RED, WHITE AND GREEN
Sustainable wines for an ecofriendly Christmas
From left to right: Donnafugata La Fuga Contessa Entellina DOC 2018
A fresh and floral Chardonnay from Sicily, bringing tropical fruit and a vein of acidity that goes well with risotto, herbed chicken, savoury pies or fish. Their labels vibrantly showcase their sustainable promise to the land. $59 from Cellarmaster Wines
Jurtschitsch Belle Naturelle 2017
This natural wine is unfined, unfiltered and thus naturally cloudy. Expect a different Grüner Veltliner yet one that proudly displays its chamomile on the nose and black tea notes on the palate. $52 from ewineasia.com
Domaine Cambrien La Pleiade Heathcote Shiraz 2010
Michel Chapoutier and Jasper Hill’s collaboration is based on this single vineyard Shiraz from un-irrigated, un-grafted and organic vines on unusual basaltic Cambrian soil. Named after a star constellation, its power and precision is welcomed with baked lamb or wok-fried vegetables. Price on enquiry from Galiena Fine Wines
Domaine de l’ecu Rednoz 2015
Free of chemicals since 1972, biodynamic since 1998 and Biodyvin since 2014, the Ecu estate in the Loire Valley renounces technological artifice to make the purest wine. This cheeky Cabernet Sauvignon offers chiselled red fruit, a taut palate and suave finish. Price on enquiry from Galiena Fine Wines
This page: Lanson Green Label Organic Brut
The largest Champagne house to unveil an organic label, Lanson’s blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier is made without malolactic fermentation to preserve purity and delicate white fruit flavours. Aged three years with a dosage of just 8g. $119 from paneco.com.sg
Torelló Cava Brut Reserva Special Edition 2014
This organically farmed Xarello, Macabeo and Parellada Cava is aged more than three years on lees, for a complex and brioche-like note. A velvety texture brings the ripe quince and apple freshness to the palate. $48 from Iconic Wines Singapore
Opposite page: From left to right Bodegas Beronia 198 Barricas Reserva 2010
From a fully sustainable winery comes this lively Rioja, comprising Tempranillo and Graciano. Its tobacco, clove and menthol notes and structure is a result of mixed French and oak barrel, aged for 24 months. Try it with roast, grilled or cured meats. $80 from Iconic Wines Singapore (with gift box)
Bodegas Menade Sauvignon Blanc Dulce Ecologico
Made in harmony with nature, all of Menade’s wines use natural yeast – but in the Dulce, fermentation is arrested when it reaches a fine balance of sweetness, acidity and zesty freshness. Toast to the festivities as an apéritif or dessert wine. $48 from Iconic Wines Singapore
La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2012
The Arana 2012 vintage bears a charming aroma and rich, flavoursome tannins in a Tempranillo and Graciano blend, spending three years in oak and three years in bottle to mature. The project sees no inorganic fertilisers and a reduction in vineyard treatments. $95 from Cellarmaster Wines (with gift box)
From left to right: Château Les Croisille Cahors Divin 2015
This organic blockbuster Malbec comes from a calcareous clay terrace plot in Cahors, the birthplace of the grape. Think meaty, voluptuous and polished, with Old World restraint. Price on enquiry from Galiena Fine Wines
Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas Alvarinho 2018
Full-bodied and citrusforward, Alvarinho deserves a spot on the Christmas table, bringing zest to seafood, fish or poultry dishes. Soalheiro works the 40-year-old vines organically in Melgaço, northern Portugal. $49 from alentasia.com
Pieropan La Rocca Soave Classico DOC 2016
Aside from Pieropan’s luscious Amaraones, their Soave from 100% Garganega is full of exotic fruit and nuts on the nose. Its length matches it well to porcini, salmon and other complex dishes. The organic estate is run by the fourth generation. $72 from ewineasia.com