The run up to Christmas, and a few Christmas wine ideas to stock the cellar, but not spend too much. Don’t want to be counting the cost after we have all forgotten what we did.

Heretat El Padruell Cava, NV Brut

Cava Spain

This has been a favourite with many food writers. It really is a lovely drink purchased from Marks & Spencer. Classic rich nutty Cava which finishes with honey favours, together with vanilla, orange and pears. Remarkable quality at only £8.50. They also do a Rosẻ too at the same price. I haven’t tried it but I bet it is as good

Cuvée Royale Brut Crémant de Limoux

Languedoc France

I did a bit about this during the summer. I drank it a lot although I got it locally in France. The production of sparkling wine in Limoux started in 1531, so they have had lots of practice. Also appreciated by the critics. Rich and dry with the classic biscuity taste.  The forerunner to champagne. £11.99 from Waitrose but other brands widely available.

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

A quality champagne at a ridiculous price from Aldi. Ticks all the boxes for a tasty champagne with flavours of apples and red fruits and good for vegans

Aldi £10.99

Cremant de Bougogne Brut NV

This is an award winner and highly rated by both the Independent and Telegraph newspapers. Great fizz, made in exactly the same way as champagne with the same grapes.

Received a silver medal at the famed International Wine & Spirits competition.  Dry, biscuity and zesty. How a good champagne should taste, but it’s not champagne, it’s a sparkling French wine for £7.99 a bottle at Lidl’s

Les Collines de Luzanet Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Côtes de Gascoigne. France

Our very good friend Kate, recommended this white wine so I gave it a go. Really enjoyed it and chose it as it goes so well with food. The problem with Kiwi Sauv Blanncs is that there is too much flavour and overwhelms the food, whereas this is delicate, crisp with elderflower and citrus flavours. From Waitrose at £5.99 down from £7.99. Well suggested Kate!

Chablis AOP

Burgundy Franc

This is a classic white burgundy, dry, not showy  and great with food. Some wonderful wines from Lidl and Aldi this Christmas. From Lidl at £8.99.

You won’t get a better Chablis at this price

Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Rouges

Jean Bouchard

Another classic burgundy, but red this time. Pinot Noir grapes giving lovely red fruits flavours from the garnet red wine. This will be perfect if you want red wine with your turkey. Since I bought a bottle for £9.99 at Aldi, it has been reduced to £7.99. A bargain!

Barolo 2012 Conventino

Piedmont Italy

For those who want a full-bodied red wine this is the one to get. Plum and ripe strawberry nose leading to black and red berry flavours finishing with hints of coffee and chocolate. I know it is a long description but that really is what you get. This is one of the most famous red wines in Italy, and at Aldi for £10.99, I don’t know how they do it

Maynards 10 yr Old Tawny Port.

Another from Aldi who rightly deserve to be this year’s Wine Retailer of the Year. Beautiful silky with lots of fig flavours, together with dried fruit, nuts and honey. Note a bit of a toffee flavour to finish. £9.99. Happy Christmas.

Wishing all my followers a very Happy Christmas and a great New Year.

Pip pip

 

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