Virtual Christmas Wine Tasting 2021

Christmas Day is a wonderful opportunity to "push the boat out" and indulge yourself with some fine wines.  Although we are big fans of the traditional (Champagne, Sherry, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Port), with this tasting we vary the formula somewhat to produce some great value alternative options.

Week 1 - Wednesday 8th December

We start of course with some fizz!  For a change we eschew Champagne here as we look at Italy's answer - no, not Prosecco!  It's a well-kept secret that in Franciacorta, Italy produced outstanding quality traditional method sparkling wine that gives the famous French fizz a serious run for its money

Next up, something to go with your starter on the big day perhaps?  If you're having smoked salmon (and why not?) then there is nothing like an aromatic Gewurztraminer from Alsace to go with it.

• Ferghettina Franciacorta DOCG nv Brut - Retail Price £21.99
• Cave de Turckheim Gewurztraminer Reserve Alsace AC, 2017 - Retail Price £13.99

Week 2 - Wednesday 15th December

Moving onto the "main event", if the centrepiece of your Christmas table had feathers and wings, then Chardonnay is the variety that can complement it superbly.  However, depending on your selection of accompaniments, it might need a bit of weight, which is why Burgundy does such a good job.  In keeping with our "alternative" version presented here, we have a South African Chardonnay from alongside the Southern Ocean in cool Elgin.  Lovely fresh fruit with vanilla and hazelnut.

On the other hand, if the centrepiece of your table is beef (or perhaps goose), then its towards a red wine that thoughts turn.  At this point the word Claret starts flashing, but again we are looking here at alternatives.  Whilst Malbec is undoubtedly Argentina's flagship variety, they also grow some fantastic Cabernet Franc, ideally suited to beef or goose.

• Iona Elgin WO Chardonnay, 2019 - Retail Price £16.99
• Hermandad Cabernet Franc, Mendoza 2017 - Retail Price £19.99

Week 3 - Wednesday 22nd December

After the main course, and perhaps with a period of rest and recuperation, its time for Christmas Pudding.  Obviously, this needs something sweet and whilst things such as Sauternes do a good job, we will now introduce you to a little-known Spanish treasury - Pedro Ximinez Sherry (PX).  This sweet, fortified, wine is described as "Christmas Pudding in a glass". Lusciously sweet with pronounced dried fruits and nutty nose.  A truly wonderful dessert wine for rich puddings (and chocolate).

Finally, if anyone is still hungry, we could perhaps have some blue cheese to finish off.  Port is the de rigour option here, but sticking to our alternative version, we have a fortified Malbec from Argentina.  Like Port this is sweet and high in alcohol, but with that rounded mouthful that makes Malbec such a popular variety.

• Bodegas Ximénez Spínola, PX Vintage, Jerez - Retail Price £21.00 (37.5 cl)
• Malamado Fortified Malbec, Mendoza - Retail Price £15.99

As with all our virtual wine tastings, nobody has to be designated driver as you can enjoy these wines from the comfort of your own home.

We do not sell wine, so we have partnered again with our friends at Momentum Wine in Oswestry who will despatch the 6 wines to your door for the discounted price of £112.95 (inc delivery).  Please allow 7 days for delivery.

Click here to order your wines.