Tuesday 11 December 2012

Wine for Christmas: an idiot proof guide

And by idiot proof, I mean that I have personally (and selflessly) tasted all of these wines. If luck will have it, I'll be tasting them all again on Christmas day too.




1. First up, and my absolute Christmas favourite, is the Bolney Wine Estate Cuvee Noir 2009.
They say: an exciting and different wine, offering the drinker a break from the norm with its lovely colour and pairs well with pates and cheeses
I say: Buy now! This is Christmas in a bottle. Not only is it unusual (it's a sparkling red wine), the fruit flavours and hint of spice will have you full of festive cheer in no time

2. For the perfect pairing with your turkey, get a nice, creamy oaky chardonnay. Like Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay, 2010, Adelaide Hills.
They say: The M3 shows complexity of flavour, with both youthful primary fruit and some savoury notes, and has a long and layered palate.
I say: Vanilla, toast, pear, cream, fudge, butterscotch.. all of the good things in one bottle. But man it's expensive...

3. ... so for a cheaper alternative, try McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2005.
They say: Sherbety lemon, lime, passionfruit and hints of straw on the nose
I say: Easy drinking, an ideal introduction to oaked wines at a bargain price

4. For something to sip on while eating your smoked salmon canapes, try Hacienda Zorita Vega de la Reina Verdejo, 2011.
They say: An intense aroma, during the white fruit with a recall of herbs
I say: This wine is difficult to track down, but well worth it for the excellent price. And it was voted best white wine in the world 

5. Finally, the perfect mince pie accompaniment, RM Nicholson 2010 Rustenberg, Stellenbosch.
They say: Blackcurrant aroma complemented by notes of dried herbs and black pepper
I say: Rich and full bodied, exactly how I'll be feeling after Christmas dinner

No comments:

Post a Comment