Description

Christmas Day:

J.Laurens Crémant de Limoux Les Graimenous, Languedoc, France

This wine is made in the same way as Champagne and tastes better than many we’ve tried at double the price. It’s a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 5% Mauzac – the primary local varietal – and 5% Pinot Noir. Great with smoked salmon.

Seguinot Petit Chablis, Burgundy, France

Everyone loves Chablis and this is a really good one. Excellent with shellfish, fish. turkey and creamy cheeses.

Chateau La Tour de By Medoc 2014, Bordeaux, France

Soft and mature Cabernet Sauvignon that will sit perfectly with lamb, beef or hard cheese.

Krohn Ruby Port, Oporto, Portugal

Rich luscious damson flavoured wine. Perfect with Stilton or Christmas Pudding.

Whites:

La Battastina Gavi, Piedmont, Italy 

This wine is aromatic, with zesty lemon, lime and pineapple notes balanced by fresh acidity. A great alternative to Chablis and just as versatile with food – great with white meat, fish and risotto.

Domaine La Bruyère Touraine, Loire, France 

With fresh gooseberry and elderflower character this is a great alternative to Sancerre at a fraction of the price. Good with fish, soft cheeses and spicy Indian dishes.

Cave de l’Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet Sélection, Languedoc, France

Cave de l’Ormarine is an award-winning co-operative which produces wines from the tiny Pinet de Picpoul appellation in the Languedoc. Delicious and citrussy this is perfect on its own, but also great with fish dishes.

Reds:

Rippa Dorii Tempranillo Roble, Ribera del Duero, Spain 

Simply the best sub £20 red I have tasted for a long time with wonderfully sweet black fruit which is lush, but not OTT. Would be perfect with grilled red meat or hard cheese.

Coterie by Wildeberg Cabernet Franc Malbec, Franschhoek, South Africa 

I am neither a fan of Malbec or South African wines, but this is a stunner (just goes to show that even if you have been in the business for over 20 years you should keep and open mind!). Cabernet Franc is however one of my favourite grapes and the tart Cab paired to the lush Malbec gives great balance. Perfect Sunday Roast wine.

Felline I Monili Primitivo, Puglia Italy 

Primito is often overripe and loaded wth sugar – again I had to eat my hat. This is balanced with fresh damson and plum fruit and a nice undertone of spice. Easy on its own, but will pair well with red meats. This will make perfect mulled wine.

Boutinot Cotes du Rhone Les Coteaux, Rhone, France 

Côtes du Rhône can be hit and miss, but this one is a classic with brambly fruit notes, a lick of star anise and sweet cinnamon. The perfect winter warmer it will suit hearty casseroles and strong cheese.

Baron de Ley Rioja Reserva, Rioja, Spain

Long ageing in bottle and American oak barrel has produced this smooth, velvety and savoury Rioja with notes of blackcurrent, raisin, vanilla and spice. Perfect with lamb or very mature cheddar.