As we industriously pack up boxes of wine for Christmas, restock the shelves, and offer friendly advice here at our Truro wine shop, every now and then our thoughts stray to what we’ll be indulging in ourselves over the Christmas break!
So, as your plans take shape with family and friends this festive season, why not take the lead from us! We are a team of six, all with very different palates and preferences. Read on to find out what special bottle each of us is taking home for Christmas; after all personal recommendations are what award-winning Indie merchants excel at!
Jamie - Quinto Malbec, Riglos
“I’m a little bit in love with this Malbec from high up in the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. The combination of the swing between day and night temperatures, the altitude, and plenty of sunlight means the grapes ripen slowly but perfectly, developing complex flavours yet maintaining a delicious freshness. This is a lovely deep purple colour with lots of brambly fruits and soft, supple tannins. I plan to enjoy this on Christmas Eve – possibly with some grass-fed local beef if I’ve done all my jobs by then!”
Emily - Cremant de Loire Brut NV, Domaine de Landreau
“This is a brilliant alternative to Champagne. Made in the same traditional method, it has that rich, biscuity creaminess along with a hint of almond. It also has a zippy, refreshing backbone of acidity. Perfect for enjoying with anything from smoked salmon blinis to the large quantities of stollen we get through in my house!”
Meg - Germar Breton Brut
“This is a great value Champagne from producer Germar Breton, and the perfect indulgence to get the celebrations started on Christmas Day. From the south of the Champagne region, up to 36 months of lees ageing produces a perfectly balanced and developed blend of Chardonnay (65%) and Pinot Noir (35%). There's an irresistible richness to the nose, and flavours of fruit, nuts and honey make me think of Christmas cake!”
Simon - Finca De Los Locos, Artuke, 2016
“Finca De Los Locos is one of the renown single vineyard wines produced by maverick Rioja grower, Artuke. Eschewing the traditional style of Rioja with lots of oak aging, Artuke wines always amplify the complexity and freshness of the fruit itself. This wine is no different, and I’d liken its elegance and minerality to that of a very good Pinot Noir, with a hint of toastiness from careful ageing. This will go excellently with the turkey!”
Louisa - La Vie En Rosé, Lional Osmin
“Rosé might seem like an unusual choice at Christmas, but I think people are mad not to drink more of it at this time of year! There’s nothing better than a nice crisp glass of rosé to bring you back to life after all that rich food, and to counteract the general drowsiness of the season. This is made with Négrette grapes which are native to the area around Toulouse. It’s typically vibrant, fresh and delicate with a good fruity core. I’ll certainly have a bottle or two in the fridge for when I’m flagging!”
Steve – Vignerons Selection Chardonnay, Glenwood
“This is my go-to Christmas white wine for the turkey. It’s full-bodied, creamy, and rich and sets exactly the right tone for what is the most indulgent meal of the year. The flavours of stone fruits, vanilla, butter, and citrus peel are long lasting, buoyed by a steely minerality on the finish. Chardonnay is the flagship grape grown at Glenwood’s winery in Franschhoek, where this wine spent 9 months on its lees in French oak barrels.”
For more seasonal inspiration, visit our Christmas Shop here.
