Winter warmers and Christmas fizz
Pass the mulled wine; Christmas is coming!
The weather is getting colder, the mulled wine is heating up, and you can almost hear the high-pitched tones of Mariah Carey ringing in the Christmas season! But with the excitement of Christmas parties and eating far too much turkey comes the dreaded thoughts of Christmas shopping! What to get everyone this year?!
Well, have no fear. We have a few ideas to get you started that are sure to bring joy on Christmas day!
Bring a Little Bit of Sparkle!
Whether it’s to sip while opening presents, to ring in the new year, or just because it’s Christmas, you can’t go wrong with bubbles. ‘Tis the season after all. Here are a couple of our top picks:
Brut Reserve NV, Pol Roger, Epernay
It must have been Churchill’s favourite for a reason! This iconic Champagne has a powerful and attractive nose delivering aromas of green apple and pear, developing into notes of honeysuckle and brioche.
Curators Cuvee 2016, Artelium, Sussex
Or if you are looking for something a little different, we recommend coming closer to home with this electric English Sparkling from Artelium. Opulent aromas of lemon peel, pink lady apple, and fresh pastry. The palate is bright and intense; a wicked line of clean acidity keeps it brisk.
A Winter Warming Red
The fire’s roaring, Love Actually is on again, and all you need to make the perfect cosy night is a delicious red wine! We recommend the Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva 2011, Lopez de Heredia. This sensational wine has a light, fresh texture with lovely notes of vanilla and dried berry aromas that feel perfect for this time of year. Rich, very dry, smooth, developed with firm tannins, and good balance. Delicious!
Does Anything Say Christmas Like Port?
Bring out the cheese board and light the pud! There’s something delightfully Christmassy about finishing the day with Port. And what’s even better, this warming Christmas treat makes a great gift! We recommend a 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Graham’s. An amber, golden tawny colour. An excellent bouquet with ‘nutty’ character and delicious mature fruit with hints of orange peel, exquisitely mellowed by careful aging. Rich, softly sweet, and smooth on the palate. It will work well with cheese and of course, more fruity, nutty sweet dishes. Christmas cake anyone?
Something for Everyone!
Finally, there are those in our life that we just don’t know what to get! So we have pulled together a mixed case of some favourites that are sure to surprise and delight! The Classic Christmas Collection features a Crianza Tinto Rioja – those who were at our latest wine events will tell you it was a hit! It also features a classic Pinot Noir from Ardeche and a rich Neropasso, great with Christmas roasts. A refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and a delicious Verdejo from Rueda for those who love crisp, zesty white wines. And of course, because it wouldn’t be complete without it, a fabulous Prosecco from the exciting organic producers Savian. Find this in our gift brochure below!
We hope this gift guide gives you a little inspiration. You can see all our recommendations in our gift brochure now available here: Barrique Christmas Brochure And if you need any other recommendations for the Christmas Season, drop us a note! Now off to belt out Mariah!
