CHRISTMAS IN A BOTTLE
Helen McGinn has some tasty gift suggestions for the festive season
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We’ve all got a family member or friend who, much as you love them, is seemingly impossible to buy for. They’ve either got everything, or say they don’t want or need anything. Which isn’t very helpful when you get to their name on your Christmas present list, and you realise you can’t give them a pair of socks/scented candle/tie (delete as applicable) again. But I have another idea, one that means you can show you really care without having to spend a small fortune. In fact, with a little careful planning, you can do it for well under a tenner. I’m talking wine, obviously. For example, if they love bubbles but you don’t want to splash out on champagne, go for a great crémant instead. Or treat them to a sweetie! A little bottle of sweet wine goes a long way – and is quite the match for mince pies. Try these…
CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT NV £8.49 Lidl This fabulous fizz is made in the same way as champagne but comes from the Loire Valley, one of a number of regions across France outside of Champagne producing crémant. This one is deliciously light and crisp with a touch of citrus and biscuit – and it makes the perfect predinner aperitif.
ESTEVEZ VIOGNIER £5.49 Aldi This glorious viognier from Chile’s central valley adds instant sunshine to proceedings. It’s ripe and round with tropical fruit flavours and a touch of spice, too. This is a good one to take as a gift on Christmas Day, as it’ll work a treat with turkey and all the trimmings.
YERING STATION THE ELMS PINOT NOIR £12.99 Waitrose The pinot noir grape thrives in Victoria, which is one of Australia’s coolest spots. This particular producer, the oldest in the region, brings out pinot’s best side with black cherry fruit flavours and a distinctly silky texture.
BROWN BROTHERS ORANGE MUSCAT & FLORA £8.50 (37cl) Tesco Another gem from Victoria, this is made from a blend of late-harvested orange muscat and relatively rare Flora grapes. The grapes are naturally sweeter when picked, so the resulting wine is rich and unctuous but still fresh. Great with blue cheese or mince pies.
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