WHAT TO DRINK AT CHRISTMAS 2014

CANAPES & BUBBLY

Whether you enjoy tasty canapés or crisps or nuts you can’t let Christmas day go past without a glass or two of bubbly. Some nibbles and a glass of Prosecco is the perfect way to give everyone a lift, whet the appetite and get the festive food orgy underway.

Great news is that quality Prosecco is plentiful at under a tenner and you can buy a double silver medal winner from Aldi at £7.49, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Spumante DOCG (it’s the one with the silver label).

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. Readily available from supermarkets a 50cl bottle Crème De Cassis will add just a touch of sweetness and if you keep the bottle in the bottom of your fridge it should last for yonks.

If you want to push the boat out, then go traditional and serve champagne really well chilled. Most supermarkets have their own brands around £15 per bottle or you could jump up to a Grand Marque such as Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger are excellent champagnes around £35 with Lanson Black Label, Piper Heidseick and Pommery in the £25 to £30 price range. If you are looking for something which is almost as good as champagne at around a tenner, why not try Jacobs Creek chardonnay pinot noir which is a brilliant methode champenoise and won’t disappoint or try Philippe Michel Crémant du Jura 2012 from France at Aldi.

 

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 avoiding 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 a favourite which benefits from a slightly lower price. Another good choice is a steely Sancerre from the Loire.

MAINS

Main courses at Christmas mainly fall into two categories 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. 2006, 2009 and 2012 have been hailed as exceptional years for Rhone wines and Chateau Neuf Du Pape If you like something a bit lighter with a touch of oak and vanilla, why not try a Spanish Rioja, especially a Reserva or a Gran Reserva which are smooth, rich and complex. There is a fantastic Rioja Reserva listed below. If you have a penchant for Italy a Chianti Classico could fit the bill.

If you have opted out of roast turkey and will enjoy a juicy steak or a nice rich steak pie 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 Oz. Carmenère from Chile and Argentina is the new up and coming grape with lots of flavour and round soft tannins. Returning to Europe a smooth Barolo, Amarone or Primitivo from Italy can provide a soft full bodied alternative or a big wine from the Rhone - Vaqueyras, Crozes Hermitage, Gigondas or the heavy weight St Joseph.

PUDDINGS

There is nothing better to go with puddings than a sweet white wine. Top of the tree comes Beaumes 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. 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 Noval, 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 do the job nicely. 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.

SOME WELL TRIED & TESTED RECOMMENDATIONS

BUBBLY

Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG - Aldi £7.49

 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 silver medals at the 2012 and 2013 Wine & Spirit International challenge.

Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvée, Australia – NV

Made with bottle fermentation, this bubbly is almost as good as champagne.  Normally sold at £10.00 at Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Asda

Philippe Michel Crémant du Jura 2012 from France - Aldi £7.29

A lovely sparkling chardonnay from the Jura region of France. This is a proper wine which comes in Krug-like bottle. Very stylish and will impress.

Comte De Senneval Brut Champagne, France - NV

Favoured as the champagne bargain of 2014 this dry and highly drinkable wine is available at only £11.99 from LIDL.

WHITES

Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Chardonnay, Limara Valley, Chile - 2009

This gold medal winner was declared the best chardonnay in the world (under £15). Available from both Tesco and Morrisons at £9.99 and £11.99

Viñas Vengo Verdejo, Rueda, Spain - 2013

This golden wine is beautifully fresh, lemony with a definite honey nose. The Verdejo grape gives a floral taste followed by hints of tropical fruit. There is a fresh balance acid feeling in the mouth ending in a lovely finish. great with sea food it has qualities which you wouldn't expect from a wine under a fiver. Available from Aldi at only £4.79.

Wairau Cove Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand - 2013

This is a cracking, crisp dry white bursting with gooseberry fruit aromas and passion fruit flavours.  Reduced at Tesco to £5.49

Cave de Lugny Les Charmes, Mâcon-Lugny, France - 2012

A typical  white Burgundy made from the chardonnay grape. It is well balanced with subtle fruit and a refreshing finish. Available at Waitrose £10.50

Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile – 2012

This beautiful wine is unbelievably well balanced, with subtle tropical peach, apricot and melon peach. Subtle oak characters, a touch of acidity and a great finish. Available at Majestic at £10.99 (on offer)

Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay, Australia - 2012

An old fashioned Aussie Chard which is full bodied, dry with loads of rich tropical fruit and melon flavours. Lovely big chardonnay available from Asda at £5.00 or Sainsbury's £6.00

REDS

Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja, Spain – 2001  - Top Red Recommendation

This impressive Rioja came first in Decanters Top 50 reds. It is a sophisticated wine which a magnificent Rioja. 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. Asda £14.97 Sainsbury's £14 and Costco £14.20 (when you buy 6 bottles)

Aldi Argentinian Malbec , Argentina – 2012

This is an award winning stunner for the money with plenty of sweet black fruit, with a nice finish. Definitely benefits from decanting and opening for a couple of hours to break the natural Malbec tannins. A bit of a bargain at £5.99.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir, Chile – 2011

Something lighter which goes perfectly with chicken, turkey or lamb you should try this light fruity Pinot Noir which full of the flavours of cherry, plum and strawberry, finished with a subtle spiciness. Currently reduced at Asda to £5.00

Stella Bella Shiraz, Margaret River, Western Australia - 2008/9

A smashing Ozzie red for a special occasion. A dark chocolaty shiraz with loads of fruit, a touch of Viognier to soften the tannins and a great finish. Available from Alliance Wines in Beith for around £18.00

ASDA Extra Special Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia - 2012

This wine is intensely rich, minty and aromatic and packed with ripe blackcurrant flavours.

A great partner to roast meats and winter casseroles.

Cousino-Macul, Antiguas Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile - 2011

Cousino-Macul is a mighty name in Chile and is an old friend. This wine is like a ripe, heavy and powerful Bordeaux, making it a good match for roasts. It will also age well for two to three years and definitely benefits from decanting 2 or 3 hours before drinking. It’s on a great deal at majestic for £10.65, or £15.98 for two (as part of a mixed case)

Mayu Sangiovese, Chile –2012

A lovely soft, medium bodied, red wine has a touch of peppery spice and a satisfying finish. This great medal winning wine goes with almost all meats. Reduced at Asda to only £5.00

DESSERT & PORT

Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora 2009 Australia

Great sticky to go with dessert priced around £5.99 for a half bottle at Waitrose & Ocado, Tesco £6.99 and Morrisons £5.99

Asti Martini Spumanti, Italy – NV

An excellent medium sweet bubbly to go with Pavlova. Asda £6.00 and Morrisons £6.99

Noval Late Bottled Vintage Port, Portugal - 2007

Intense, rich, dark, red port with ripe aromas of cherries and blackberries – Tesco & Ocado

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port, Portugal - 2009

This gorgeous port has a lovely velvety texture, and deep fruitiness but also a fresh berry taste. On special at Waitrose for £10 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. Widely available and cheaper than last year.  Tesco and Sainsbury's £18, Waitrose £22 Majestic £19.99 as part of a mixed case.

Cheers & Enjoy but drink sensibly.

 

Stonefield World of Travel

Sommeliers & Gourmands of Distinction

OCTOBER 2014 - THREE SPECIAL SPANISH WINES

If you are just back from the Spanish Costas and want to bring back those happy memories of dinner on the terrace washed down with some great Spanish wine, then pop along to Aldi, Morrisons or Asda and top up with some quality wines at affordable prices by Sunday.

Viñas Vengo Verdejo, Rueda Spain 2013 - Aldi  £4.79

An excellent white wine from the Rueda region of Spain. Rueda is located in north western Spain, in the Castilla y León region. The Duero River flows through Rueda’s vineyards on its way through Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean. 

This golden wine is beautifully lemony with a definite honey nose. The Verdejo grape gives a floral taste followed by hints of tropical fruit. there is a fresh balance acid feeling in the mouth ending in a lovely finish. It has qualities which you wouldn't expect from a wine under a fiver.

Viñas Vengo Verdejo is definitely a winner from the Adventurer series of wines from Aldi. Impress your friends with this beautiful wine worth double the price. What's not to like at £4.79.

Viña Sol, Spain 2013 – Morrisons £4.99

Cast your mind back to that hot Spanish holiday and drinking an interesting Spanish white wine on one of the Costas. Well it was probably Viña Sol from Torres one of the country’s biggest reputable winemakers. Made from the Parellada grape, it is fresh and fruity on the nose, with a smooth, crisp palate, with plenty of apples and pineapple fruit. A touch of acidity makes it a refreshingly crisp wine. Viña Sol is suitable for drinking anytime - pre or post siesta! Superb with rice, fish and shellfish. This is on sale at lots of outlets and normally sells anywhere between £6.49 and £7.99. As James Martin says on Saturday Kitchen, ‘A bit of a bargain at £4.99’

Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001 - Spain - ASDA £17.95 - Now £14.97

Thinking of pushing the boat out or buying your best friend a fantastic bottle of wine. I spotted the Decanter Magazine top red of 2013 Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001 in ASDA at the reduced price of £14.79. It's a brilliant wine with a garnet colour,  with a mahogany rim and complex aromas of plums and raspberries combined with hints of cedar, vanilla and spice. It has beautiful fruit and a sophisticated complex flavour, velvety smooth with light tannins, a background of vanilla oak and a brilliant finish.

This Rioja's complexity and harmony results from the prolonged ageing in both barrel and bottle, with 26 months spent in a combination of French and American oak and at least 3 years in bottle. Scoring 97 out of 100 you just can't go wrong with this stunning Rioja.

SEPTEMBER 2014 - Smashing Bargain Whites

Signal Post Chardonnay, South Eastern - Australia 2013 – COOP £4.99

A brilliant medal winning wine which normally sells at around £8.00.  The tiny addition of 4% viognier to this great chardonnay makes all of the difference.  This is a ripe, fruity Chardonnay produced from grapes grown in the hot, sunny vineyards of South Eastern Australia. It has notes of fresh peaches balanced by a crisp refreshing finish. Fabulous to drink on its own but has the elegance to enjoy with sole Veronique, haddock mornay or chicken chasseur. You will love this Aussie wine and simply must take advantage of this rock bottom deal while it lasts.

The Exquisite Collection Gavi - Italy 2013 - Aldi £5.49

According to Aldi the Exquisite Collection of wines provides premium wines at far from premium prices. Renowned as one of Italy's best white wines Gavi is produced from Cortese grapes grown around the town of Gavi in the outstanding Piedmont wine region in northern Italy. This is a refreshing and aromatic wine with flavours of tangy lemon, weighty fruit and a hint of nuttiness. You’ll feel comfortable with Gavi if you’re a pinot grigio fan but it’s slightly rounder, smoother and more sophisticated. Best served chilled with salad, antipasti, creamy pasta sauces or risotto. Apart from the wine, the bottle and label look elegant and should impress your friends. Just don't tell them the price.

P. de Marcilly Mâcon-Villages - France 2011 -  Lidl, £7.49

Thinking of going up market for a classic white burgundy, then nip into the new posh wine section at Lidl. Made from the chardonnay grape, by P. de Marcilly Frères, who are recognised as a quality winemakers and négociants,. It is well balanced, fresh but with a subtle creamy texture and flavours of ripe white peach fruit. There's a touch of complexity with notes of pears and a hint of spice. This wine is a stylish white Burgundy sold at a very good price.

Try it with langoustines, grilled sea bass or succulent roast pork.

AUGUST 2014 - CATCH THE LAST OF ASDA'S QUALITY BARGAINS

There's still time left  to catch some great wine bargains for a fiver down at your local ASDA store. If you are quick Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay 2013 and Wolf Blass Red Label Chardonnay Semillon 2013 are still available. Why not grab a bottle or too of red at this low price.

 Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet 2011 - Australia - £5.00

Fancy a medium bodied, smooth red that's ready to drink. Don't walk past this wonderfully drinkable deep red wine which boasts an appealing bouquet of red berry fruits, plums, peppery spice and mint. Easy drinking on its own or good with a sirloin or a simple burger this Aussie smasher is brilliant at £5.

AUGUST 2014 - AMAZING AUGUST AT ASDA

If you are still in the holiday mood and fancy some fantastic wine bargains nip down to ASDA over the weekend for some brilliant wines at around a fiver. The wines listed below are genuine bargains and not cheap wines at half price. Some of the offers are only available for the next few days and others for a week or too. So dig out your wine carriers,  and roll back to your nearest store. There's also the intel on the top red of 2013.

 Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay 2013 - Australia – ASDA £5.00

Interested in an old fashioned Aussie Chard then Hardy’s Nottage Hill is a great choice. It is full bodied, dry with loads of rich tropical fruit and melon flavours. There are subtle oak characters which give it a well rounded elegant finish. If you still appreciate tropical flavoured white wine then you canny whack it at £5.00 per bottle. If you have patience you can store this wine in a cool place for a couple of years and the wine will improve and develop complexity. Down £3.00 on the normal Asda price.

Wolf Blass Red Label Chardonnay Semillon 2013 - Australia –ASDA £5.00

Emanating from an established quality winemaker this is an excellent Aussie white. A blend of classic Australian white varietals Chardonnay and Semillon. Clean citrus aromas are balanced with a flavoursome, creamy palate of peaches, complemented by slight grassy notes and finishing with lingering crispness. This wine should be well chilled and drunk either on its own or with a succulent chicken breast.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Viogner 2013 - Chile - ASDA £5.00

A Chilean stunner at a genuinely discounted price. More elegant than chardonnay Viogner is a classic white Rhone grape which has travelled well to Chile. Beautiful fruit, with floral notes and a rich flavour. There is a touch of citrus to give balance and a good finish make this wine worth double the price.

Espartero Rioja Reserva 2009 – Spain – ASDA £5.00

Where are you going to find a reserva Rioja for just £5.00? If you like the Reserva style of Riojas, then you'll like this. This is a lovely ruby coloured wine aged in oak casks for at least 12 months.  It may not be the most complex, and it doesn't have a particularly long finish, but it's smooth as silk and full of ripe with vanilla and spice, and a hint of leather. It is medium bodied with light tannins. Ideal with lamb or pork or simply to drink on its own. Fantastic value.

 Viña Mayu Sangiovese, Elqui Valley - 2012 - Chile - ASDA £5.50

This wine is regularly recommended by me, and for good reason. Recognised as a fantastic wine by Decanter Magazine, and awarded medals over the past 2 years, this wine is a cracker. The Sangiovese grapes are hand-picked in small bins. The wine is partially aged in French and American oak barrels which gives it a lovely vanilla overtone. It has  black cherry aromas, gentle spicy flavours with a hint of dried chocolate. The full bodied red wine is velvety smooth with a mouth-filling finish.

Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001 - Spain - ASDA £17.95

Thinking of pushing the boat out or buying your best friend a fantastic bottle of wine. I spotted the Decanter Magazine top red of 2013 Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001 in ASDA this week. It's a brilliant wine with a vibrant garnet colour,  beautiful fruit and a sophisticated complex flavour. Intense aromas of spices, new wood and leather. Velvety smooth with light tannins, a background of vanilla oak and a brilliant finish. Scoring 97 out of 100 you just can't go wrong with this stunning Rioja. Highly recommended.

MAY 2014 - Best Rioja of The Year

Just enjoyed the well heralded Decanter top red of 2013 Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001. It's a fantastic wine with a vibrant garnet colour,  beautiful fruit and a sophisticated complex flavour. Intense aromas of spices, new wood and leather. Velvety smooth with light tannins, a background of vanilla oak and a brilliant finish.

This subtle wine definitely benefits from careful decanting a couple of hours before sharing with your best friends over good food. It goes particularly well with lamb or lighter meats.

If you want to impress nip into Asda at £12.98 and Sainsbury's at £18.00. I spotted some in Makro at £15.95 including vat. Scoring 97 out of 100 you just can't go wrong with this stunning Rioja. Highly recommended for sharing and dining.

MAY 2014 WINE BLOG – May Day

Holiday Weekend Reds & Whites

There's a bit of heat in the air, the sun is shining and the May day holiday is imminent. Fancy something special for the weekend then look below for some fab wines in the £5 to £15 range. Don't forget to email this to your phone as a reminder when shopping.

Reds

On the wine front, you really can't go past Rioja for flavour and value. Remember to decant the wines below as they may be carrying a sediment.

 Morrison's have Lagunilla Gran Reserva 2006 on special just now for £8.99. Make sure it has a black label and not a blue label which is the reserva. 2006 was a good to very good year in Rioja.

A Rioja from Tesco's finest range is Viña Mara Reserva Rioja 2008 at around £8.50. This is a gold medal winning wine which rich and complex and you have to look at the back label to see the word Tesco.

If you want to impress go for the Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001. Sold by Asda at £12.98 and Sainsburys at £17.99. This was declared by Decanter magazine as its top red wine of 2013, so it can't be bad. This is a subtle and sophisticated wine which is just brilliant. As an alternative Faustino V is good but avoid the Faustino VII.

Travelling to the new world and a veering little off piste try a Carmenère from Argentina or Chile (2012 or older) Asda have Cono Sur and Majestic have Errazuriz Carmenère which are both quality Chilean brands and won't disappoint at around £8. You could also try Chilean Sangiovese by Mayu at Asda, which is a really good, smooth red and not too expensive at only £5.50.

You can really go left field at Aldi where their medal winning Toro Loco (Crazy Bull) Reserva 2010 from Spain is only £4.99. The Reserva has a black label and is predominantly made from the Tempranillo grape, but more importantly 6 months ago Olly Smith selected this wine as his red wine of the week.

Whites

If you are looking to impress on white, try a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or a Viogner from Australia or Chile (Viogner sits somewhere between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and has a lovely floral character).

Tesco have Wairau Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2012 on special again at around a fiver. I really like this branded wine which has a beautiful zesty flavour and goes perfectly with smoked salmon. They also have a lovely sauvignon blanc from Chile which is younger but has much more fruit, Tesco Finest Tapiwey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013 at £5.99. Cono Sur have an excellent Viogner in their Bicicleta range for around £7.50 at both Morrisons and Asda.

On the other hand if you are looking for an excellent citrusy chardonnay from down under nip down to Asda for the Jacob's Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2012 from Adelaide Hills. Recently identified by Decanter magazine, as an excellent wine from one of the best  Oz major brands, you just can't go wrong with this peach of a wine.

Whichever wine you choose this weekend and into the month of May enjoy and drink sensibly (of course).

MARCH 2014 WINE BLOG – Bargains at Under a Fiver

Its been a while since my last blog and it was hinted that I had gone into hibernation to recover from the 90 days of continuous West of Scotland rain. Well the lighter days and the improving weather  have cajoled me into searching out a few bargains for my friends and followers.  I have found four crackers which are unbelievably priced at under a fiver. Wine experts and connoisseurs proclaim that there is nothing worth drinking at under a tenner – well this selection has blown them out of the wine lake. Two of the reds and one white are own label but are IWSC Silver medal winners

Toro Loco Tempranillo Superior , Spain  - 2012 Aldi  - £3.69

Toro Loco means Crazy Bull. Yes a Crazy Bull of a wine at the crazy price of £3.69. I came across this wine when I was accosted by friends in Aldi who insisted that I try this wine. I couldn’t believe the price nor the quality. Made from Spain’s most popular grape Tempranillo, grown near Valencia. Tasting like a full bodied Rioja, Toro Loca has cherry fruits infused with pepper and cedar wood. It is smooth and dry with a good finish. It benefits from decanting or opening an hour or so before drinking. Enjoy this red with tapas, at your summer barbecue or simply mid week with mince and tatties or steak pie. You would be crazy to overlook this bargain basement wine.

ASDA Wine Selection Chilean Chardonnay, Chile - 2013 - £4.50

Here’s another Silver Medal winning wine from the Asda Wine Selection range. This Chilean Chard is from the 2013 vintage and although young, it is velvety smooth & fruity and bursting with creamy, pineapple and tropical fruit flavours followed by a touch of oak and a decent finish. This is a white to really savour with fish or pasta or simply drink on its own when well chilled. As James Martin says repeatedly on Saturday Kitchen, , “ A bit of a bargain”.

Asda The Wine Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek, South Australia - 2012 - £4.98

As mentioned before this Cabernet Sauvignon is from Asda’s Wine Selection range and is a beautiful wine for the price. If you are worried about serving own label, you can pour this into a decanter and tell your friends it is a Silver Medal winner at three times the price. It is a full bodied red from Langhorne Creek, one of the up and coming wine growing  areas in South Australia. This red wine has a beautifully fruity nose with a complex flavour of eucalyptus and deep cassis. You can savour a lovely soft feel in the mouth with just a touch of tannin. Definitely a wine for all occasions, priced at only £4.98

Wolf Blass Winemakers Selection Chardonnay, Australia – Morrisons - £4.69

A golden coloured young chardonnay with good fruit and acidity. A beautiful fruity noses is followed by flavours of melon, peach and tropical fruit. There’s a nice touch of fresh acidity which leads to an enjoyable citrus finish. This wine should be well chilled and drunk either on its own or with a succulent chicken breast. Sold be Morrisons at a rock bottom price for chardonnay this is an Aussie Beaut. The one downside is that it is imported in bulk and bottled in the UK.

GREAT JANUARY END OF MONTH WINE BARGAINS

If you are getting near the end of your Christmas wine stock you have just a few days to snap up some New Year bargains wines. The red and white wines I am recommending, are relatively well known styles but are priced at low low prices at Tesco, Morrisons and the Coop. If you want to enjoy them, you’ll need to get down to your nearest store this weekend to capture these fantastic bargains.

 Rioja Gran Familia – Spain – Tesco £5.24

This is a lovely ruby coloured Rioja aged in oak casks for 8 months. It is smooth, fruity and medium bodied with light tannins and an excellent complex finish. Ideal with lamb or pork or simply to drink on its own. Fantastic value at only £5.24

St Hallett Barossa Shiraz – Australia 2008 - Coop £7.00

St Hallett produce one of Australia’s top shiraz called St Hallett’s Old Block Shiraz which retails at around £30 per bottle. For St Hallett, and pretty much everyone in South Australia, 2008 was a hot and productive vintage. The grapes used to produce this wine in 2008 were normally found in wines at twice the price. It has the classic rich, ripe, red and black-fruit flavours, with hints of spice and a smooth oaky finish which makes this is a smashing full bodied red. You can also find this wine in Waitrose under its own label at £9.99. The following 2009 is highly recommended by Oz Clarke ‘This reminds me of why we liked Barossa shiraz so much in the first place: deep black plum and blackcurrant fruit, some black chocolate and liquorice to add both depth and an attractive nip of bitterness, and a surprising but altogether delightful whiff of mint.’– Say no more.

Carmen Reserva Especial Chardonnay – Chile 2012 - Tesco £5.00

A golden yellow, quality Reserva chardonnay from Casablanca Valley in Chile. This is an intense full bodied chardonnay offset by soft tropical fruit. The complex and mouth filling New World style has light oak characteristics and a beautifully persistent finish. Definitely worth at least a tenner and shouldn’t be missed.

Signal Post Chardonnay, South Eastern - Australia 2013 – COOP £4.99

A brilliant medal winning wine which normally sells at around £8.00.  The tiny addition of 4% viognier to this great chardonnay makes all of the difference.  It has notes of fresh peaches balanced by a crisp refreshing finish. Fabulous to drink on its own but has the elegance to enjoy with sole Veronique or haddock mornay. You will love this dreamy, pear juice themed wine and simply must take advantage of this rock bottom deal while it lasts.

Nobilo Marlborough Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand 2012- Morrisons £5.49

Regularly recommended by me, Nobilo is an excellent example of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc at a brilliant price. This straw coloured wine is well balanced in both fruit and acidity and has a distinctive grapefruit flavour. It is crisp and zesty with a refreshing finish and a distinctive bouquet of tropical and citrus fruit, gooseberry and passion fruit. It is good on its own and goes perfectly with fish, prawns and smoked salmon. A potential downside is that the wine is imported into the UK in bulk and then bottled in England.

McWilliams Hayfield Verdelho – Australia 2011 - Tesco £4.49

This is a light, white citrusy wine with a hint of tropical fruit from one of the Ozzy giant producers, McWilliams. The grapes come from South East Australia and have produced a relatively simply, zingy white at a bargain basement price. This wine goes well with fish and chicken but it doesn’t have the easy drinking style to enjoy on its own. If you are looking for something cheap to enjoy with a light meal this could fit the bill.