WITH THE SEASON OF ENTERTAINING CLOSE AT HAND, now is the time to stock up with a few choice bottles to ensure you always have something good to offer guests. And with plenty of wines offering bags of flavour for money, there’s no need to spend a fortune.
In the recent International Wine Challenge, Northallerton’s Lewis & Cooper (01609 772880) was awarded Best Wine Merchant in North East England, so it is well worth spending an hour or two browsing their shelves. Head for the crisp, bright fruit of Santa Alvara Sauvignon Blanc 2007; it comes from the iconic Casa Lapostolle winery in Colchagua Valley in Chile and has lots of tropical fruit and serious weight for a mere £5.99. For the same price, a wine entitled The Spanish Quarter, offers the restrained elegance of the Albariño grape, blended with a little Chardonnay to round out the flavours. This is a wine to enjoy on its own, but it also works well teamed up with cold chicken or even turkey. Amongst the reds at Lewis & Cooper, the 2006 John X Merriman Blend from the chic Rustenberg winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa, offers ripe blackcurrant fruit with a long, sweet cedary finish.
The wine is made from the same grape varieties as good quality claret, yet it achieves more ripeness and suppleness in the warmth of South Africa’s sunshine. Partner it with any robust meal, or even with the full Christmas dinner. Lewis & Cooper also has a delicious selection of Madeira wines from the excellent producer Barbeito. Madeira is perfect for winter drinking, especially mid-afternoon alongside a sliver of fruitcake or a plate of nuts. For sumptuous nutty, ginger and crème brûlée flavours try Barbeito Boal 10 Year Old at £24.95. And don’t worry if you haven’t finished it when your guests go home; Madeira keeps for ages, even after opening.
Also good with the rich, sweet flavours of Christmas is d’Arenberg Vintage Fortified Shiraz 2005 which comes in half bottles from Corks & Cases in Masham (01765 688810) at just £10.99. If you want to try before you buy, there is usually a bottle open behind the counter throughout winter, so just ask for a sip. The classic flavours of Mâcon Villages 2008 from Bouchard Père et Fils, also in stock at Corks & Cases, make a great accompaniment to starters over the festive season. Cold salmon, shellfish and chicken will all harmonise well with this savoury, citrus-backed wine, and if your guests prefer to stick with white then it will carry through to the main course with ease. Personally, though, I would switch to Chateau Fleur de Lisse 2005 from St Emilion. It has the warmth and elegance of that excellent vintage, along with clear, redcurrant and cassis fruit flavour and a touch of liquorice complexity. Good value at £10.99, and capable of ageing another year or so. (Christine Austin, Dales Life Xmas 2009 Edition)
Last Updated: February 24, 2010