Live 24-Seven -Wining & Dining
Sarah Abbott Resident Wine Expert
Sarah Abbott is a Master of Wine, an international wine judge and a consultant to new online wine retailer, Rude Wines – no surprise then that wine comes high on her seasonal shopping list!
The countdown to Christmas has begun. For some, starting a Christmas run-up early helps them get organised in ticking all those lifestyle must-dos. For others (me among them) it marks the dreaded beginning of relentless pressure to deliver gastronomic, entertaining, decorating and gifting perfection. These days, I resist. Something has to give.
My presents take an easy vinous route. Pretty much all of my loved ones get a bottle of wine, which I re-package in a pretty box or bag, with a little note about the wine and why it made me think of them. Everyone gets something different, and it's become a bit of a tradition to compare bottles. (The children get toys, not wine. Lego, mostly.) So, what makes a great wine present? Champagne is a luxurious gift, and I've never known anyone who wasn't delighted to receive a bottle. A bottle of Champagne is especially lovely if you're looking to give a shared bottle to a couple: you're giving them your best wishes for their next celebration. If you're on a tighter budget, then a good quality Crémant from France is a great alternative to Champagne, and is just as good- looking.
Red wines are particularly popular as presents. There's something exciting about being given a decent bottle that you can keep for a while, and open with anticipation on a special occasion. Most supermarket and big brand wines are made to be drunk pretty much immediately.
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The great news is that you really do not need to spend a lot to get a characterful red that will mature to a deliciously fragrant, complex wine in a year or two. Some of the best hunting grounds for these wines are in France and Spain. These are wines from established vineyards, from food cultures which prize substance and longevity in reds. They are not big brands, or maybe even household names, but they are really good wines. The "Petits Châteaux" of Bordeaux are a source of really elegant reds that are at their best at five to seven years of age. Vintages such as 2009 and 2010 are best buys. Rioja, from Spain, is another red that makes a great pressie. It's more delicate than Cahors, so make sure you choose a "Reserva" for that extra power and longevity. Rude Wines have a glorious range of mixed cases of delicious, boutique wines at great prices. All their mixed cases come with tasting notes and information on the wines, so you can create your own personalised wine gifts with ease. And of course, there may well be a spare bottle or three for you!
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