WHAT TO DRINK AT CHRISTMAS 2016
Let's get started
with a view to enjoying our luxury food and wine at austerity prices. December
2016 has provided some excellent wines from £4.00 up and you'll find some of
the best below. My motto is don't be embarrassed by the Beamers, Jags and
gynormous four by fours in the car park, just push your trolley into Asda, Aldi
and Lidl stores before Hogmanay.
CANAPES & BUBBLY
Whether you enjoy
canapés or some of those tasty prawns in popcorn, duck samosas or pakora and a
spicy dip you can’t let Christmas day go past without a glass or two of fizz.
Some nibbles and a glass or two of Champagne or Prosecco is the perfect way to
give everyone a lift, whet the appetite and get the festive food orgy underway.
This year sees the
usual discounting of champagnes (mainly own brands) but don't let that
discourage you. Asda are selling Pierre Darcy’s for only a tenner and it's a
double silver medal winner which comes highly recommended.
Great news is that quality
Prosecco is plentiful at under a tenner and you can still buy some excellent
bottles at Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Tesco and the Coop. Still one of my
favourites is the double silver medal winner from Aldi at only £6.99, Valdobbiadene
Prosecco Spumante DOCG (it’s the one with the silver label and not to be
confused with the orange label selling at a fiver). If you want to get one over
on your wine drinking friends The Crémant de Jura at Aldi has won more medals
than Chris Hoy. Not only is it in a beautifully shaped bottle (it will
definitely impress) but it has been highly recommended by Olly Smith who says ' it’s
astonishing and this lemony fizz has finesse and the delicate texture of
thousands of tiny bubbles.
Good Prosecco is not
just as dry as champagne as it has a hint of fruitiness. Go Italian with a
Bellini made from Prosecco and peach juice or make a Kir Royale by adding a
little splash of Crème de Cassis liqueur. Crème de Cassis is readily available
from supermarkets where a 50cl bottle will give dozens of pink drinks. The best
is Tesco Finest Crème De Cassis 50cl at £9.00 or the award winning version at
Aldi for £7.99. You can even add this to gin.
If you want to push
the boat out, then go traditional and serve champagne well chilled. Most
supermarkets have their own brands from around £10 to £20 per bottle. You could
jump up to a Grand Marque such as Veuve Clicquot, Pol Roger or Taittinger which
are excellent champagnes around £40 with Lanson Black Label, Piper Heidseick
and Pommery in the £25 to £30 price range.
STARTERS
My rule for starters
is always to serve white wines which are dry and light. A good Sauvignon Blanc
from New Zealand, a Verdejo from Spain or a Viognier from Chile or Australia
are good new world choices. Sauvignon Blanc with its’ dry minerally flavour and
a touch of citrus, is ideal with smoked salmon, prawns or cured meats. Closer
to home try a steely Sancerre from the Loire or choose an Italian option by
going straight for a Gavi di Gavi and avoid an inconsistent pinot grigio.
To serve something
really special on Christmas day, you can dig a bit deeper into your pocket and
go for a clean and light chardonnay from Burgundy such as Rully, Mercurey or Montagny.
Personally I prefer a softer style and Macon-Lugny is a
favourite which also benefits from a slightly lower price. Majestic is a great
store for good value Burgundies. Another good choice is a steely Sancerre from
the Loire.
MAINS
Main courses at Christmas usually
fall into two categories of roast turkey and the rest. Looking at wine options
to go with roast turkey, chipolatas, pigs in blankets, rich gravy, sprouts,
roast potatoes, cranberry sauce and sundry accoutrements raises quite a
challenge. Normally you would associate white wines or light red wines such as
pinot noir with white meats but with all those strong tastes going on at once
you need something with a fuller body. Why not
go for something special from the Rhone Valley such as Chateau Neuf Du Pape or
Gigondas for around £15 to £20 per bottle.
As in the past 2 years, my
recommendation if you like something a bit lighter,
is a Spanish Rioja, especially a Reserva or a Gran Reserva which are
smooth, rich and complex. There are several fantastic Rioja Reservas listed
below. If you have a penchant for Italy a Chianti Classico could fit the bill or a pinot noir from France, Chile or
New Zealand.
If you have opted out of roast turkey and will enjoy a juicy steak or a
nice rich steak pie. good French claret or New World reds will provide that mouth filling rich fruity
flavours with touches of oak and tannin which
compliment red meats. Why not seek out a cabernet sauvignon from Chile or
Australia, a Malbec from Argentina, a Pinotage from South Africa or a weightier Shiraz
from the Barossa Valley, Australia. You could also try a big wine from the Rhone - Vaqueyras, Crozes Hermitage, Gigondas or the heavy weight St Joseph. Carmenère from Chile and Argentina is the new up and coming grape with lots of
flavour and round soft tannins. Returning
to Europe a hearty Barolo, Amarone or Primitivo from Italy can provide a softer full bodied alternative
PUDDINGS
There is nothing better to go
with puddings than a sweet white wine. Top of
the tree and quite pricey comes Baume de Venise or Sauternes from France or an Ice-wine from Austria or Canada which are best
served well chilled. The ripe, unctuous sweet flavours offer a complex compliment
to most desserts. Alternatives from Oz are available and I recommend the Brown
Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora and Aldi's gold medal winning Berton
Vineyards Botrytis Semillon. If you are looking for something different go no
further than a well chilled bottle of Asti Spumanti which will bring another sparkle to the festivities and washes
down a pavlova perfectly.
CHEESE & AFTERS
When the digestive system starts to cope with the
previous 4 courses there is always room for a nibble
from the cheese board with a bunch of ripe red grapes.
Wines to follow are really a personal choice depending on the cheeses
available. A glass or two of a full bodied red wine or rich tawny port can
finish the meal perfectly. There are a number of very good Port houses which
offer a range of tawny, LBV or vintage ports which will do the job. You really
can’t go wrong with Croft, Noval, Fonseca, Taylor’s or Cockburn’s ports which
are widely available.
TO FINISH
If you have not succumbed to that
warm, cosy after meal siesta then there’s always time for another port or a
warm, smooth and mouth filling malt whisky. If like me you prefer smooth, round
whiskies with a sweeter aspect opt for a dram from Scotland’s most northerly
distillery in Orkney, where a 12 year old Highland Park will top off a
magnificent day. A sweet Glenmorangie 10 years old, a hearty Glenfarclas 15
year old from Speyside, a smooth lightly peated 12 year old Bunnahabhain from
Islay or an even lighter 12 year old Aberfeldy from the Highlands are superb alternatives. If you want to push the
boat out and have deep pockets there is a wide selection of great malts which have matured well into their teens and early
twenties. Three that top my list without being overly expensive are 18
years olds from Smith’s Glenlivet, Highland Park or Glenfarclas.
NEW TRIED & TESTED RECOMMENDATIONS
BUBBLY
Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG - Aldi Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene is the DOCG title given to the finest prosecco wines made in the Veneto wine region of north-eastern Italy. This a fine example of Prosecco which won a host of silver medals at the Wine & Spirit International challenge. Aldi £6.99 (with the silver label)
Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvée,
Australia – NV - Asda & Tesco
Made with bottle fermentation,
this bubbly is almost as good as champagne. Normally sold at £10.00 at Sainsbury's, but is
available at £7.50 from Tesco and only £7.00 from Asda
Crémant du Jura, France - 2013 - Aldi
A multi medal winning sparkling
chardonnay from the Jura region of France. This is a proper wine which comes in
Krug-like bottle. Recommended by The Independent newspaper, Olly Smith and Susy
Atkins. Very stylish and will impress for only £7.29.
Pierre Darcy’s Champagne, France - NV -
Asda
A double silver medal
winner which comes highly recommended and reduced to £10. It has fine bubbles,
a pale gold colour and fresh, delicate aromas of lemon, apple and peach. The
perfect choice for celebrations, with canapes and light starters. £10
Veuve Monsigny Champagne, France NV - Aldi
According to Which
Magazine this excellent wine from Aldi is the best own brand champagne of 2016.
It has plenty of bubbles and it boasts of aromas of warm brioche
and a beautiful long finish. Not bad for £9.99
Lanson Black Label Champagne, France -
NV - Tesco
If there is one Non
Vintage Brut Champagne that is universally appreciated, it is surely Lanson
Black Label, a great classic with a fresh and elegant style, which is on offer
from Tesco at £20.00
WHITES
Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Chardonnay, Limara
Valley, Chile - 2013 - Tesco
This gold medal winner was
declared the best chardonnay in the world (under £15) in 2013. This is a
beautiful big round and fruity chardonnay, with a touch of oak and a very long
finish. Available from Tesco at £10.00
Zilzie Viognier, Australia -2015 - Asda
Something different from Australia
which is ripe and round with a mix of pineapple and ripe peach and pears cut
with citrus. Viogner originated in the Rhone valley and is a smashing grape
which produces beautiful wines with a balance between fruit and citrus. Only £4.98 at
Asda
Mâcon-Villages
Blanc 'Les Pierres Blanches' 2015 Cave de Lugny
One of the top ten whites from Majestic this
chardonnay is a good Burgundy where apple and citrus predominate on the palate
along with a hint of pear, finishing on a lovely mineral streak. Great with
seafood, whole salmon or chicken. Available at Majestic for £8.99 as part of a
mixed case
Oyster Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New
Zealand 2016 - Waitrose
This beautiful Sauvignon Blanc has
been at the top of the wine charts for years. I just re-acquainted myself with
this old favourite and the new 2016 release is a stunner. It has a beautiful
balance between citrus fruit and acidity. The background flavour of grapefruit
is definitely back and Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc just keeps getting better. On
offer in most supermarkets for around £7.50 and only £7.29 at Waitrose and
£7.50 at Asda
Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay, Australia - 2016 -
Asda
An old fashioned Aussie Chard which
is full bodied, dry with loads of rich tropical fruit and melon flavours. A lovely
big chardonnay which will age well over 2 or 3 years. Available from Asda at only
£4.00.
REDS
Aldi Exquisite Collection Argentinian Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina –
2016
I recommended this wine for the
first time last year and it has gone from strength to strength over 2016. It is
an award winning wine by Which, Decanter and the International wine awards. It
is exceptional for the money with plenty of sweet black fruit and a nice
finish. Definitely benefits from decanting and opening for a couple of hours to
break the natural Malbec tannins. A fantastic bargain at £5.99.
Glorioso Rioja Reserva, Spain - 2012 - Tesco Online
This Rioja is jaw-droppingly good
and was awarded an IWC 2016 Silver Medal. It is made by Bodegas Palacio from
Tempranillo grapes grown on some of the oldest vines in the vineyard. Aged for
a year in oak barrels, then a further two years in the bottle, resulting in
mellow black fruit flavours and a velvet-like texture. A really wonderful wine.
Tesco online £7.00 per bottle and in some Tesco stores
Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja, Spain – 2004 - Asda
This impressive Rioja came first
in Decanters Top 50 reds a couple of years ago. It is consistently good and I
have recommended the 2004 this year. It is sophisticated wine, pale Victoria
plum in colour with a mahogany rim and complex aromas of plums and raspberries
combined with hints of cedar, vanilla and spice. This wine is smooth and
velvety on the palate with a hint of vanilla on the finish. Available at Asda for
£13 and up to £20 elsewhere
Aldi Exquisite Collection Pinot Noir 2015, Wairarapa, New Zealand - Aldi
If you are looking for a much lighter style
of red wine then give this medal winning Pinot Noir from Aldi a try. According
to Susy Atkins of The Telegraph and Saturday Morning Kitchen fame this Pinot
Noir is smooth and plumped up with ripe redcurrants and strawberries, with a
come-hither, violetty scent. Brilliant value for a pinot from one of NZ’s top
regions. Available from Aldi at £6.99
Reserva Ancestral Old Vine Cinsault País Carignan,
Miguel Torres, Chile – 2014 M&S
This blend of red French grape
varieties is made from ungrafted, 80 year old bush vines. It has a fresh
aromatic nose with intense red cherry fruit. The juicy structure is balanced
and elegant with a touch of complexity. Fruit and spice gives way to a long,
intense finish. Available from Marks & Spencer for £12.00.
William Hardy Shiraz, Langhorne
Creek, Australia - 2014/15 – Asda & Tesco
As a rule, I very rarely
recommend Hardy's red wines but this Shiraz is an exception. It is full bodied,
rounded with intense fruit flavours of fresh blackberry & mulberry
accompanied by rich black pepper & vanilla spice. Available at Asda for
£6.00 and Tesco for £6.50.
Trivento Reserve Malbec, Argentina – 2014 – Tesco
& Asda
Trivento is now the number one
wine producer from Argentina. The Reserve Malbec is a wonderful big red with
lots of jammy fruit. It has vanilla notes and a velvety finish. An excellent medal
winning wine to serve on its own, or match with steak or rich pasta bakes. Reduced
at Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Ocado to £6.00
DESSERT & PORT
Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora 2013
Australia
Great sticky to go with dessert. Priced around £6.69 for a half bottle at Waitrose & £7.99 at Majestic as
part of a mixed case.
Berton Vineyards Botrytis Semillon 2015, Australia
- Aldi
Yet another Aldi gold medal
winner which tastes of ripe exotic fruits and honey. Serve from the freezer and
enjoy with any dessert. Well balance which will keep for 5 years if unopened.
Aldi. £5.99 for a half bottle.
Asti Martini Spumanti, Italy – NV - Tesco &
Asda
An excellent medium sweet bubbly
to go with Pavlova, trifle and ice cream. Widely available. Tesco and Asda £6.00 and £6.50 elsewhere
Graham’s
Late Bottled Vintage Portugal - 2011
This gorgeous port has a lovely velvety texture,
and deep fruitiness but also a fresh berry taste. On special at Asda, Sainsbury's
and Tesco for £9.
Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Portugal – NV
A rich, mellow old tawny port with
an intense complex nose from years of ageing in oak casks. Available from Tesco
at £16.
Fonseca Bin 27 Reserve NV Port, Portugal - Majestic
& Oddbins
Bin 27 is a reserve Port, made with extended wood
ageing making the wine ready to drink upon its release. This full bodied wine
is blended from several vintages to achieve a consistent house style. It has a
deep and youthful ruby colour, with an intense, fruity nose crammed with
blackberry, cassis, cherry and plum aroma and a luscious, velvety texture.
£10.99 as part of a mixed case from Majestic or £10.99 from Oddbins.
Cheers & Enjoy
but drink sensibly.
