France
French Reds
Despite increasing competition from the New World, France remains the most impressive wine producing country in the world. Generations of fine tuning, excellent terroir and an extraordinary range of qualities and styles, all combine to ensure that it will remain the world's first wine producing country for some time yet.
Bordeaux
Château de l'Abbaye de Saint-Ferme, Bordeaux 2010
Bordeaux 2010 / FR
14%
14%
Finally, for those who enjoy their clarets more mature, I suggest the 2010 Ch. de l’Abbaye de Saint-Ferme, an extremely well-regarded Bordeaux Supérieur made from old vine Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot planted at the striking 11th century Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Ferme, some 40km east of Bordeaux itself. It’s absolutely bang on song and so it should be, coming from a 10/10 vintage and having had eight years to relax and open out. It’s soft, mellow and silkily seductive with plums, blackcurrants, spice and even earthy truffles on both nose and palate and although I’m not sure it’s quite got the legs to last till next Christmas, it’s in absolutely peak condition for this one. £11.45 down from £11.95.
Petite Sirène de Château Giscours, Bordeaux 2015
13%
We offered the 2015 Petite Sirène in June and it was so well received that I’m delighted to waft it under your beaks again. From a corking vintage, it’s effectively the 3rd wine of Ch. Giscours (the much-loved Third Growth from Margaux) made by the same winemaking team. A blend of 70 per cent Merlot and 30 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s richly flavoured and succulent with red and dark berry fruit, whispers of vanilla and spice and a long, mouth-filling finish. It’s an extremely approachable entry level claret with impeccable pedigree and reassuringly accessible price. In short, it’s perfect Christmas fare. £11.45 down from £11.95.
Burgundy
Pernand 1er Cru Île des Vergelesses, Domaine Chandon de Briailles 2014
Bourgogne / FR
13%
13%
Red Burgundy
Languedoc-Roussillon
Loire
Domaine de l’Ermitage, Menetou-Salon Red 2017
Loire / FR
13%
13%
Domaine de l’Ermitage, Menetou-Salon Red 2017
Rhône
