Seasonal Whites
… wines for winter dishes …
With only a few weeks to go to Christmas, I thought a collection of wines that have stood out over the last few months might be a useful reference to ensure stocks are ordered well in advance.
01 - Le Bois Doré Chenin Blanc 2023, Saumur, Loire, France
Fridge Door. If you need a straightforward wine at a moment’s notice, then having a bottle of this crisp Chenin Blanc permanently sitting in the fridge is a great solution. Easy to consume, bright acidity with light fruit, it is the perfect wine to serve to a neighbour who has just popped in for a chat.
£10.00 - Majestic - six mix - link
02 - Domaine Richeaume ‘Tradition’ Blanc 2024, IGP Méditerranée, France
Aperitif. Blend of 15% Rolle, 15% Viognier, 35% Grenache Blanc and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. Rolle is known as Vermentino in Corsica and Italy. Positioned as one of the pioneers of organic viticulture in Provence, their wines are broadly available from a number of good merchants, but this white only from Yapp. Enjoy with smoked salmon on thinly sliced brown bread, pesto on toasted baguette, or Jamon Iberico.
£21.50 - Yapp - link
03 - Simpsons Derringstone Pinot Meunier, Kent, England
Kitchen Lunch, first course. The Pinot Meunier is one of the three main grape varieties in Champagne. It is also a black grape, yet this is a white wine. A ‘blanc de noirs’ in the true sense of the definition. I first tasted this about five years ago, and immediately thought what an inspiring wine the Simpsons have created. Ruth and Charles are based in Kent, but also have a winery in the South of France. They are making some top-flight wines in England, and their years of knowledge and expertise are seen across their portfolio. Full-bodied, with very good length and structure. A dry richness with very balanced fruit and acidity. Not sure why I haven’t bought more over the years - another New Year’s resolution added to the extensive list. Packaging is also very elegant. If the first course is smoked mackerel, potted shrimps, or a gnocchi dish, then this is an ideal partner.
£25.00 - Simpsons Winery - link
04 - Domaine du Clos des Fées ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Grenache Blanc 2023
Lunch, main course. I cannot fault this wine. It is immensely drinkable, superbly made, and when guests taste it they smile and ask what they are drinking. Very palatable, and glass after glass just continues to flow until another cork needs to be pulled. Needs food as it is fairly rich, but definitely not over-powering. It could be the wine to have in one’s house over the coming months. From the IGP Côtes Catalanes appellation.
£29.95 - Yapp - link
05 - Rippon Mature Vine Riesling 2023, Central Otago, New Zealand
Lunch. Fish, with spices. When serious winemaking began in Central Otago, Rippon shot to the front as a beacon of quality. Their wines are still outstanding, but many other players have entered the patch and there is a collection within this Pacific Rim enclave of very notable producers. The focus is mainly Pinot Noir, but there are a wealth of other varietals being grown, hence this Riesling. Notes of fresh grapefruit, lemons, and mandarins are neatly balanced with a delicate percentage of residual sugar. This gives the wine an essence of floral characteristics that sits well with well seasoned dishes that need just a very, very small lift of ripe fruit. If you have not tried the smoked haddock and leek rarebits recipe from Julius Roberts - link - then if you fell like an savoury bite over lunch, or light supper, then give this recipe a try.
£31.50 - Lea & Sandeman - link
06 - Damascene, Chenin Blanc 2023, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Dinner. Rich veal or chicken. I’ve covered this winery in the past but the latest vintage of this stunning Chenin Blanc needs noting. Apricots, quince, and peach sit alongside crafted and delicate acidity that is rich and full-bodied. Length and texture abound, and the overall impact is mesmerising. You will need several bottles as your guests will let this slide down with pace.
£37.95 - Lea & Sandeman - twelve mix - link
07 - Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées “Clos de la Truffiere” Vieilles Vignes 2022, Domaine Vincent & Francois Jouard
Christmas Day. Flawless White Burgundy. A family-run, 11-hectare estate in Chassagne-Montrachet creating superlative after superlative of utterly delicious Chardonnay. It is young, but the fresh fruit and concentration make it a very desirable wine to consume today. If you buy too much, then it will still be drinking well in 5-10 years. I shall be serving this on 25th December.
£79.00 - Montrachet Wine Merchants - old school ordering via email or phone
Ed Hume-Kendall - ed@montrachetwine.com - 020 7821 1337
08 - Bissoni, Passito 2020 Albana di Romagna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Pudding. If there was ever a wine that would sit to perfection alongside the classic Christmas Pudding, then this is it. Rich and intense with pronounced flavours of apricot, mango, honey, oranges and so much more. Mildly over the top? Possibly, but then totally irresistible. It’s great that estates are making wines as whacky as this. Guests may chatter about this one for some time.
£32.50 - half-bottle - Lea & Sandeman - link
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