Focus Winter 2016
Page 9
Welcome back to Nethergate Wines
Our selection offers extensive variety, excellent quality and
outstanding value. This is backed up by our commitment to
provide a high level of service.
All our wines are available to purchase online via
our secure site,
www.nethergatewines.com
or by fax, or phone
01284 852110
If you would like advice or tasting notes please phone us or
contact us via Email:
orders@nethergatewines.com
Nethergate Wines, Gate House Farm, Depden Green,
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP29 4BZ
Tel: 01284 852110 Fax: 01284 852473
Christmas
is absolutely my favourite time of the year. It is a great occasion to share with
friends and family and to eat and drink well. With this in mind, I have chosen seven wines
which, in my humble opinion, will absolutely enhance your celebrations.
My first two choices are sparkling wines, which can be drunk in abundance to promote an
atmosphere of bonhomie!
Wines to enjoy at Christmas …
by Dick Burge, wine specialist at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers
These can be mixed wines and below is the current
price per bottle, after discount, but inclusive of VAT.
A case of 12 bottles can be ordered at an
attractive discount to Focus readers
Champagne
is a must, and this time I have chosen one of my two absolute favourites: Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royal Brut. This is a
classical, elegant wine produced by a House founded in 1825. At £27.15 per bottle it compares very favourably with more expensive
and better known wines.
Prosecco
is very much à la mode nowadays and comes in a great number of differing qualities. I can put my hand on my heart and
affirm that I have never tasted a finer example than: Prosecco ‘Spago’ Domenico de Bertiol. This is frizzante in style; more elegant
and less bubbly than the Spumante style. It has fruity aromas, a creamy, lemony palate and a bright, lively finish. I think this is a real
snip at £8.60 per bottle.
For a white wine,
my first choice would be a White Burgundy as I think that the finest white wines in the world are produced in
that region. In order not to break the bank, I suggest: Domaine Vocoret Chablis, 2015. I first tasted the wines of this Domaine,
which is in the heart of the small town of Chablis, well over thirty years ago. They have always maintained an exceptional level of
quality and, at £12.60 per bottle, it makes a very fine companion to cold meats, chicken and fish dishes.
My favourite Italian white wine is: Gavi di Gavi, Patrizi. The 2015 vintage is currently available and is, in my opinion, delightful!
Made from the Cortese grape, it is a floral wine that has a steely, citrus character on the plate. At £10.60 per bottle, I think this
represents great value.
Turning to red wine
, we must find something really suitable for turkey or goose (or roast beef for that matter). It needs to be a
wine with plenty of body, and a powerful offering from the Southern Rhône is: Sablet ‘Le Reve de Marine’ from Piaugier. The 2013
vintage is now drinking perfectly, and is a deep and intense wine with good fruit flavours. It is made from the Syrah grape from old
vines and has been matured for two winters in oak barriques before bottling. I think this is great value at £10.70 per bottle.
Clarets are in most people’s minds at this time and, of course, can be extremely expensive.
One of the best value Red Bordeaux I have found is Chateau La Rivalerie 1ère Côtes de Blaye, and the 2010 vintage is now at its
peak. The blend is of the traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, this wine has a certain elegance, very decent fruit, and is terrific value
at £7.80 per bottle.
Finally, we come to dessert wine.
I make no apology for offering this wine again. When I visited the winery four weeks ago
and, even in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it tasted of Christmas! Mistela, Castell do Siurana, is a delicious dark coloured sweet wine
made from the Muscat grape in the region of Montsaint. I think it is the finest accompaniment to Christmas pudding imaginable.
At £10.35 per 50cl bottle it is also a bargain!
Happy Christmas drinking!
Champagne
Joseph Perrier ‘Cuvée Royal Brut’
£27.15
Prosecco
‘Spago’ Domenico de Bertiol
£8.60
White
Domaine Vocoret Chablis, 2015
£12.60
Gavi di Gavi, Patrizi
£10.60
Red
Sablet ‘Le Reve de Marine’
£10.70
Chateau La Rivalerie 1ère Côtes de Blaye £7.80
Dessert
Mistela, ‘Castell do Siurana’
£10.35