FOR 2011, its bubbles and your pocket will determine what you adorn your glass with but there is nothing like asking the experts or those in the trade as to what they will pop this Christmas and those behind fromvineyardsdirect.ie have offered their top choices for the festive period.
If you want to splash out a bit – there’s a classically styled Chablis which is both dry and very elegant, and a winner with salmon. The real treat is the Crozes, which is really one of the wines of the year – delicious simply doesn’t begin to cover it.
(1) Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Nouvelere Philippe et Vincent Jaboulet 2007 €22.50
(2) Domaine Eugenie Carrion Chablis 2009 €14.95
For those that enjoy Alsatian wines, they will know that they seem to have been built for the festive season and the Pinot Blanc is full of exuberant fruit which will suit the wide-ranging age groups at the table whilst Chateau Ducluzeau is a Bordeaux right at the peak of its powers, soft and enticing.
(3) Domaine Jean-Paul Schmitt Pinot Blanc Rittersberg 2007 €12.95
(4) Chateau Ducluzeau Listrac-Medoc 2000 €19.95
Looking to a more moderate price range, St Veran at this price and this quality is impossible not to like. Even knowledgeable wine-lovers will be impressed by this open-handed generosity with such a good white Burgundy! The Lacrimus is a fruit driven, spicy Rioja that is the perfect match for the food.
(5) St Veran ‘Merloix’ White Burgundy 2007 €13.50
(6) Lacrimus Rioja Crianza 2005 €12.95
And last, but not least:
the perfect set of crowd pleasers:
(7) Casa Catelli Pinot Grigio Veneto 2009 €8.95
(8) Chateau La Roca Cotes du Roussillon 2008 €9.95
