I can ignore it no longer. Christmas is on its way and I’m plunged into gloom. I’m just going to drink buckets and hope it all goes away. I’ll certainly be tucking into some of these bottles from FromVineyardsDirect, all chosen with this time of year in mind.
The 2021 Fremondo Falanghina del Sannio (1) was a big hit when we offered the previous vintage in the summer and this is just as fine. Made by La Guardiense co-operative deep in the Sannio Hills of Campania, Italy, it’s fresh, floral and fruity. There’s a lemony touch to it too and a long, crisp finish. It makes a great aperitif. £9 down from £9.95.
The 2021 Glenelly Estate Reserve Chardonnay (2) is a class act. From the estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa, owned by the fabled May-Éliane de Lencquesaing (formerly of Château Pichon Lalande), it’s remarkably good value. Barrel-fermented and aged for ten months in old and new oak, it’s beautifully judged with fresh citrus and quince and the barest hint of creamy vanilla and nuts. £16.25 down from £17.95.
It’s thanks to wines such as the 2021 Château Bastor-Lamontagne ‘Confidence’ (3) that I’ve changed my mind about dry white Bordeaux. I never used to ‘get’ it and would never think of buying it, preferring almost anything else white and chilled. Then this comes along, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon (just a bit for texture), from an estate best known for its sublime sweet wines, and I realise I’m mad to ignore it. It’s just so tasty – soft, creamy and tropical with an underlying zestiness and energy – and so well-priced. £16.50 down from £17.95.
The perfect claret for Christmas, full of soft, ripe, spicy and mellow blackcurrant fruit and wood shavings
The 2020 Château de Fleurie (4) is another bullseye from summer. From Maison Jean Loron – producers of fine Beaujolais and Burgundy since 1711 – it’s made from 100 per cent Gamay drawn from four specific vineyard sites that surround the family’s 18th-century château. The wine spent a few months in old oak and is chock full of luscious, juicy blackberries and blackcurrants. Best served cellar cool. £15.50 down from £16.95.
The 2009 Château Perron (5) from the Guignard brothers in the Graves, is in excellent shape. A blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc from a 10/10 vintage, it’s the perfect claret for Christmas, full of soft, ripe, spicy and mellow blackcurrant fruit and wood shavings. It’s a real treat to get fully mature red Bordeaux from such a fine vintage for such a fair price. I’m bagging myself some bottles. £16.50 down from £17.95.
And who can resist the 2017 Contino Rioja Reserva (6)? A single vineyard blend of Tempranillo and Graciano from one of the finest of all producers, it had two years in oak and one in bottle before release and is as tasty as they come – fresh, but weighty and concentrated, and full of rich, juicy fruit and hints of liquorice. £20 down from £22.95.
Finally, with an eye towards the forthcoming festivities, we’ve two of my all-time favourite fizzes, neither of which I tire of recommending. If you simply have to have champagne, then look no further than the Champagne Arlaux 1er Cru Grande Cuvée Brut NV (7). It really is astoundingly fine, all baked apple, honey and toast with the finest of mousses and longest of finishes. £31.50 down from £33.95.
If you don’t need champagne but do need first-class bubbles, then the 2017 Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne ‘Émérite’ (8) is the one. Made in the champagne method from Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, it’s stunning quality at a derisory price. I’ve lost count of how often I’ve banged on about it, served it, drunk it and begged for more. £15 down from £15.95
The mixed case has two bottles each of wines 1-6 and the fizzes are available in unmixed sixes. Delivery, as ever, is free.
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