Christmas Tips
I'd hoped to be able to signpost you to a range of wines from various supermarkets that were on offer in the run-up to Christmas, but sadly most have already come and gone. With your permission, if a new batch of stand-out offerings come my way in the next few weeks I'll let you know. In the meanwhile, I thought I'd try to find something from Majestic. You have to buy six bottles (they can be mixed) to get the true value, so I've listed a few for all palates below which I hope you can consider when planning your festivities. I've gone for a bottle of fizz to set things up, a few whites for different tastes and budgets, the same for the reds and a special bottle of sweet to send you off to the settee for a well-earned nap. For those who don't want the full set and are just looking for a single bottle, I've found a great deal on Champagne from Waitrose that is still available until the 16th December.
Happy Christmas!
Ullage Gapps
https://www.majestic.co.uk/sparkling-wines/nicolas-feuillatte-22454
Vintage NF @£22.99. A perennial favourite value Domaine for me. Easily gives bigger names a run for their money.
For those who like their wines on the 'fuller side' go for https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/bread-butter-chardonnay-18139. Becoming a wine with a cult following, and it certainly gives you bang for your buck.
You'll get a little more finesse here https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/macon-villages-blanc-les-pierres-blanches-4168. It's softer and a little leaner and brilliant value in my opinion. For those who hate Chardonnay, look at https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/lismore-viognier-20407. It's so fragrant you really don't need to drink it to get something from it. It's not bargain basement, but sometimes you get what you pay for.
For red lovers, you can't go wrong with https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/vina-tondonia-rioja-reserva-2006-14665 For those who follow critics’ scores, this has 96 Parker points. I can't think of a cheaper wine per Parker point available on the market right now. A really beautifully crafted red. Lower down the pecking order and at the other end of the spectrum try https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/coney-pizzicato-pinot-noir-37158. Much lighter, but a really well crafted pinot Noir that would go well with turkey should you be a traditionalist.
Lastly, https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/noe-30-year-old-pedro-ximenez-24209. You won't need a Christmas pudding with this in your pocket. You can stand a spoon up in it. Totally amazing value at under £20, will last for ages and is Christmas in a bottle. I pour it over vanilla ice cream. A friend of mine says rum & raisin is best. You decide. There are other offerings nearer to £10 that I wouldn't dissuade you from, but I believe the one above is the bees’ knees.
For those who just want a single bottle, try the Waitrose NF Blanc de Blancs https://www.waitrosecellar.com/champagne/nicolas-feuillatte-vintage-chard-867849.