On the Last Word this evening Matt takes a look at the wine world and gets a sommelier's top picks for the festive season.
Wine drinkers tend to splash out a bit more on wine at Christmas and economize a bit more during the year.
Cathryn Bell, freelance Sommelier & consultant joined the Last Word to discuss.
1 Weingut Tement, Kalk & Kreide, Sudsteiermark DAC, Austria, 2020
Exotic spicy savoury delicious Sauvignon Blanc from Austria – smoked salmon, dill, crème fraiche and horseradish, prawn cocktail with marie-rose sauce and lettuce, vegan spring rolls with scallions, red peppers, mango, coriander, lime and crushed spiced peanuts.
2 Guimaro Cepas Viejas, Riberia Sacra, Spain, 2020
From north Western Spain – Galicia, the grape is Godello – Albarino’s more curvaceous cousin! Lush, round, aged in oak, textured and savoury – only 2000 bottles made and will only cost you about €28!
3 Ziereisen, Tschuppen Spätburgunder, Landwein, Baden, Germany, 2018.
German pinot noir (Spatuburgunder) – open, jovial, plush, hand harvested, aged in barriques for 22 months and only €25 – Red burgundy eat your heart out!
4 Alternative red Luis Seabra, Xisto iLimitado Tinto, Douro, Portugal, 2019
Red from the Douro valley in Portugal. Already smells like Xmas – sweet spice, cloves, orange peel, cranberry sauce etc. Soft gentle tannins for the richeness of Xmas dinner, bright fresh acidity to help it mingle with all the food and only 12.5% alcohol, so not going to argue with the dinner or the people! €22, but lots of options below and above that price point.
