Here are five wines that are prefect for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
1 - Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs NV
A Méthode Champenoise wine from a large co-operative in Southern Burgundy. In terms of value for money, as I have stated in earlier missives, this is as good as it gets in the sub-£20 bracket. Light, crisp, well-balanced and superbly crafted. Much, much better than any inexpensive Champagnes. Packaging is fairly classy as well.
£16.99 - Waitrose
The remaining four I would serve with food as they are richer and more complex than your standard non-vintage options.
Firstly, are two Demi-Sec wines. One from England and the other from Champagne. In French this means ‘half-dry’ and generally contains between 32 and 50 grams of sugar per litre, giving it a rich and balanced sweetness that complements the crisp acidity. These wines are not sweet as you might consider a Sauternes or Beaumes-de-Venise, but the increased dosage makes them a degree or two softer and the balance of apple acidity with a delicate floral component makes them perfect partners with chicken or turkey.
2 - Nyetimber Cuvée Cherie
100% Chardonnay. Cherie Spriggs is the winemaker at Nyetimber, and has been in that position for nearly 20 years. Honey and nuts sit comfortably on the nose, with a well-rounded palate and superb balance between the ripe stone fruit flavours combined with delicate acidity plus hints of almonds, pecans and hazelnuts. Delicious.
£31.49 - Waitrose and available from many merchants / retailers.
3 - Laurent-Perrier Demi-Sec NV
Rich and full-bodied. Chardonnay 45%, Pinot Noir 40%, Pinot Meunier 15%. Brioche and peaches on the nose, biscuits and soft red apple flavours on the palate with a very delicate refinement. Understated honey and excellent length. Would work with a mild, post-Christmas curry - assuming there was enough turkey left - to perfection.
£42.99 - Waitrose and available from many merchants / retailers.
4 - Gosset Petite Douceur Rosé Extra Dry Champagne
A real class act. Distinct orange-salmon colour with fine and precise bubbles. Extra Dry has a tad more dosage than Brut, but you don’t really notice it. With smoked salmon, this would be tremendous. Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or Eggs Benedict and you move into another realm. It would be a sensational start to any day for this to be served with brunch.
£59.99 - Waitrose and available from many merchants / retailers.
5 - Larmandier-Bernier 'Latitude' Extra Brut NV
If you like the style of this small House’s Champagne, then the rate card to explore more of their portfolio can rise quite steeply, but it is worth the journey. Wines from this family all come from their holdings of 15 hectares spread across the Grand Cru villages of Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Avize, and the Premier Cru of Vertus - where this wine originates. 100% Chardonnay. Rich, opulent, concentrated and utterly delicious. The layers of complexity as you move from citrus to brioche, to cheesecake, to smoky pepper are intense - immensely enjoyable. Masterly crafted and extravagant seafood is the perfect foil.
£49.95 - Lea & Sandeman - case of six price.
