As Waitrose currently have a 'deal' on wines, here are my thoughts on six that might be of interest over the coming months. Offer finishes tomorrow, Tuesday 7th November:
1 - Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs NV
Waitrose - £11.99 - when you buy 6+
I have rattled on about this wine in the past, but it is still the best value méthode champenoise wine you can buy, and at £11.99 with Christmas and New Year around the corner, then it hits the sparkling brief to perfection.
100% Chardonnay and from one of the large co-operatives in Southern Burgundy. Crisp, light, smidgeon of toast, and perfectly made. Nobody will complain about being served a glass of this and much, much, much better than inexpensive Champagne.
2 - Cune Reserva Rioja 2018 - in magnums
Waitrose - £20.25 - when you buy 6+
I've double-checked the price and this is therefore around £10 per bottle: £20.25 per magnum. If you need some volume over the coming months, then no need to go any further than this well made Rioja. Magnums always look good on the lunch table. You might find a later vintages on the shelves at your local store - 2019 - and it is of the same quality.
3 - Rustenberg John X Merriman 2020
Waitrose - £12.74 - when you buy 6+
A Bordeaux-style, Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine from South Africa. Always gets high marks from the critics. Medium-bodied with a very good balance between soft tannins, fresh acidity and dark cherries and plums on the nose and palate. The other surprising element about this wine is how long it will keep for: this will certainly be in excellent condition into the early 2030s. You might find the 2021 on the shelves. Yearly differences do not make a great deal of difference to this well made wine.
4 - Pernand-Vergelesses Les Belles Filles, Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard
Waitrose - £18.74 - when you buy 6+
The wine I covered in a missive on 28th October is now only £18.74. Now exceptional value, particularly given how much White Burgundy prices are expected to rise.
5 - Pierro Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia 2020
Waitrose - £36.74 - when you buy 6+
Many may feel that buying a Chardonnay from Margaret River, just south of Perth, around the £37 mark does not fall into the ‘bargain' category.
Trust me, this one does.
Forget historic thoughts of overly oaked white Australians: this comes from another world that embraces finely tuned, delicate and subtle flavours. It is drinking superbly today, and will still be drinking superbly in another decade.
As Erin Larkin stated in the Wine Advocate, ‘For those who know of Pierro, the estate (and its maker) needs no introduction. However, for those unfortunate to have made it through life so far without Pierro in it, please, read on.’
Serve this at a dinner party and your guests will be genuinely wowed: delicate balance of creamy, rich, nutty flavours married with a harmony of stone fruits and acidity.
6 - Gosset Petite Douceur Rosé Extra Dry Champagne
Waitrose - £44.99 - when you buy 6+ bottles
Finally, and with a wholehearted endorsement, is this glorious Rosé Champagne from Gosset.
This is a glass of quite exceptional Champagne. There is a pronounced and refined elegance in this wine, with delicate bubbles, and an abundance of fragrant cherries and raspberries on the nose and palate. Having served it extensively over the last month to a host of guests, it seems to tick a lot of boxes with everyone coming back for many, many glasses. I think people like it because the acidity levels are not high: you can taste the fruit.
I shall be serving it on Christmas Day!