What’s the true meaning of Christmas? Peace and goodwill to all men, obviously, but quality drinks come in second place. Let’s face it, sometimes a good drink is the only way to get through the repeats on TV and the lively family “discussions”. Champagne is the choice of many people on Christmas morning — start as you mean to go on — but the big question is generally what to drink with the festive turkey.
The discerning bluffer should note that — as a low fat, medium-weight and medium-flavoured bird — turkey is best matched with a full-bodied white or medium to full-bodied red with medium tannin, like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rioja or red Burgundy. But an aged claret can pair beautifully because the tannins have softened — and Port can finish off the whole occasion sweetly.
But exactly what should we be buying? We asked Jon Hirsch and Paul Hammond of fine wine investors IG Wines give us their tips for a Christmas tipple, complete with scores from wine critic Robert Parker.
You’re going to a house party and you’ve got about £15 to spend
“For a red, Jon will generally bring a bottle or two of Le Volte, dell’Ornellaia 2012 (approx. £15) to a party. It’s best known for being the third wine of the great Ornellaia and benefits from the Estate’s world-famous winemaking. It might be at the top end of the spend but this is reflected in its 91/100 points score. If you’re looking for a white wine, Paul’s go-to choice is Abeille de Fieuzal 2013 (£15 a bottle). It’s the second white wine of the historic Bordeaux property Fieuzal and it’s made to be consumed younger than Fieuzal Blanc.”
You need a quality family wine for Christmas dinner with turkey — up to £25 a bottle
“Try Lopez de Heredia Tondonia Reserva 2001 (£22): Rioja displays medium tannin and is abundant in red fruit which pairs perfectly with the flavour of the turkey and cranberry sauce. López de Heredia Tondonia is one of the best Riojas on the market and in 2001 they produced a showstopper. This wine absolutely sings from the bottle.”
You want to impress someone with an amazing Christmas present – around £100 a bottle
“Robert Parker declared the 2009 Bordeaux vintage ‘one of the best of my lifetime, giving Lynch-Bages 2009 (£100) his highest-ever score of 98 points. The 2009 Lynch-Bages is a future superstar, and we think it will surpass the 1989 and 1990. It will provide immense pleasure now, or be laid down for twenty years. Kept correctly it’ll only improve.”
You’re decompressing between Christmas and NYE
“The days between Christmas and NYE are heaven-sent relaxation time. Shut the door, turn off the phone and hide under a duvet with whichever Bond film is on the telly. With a 92/100 score the Sicilian Mazzei Zisola 2011 (£16) is perfect for these days. It’s warm, succulent fruit and delightful finish provides the perfect tonic to help you unwind and relax over Christmas.”
By Bluffers.com
