yet elegant with a soft creamy mousse, hints of candied fruits and a flourish of a finish.
YULETIDE DUO
Desierto 25 Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Patagonia, Argentina (£11.95) and Desierto 25 Pinot Noir 2015, Patagonia, Argentina (£12.50, both bbr.com): It’s handy to have a couple of wines from the same producer, and this well-structured pair are worth seeking out. A delicious sauvignon blanc with a bright citrus and tropical character, and even a touch of mango, that has a vibrant finish; the pinot noir is savoury with raspberry and cherry, hints of herbs to add interest, and notes of red cherry on the lingering finish.
I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS
Andre Vannier Chablis 2015, France (£8.99, Aldi): The wise men at Aldi have sourced this top-value Chablis that looks the part and tastes just as promising. A pure, pale lemon hue with floral and citrus aromas that lead to a refreshing, minerally palate with enough depth and concentration to pair with a smoked salmon starter. Domaine Michel Girard Sancerre 2015, France (£13.99, virginwines. co.uk): A stunning sancerre from the Loire Valley that’s versatile enough to pair with salmon, roast turkey and soft cheeses, its calling card is the expressive nose of white peach, poached pear and quince, not to mention the peach of a palate with its juicy richness and zesty acidity that drives the finish.
MISTLETOE AND RED WINE
Extra Special Chateauneufdu-Pape 2015, France (£12, Asda): A classic for a Joyeux Noel, a bottle of Chateauneufdu-Pape signals a special occasion and this brambly fruit beauty is a gift at the price. With youthful intensity, it’s still loaded with sweet berry fruits and spicy highlights. Ripe and full bodied, it’s a perfect match with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy. Finest Trilogy Malbec 2014, Argentina (£10, Tesco): Dark and brooding, this malbec offers plush aromas of cherry and plum with oak driven tones of chocolate which follow through and are backed by more ripe plums, exotic spice, black pepper and vanilla. If you’re a malbec fan heading home for Christmas, you can’t go wrong with this.