ANYONE had their fill of Christmas wine suggestions yet? No? Good, coz here are a few more if you’re needing last-minute purchases this weekend.
Sauvignon Blanc is often a go-to white, a wine that many people like and most people don’t complain about. Often fresh and zesty, it’s a decent party wine too amid rich food and hot rooms.
The Explorers Sauv Blanc, part of the Co-op’s Irresistible range (£7.49), is a fruity number from the lauded Marlborough wine region of New Zealand.
Goosebery, honeysuckle and passon fruit abound in a strong yet elegant 12.5 per cent tipple, all augmented by a mineral complexity on the palate. It’d be great with any fish starter but could also refresh you during your turkey main.
A good one to splash out on for that festive main with all the trimmings, if red is your colour, is up the aisle in the Co-op - the Henry’s Drive Shiraz (£16.99).
This is an International Wine Challenge trophy-winner from Padthaway, Australia. Layered with dark berry fruits, a little liquorice and some lovely earthy spice, this is a wonderfully textured tipple. Why not treat yourself. At 14.5 per cent, you might have a lovely kip afterwards too.
Oh, and if there’s a cheeseboard for afters, maybe try a Finca Las Moras Barrel Select Malbec, also available from the Co-op (£7.99) and also a silver medal-winner. This Argentinian drink is aged for 12 months in French and American oak, which provides a lovely balance between fruit and spice and an excellent aromatic complexity.
If a dessert wine is more your thing to finish off with, how about popping to Waitrose while its own brand Sauternes is on discount offer (£12.99 down from £15.99 until Boxing Day, for a 37.5cl bottle).
Hailing from Château Suduiraut, a highly regarded vineyard of the renowned Sauternais area of Bordeaux, and made from Sémillon grapes with a touch of Sauvignon, this is a fine, luscious, honeyed 14 per cent sweet white. The Sauvignon gives it a little lift and crispiness, too. It compares well to named - and more expensive - Sauternes sweet wines, making it a festive bargain. Lovely to sip alone but recommended with fruit tarts or creamy cheese.
Don’t forget to grab something for relaxing on Boxing Day, too.
One we’d like as a day-after wine to enjoy on the settee with good food on your lap is a Morellino di Scansano from Majestic (£11.99 or £9.99 in the Mix Six promotion).
A Sangiovese red (Morellino is the local name for Sangiovese) it compares well to many Chianti wines made from the same grape from the other side of Tuscany. This one is blended with 15 per cent Ciliegiolo (another local grape) and is a slim, youthful red, with a touch of oak. Medium-bodied and approachable, it’s food friendly with anything from lamb chops to game, or even leftover turkey and herbed roast potatoes swimming in gravy.
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