11th Hour Purchases
... fizz and stickies ...
If your wine list for the festive lunches and dinners is looking a bit light in the pre- and post- departments, here are a few last minute sparklers and stickies available from the shelves of your local Waitrose, or via their online portal providing you order pronto.
1 - Cave de Lugny, Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs
Pre-lunch. The two oldest cooperatives in Southern Burgundy, one founded in 1926 and the other in 1927, merged in 1966 to form a significant production entity that creates a raft of different wines from over 400 members. The Cave de Lugny has been exporting wines to USA and UK for over 40 years, and has three wineries. Many Mâcons, under a plethora of different labels and sold through many different retailers and merchants, come from this very well respected company.
The one making this wine is located in the village of Chardonnay and is dedicated to the production of sparkling wines. The term Crémant refers to sparkling wines made using the méthode champenoise but are outside the region of Champagne: Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Jura, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire and Savoie all make Crémant.
I have promoted this wine many times in the past as I consider it to be the best value sparkling wine currently available in the UK. 100% Chardonnay, it is very well made, light and refreshing but the acidity is not harsh as it is superbly balanced.
£19.00 - Waitrose - link
2 - Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve NV
Pre-dinner. I do not know why Waitrose are selling this at a 33% discount, but they are. Hattingley is one of the largest English Sparkling Wine producers, based in Hampshire, just north of Alresford. Classic green apple on the nose and palate, with a touch of brioche, and lots of lemony flavours. Bright acidity tempered with balanced fruit and a good finish. At this price, it is exceptional value.
£24.00 - Waitrose - link
3 - Gosset Petite Douceur Rosé Extra Dry Champagne
Brunch. The wine trade loves Gosset. It is the oldest Champagne House, founded in 1584. It makes around 1.3m bottles every year, that is small alongside Möet with 30m+, and even its neighbour in the village of Aÿ, Bollinger making 2.5m. The total production for the whole Champagne region is around the 300m mark. Today, the House is owned by the Renaud-Cointreau group.
Eggs Benedict on a cold, frosty morning would lift the spirits. Made from a predominantly Chardonnay blend - around 60% - and balanced with Pinot Noir, it is aged for a minimum of 11 years in their cellar before release. Red fruits - strawberries and raspberries - sit very comfortably on the palate and there is a touch more fruit in this blend that lifts the taste buds.
£60.00 - Waitrose - link
4 - Louis Roederer Brut 2016
Christmas Day. Roederer needs little introduction. A family-run operation founded in 1833 and is now run by the seventh generation. I’ve been a long-term fan of this Champagne House, and there are always a few cases in my cellar acquiring additional ageing.
This wine is no exception. It is drinking exceptionally well today, but if you have a significant birthday, anniversary, need to celebrate between 2030 and 2035, then buy a couple of cases and hide them in a deep dark corner of your cellar so that you cannot easily pull out a bottle on a whim. A friend had organised a dinner a couple of weeks ago, and was serving the 2005. Deliciously fresh, with years still to go. This 2016 vintage is very well made and will age gracefully. Try a bottle or two over the next week or so, and would be perfect for New Year’s Eve.
£70.00 - Waitrose - link
5 - Blandy’s 2017 Harvest Malmsey
Mince Pies, late afternoon. If you have returned from a long, afternoon walk, and settling down with a pot of tea and a few mince pies or Christmas Cake, then this would be a perfect moment to enjoy a long forgotten wine. Light in colour, pronounced dried fruits on the nose, with a creamy, luscious, generous and delicious palate. Rich and candied. Served slightly chilled, and it would also work as a pre-lunch aperitif, lifting the palate and enhancing the appetite in anticipation of the feast ahead. Try it with a few walnuts. I’ll write more about the wines from this forgotten island in 2026.
£25.00 - 50cl - Waitrose - link
6 - Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 2005
Cheese course. A single vintage tawny port from a producer who knows how to make excellent wines. Pull the cork, no need to decant, and pour this wine into a smallish glass to sip and savour a superbly crafted wine. Concentrated woody flavours married with caramel, dried apricots and plums, very light touch of discrete acidity, and great length. Serve straight from the fridge door. If you are enjoying a robusto, then this would be a great match.
£31.00 - Waitrose - link
May I wish you all a very Happy Christmas, enjoy the festivities, and I look forward to providing direction on all vinous matters in 2026!
