Christmas Brochure

To find a good sparkling wine under £10 is a considerable challenge. After dozens of samples we struck gold with this dry Colombard, Chenin Blanc by Jules Larose.

"Made by La Guardiense co-operative deep in the Sannio Hills of Campania, Italy, it’s fresh, floral and fruity. There’s a lemony touch to it too and a long, crisp finish."

Made from Portugal’s top red grape varietal, Touriga Nacional, and aged for six months in oak barrels for an exquisite richness in aroma, body and texture.

Made from low-yielding Grenache vines averaging over 70 years of age for a delicious example of how good modern Spanish winemaking gets.

For when you fancy the fruit, finesse and delicacy of Sancerre but not the budget, Bellevue offers spectacular value for money.

Dopff's riesling is very classic, dry, and pristine with crisp, green apple and vibrant citrus. Perfect aperitif or with seafood.

A delicious red Rhône and a long a favourite of the Guide Hachette des Vins, Hugh Johnson, Robert Parker and ours. Grenache, syrah and just a touch of mourvedre.

A lovely off-dry white wine which is well balanced with a refreshing acidity. A rich yellow in colour, with a nose of smoky notes and dried fruit.

A sumptuous blend of Sangiovese and Merlot from one of Chianti's most ancient estates, representing over 5 centuries of Siennese winemaking. Loves grilled red meats, game, mature cheeses.

From 3rd-growth Château Giscours (Margaux) and sumptuous, abundant, well-balanced proof that you need not always pay £20+ for a bottle of Left Bank pedigree and finesse.

From the great Estoras vineyards historically owned by the Esterhazy Princes and producing Austria's most famous varietal for white wines that pair supremely with all manner of Asian cuisine.

Beautiful, traditionally made white burgundy made by 5th generation members of the Gonon family at the foot of the great limestone escarpment Solutré that dominates Pouilly Fuissé.

Gorgeously rich, full-bodied on the palate with balanced length that is freshened with a final lick of brisk, elegant, invigorating acidity.

Made from 40 year old vines and aged in French oak barrels. Priorat with just Rioja has the highest designation for a wine appellation in Spain.

Château Ramafort is in cracking form. The Cru Bourgeois estate, once belonged to Château Lafite. A 50/50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

The utmost expression of Loire Sauvignon Blanc sophistication and sourced across 30 different limestone, marl and flint parcels for a Pouilly-Fume of remarkable aromatic complexity.

"... I'm mad to ignore it. It's just so tasty soft, creamy and tropical with an underlying zestiness and energy and so well-priced..."

Pouilly-Fuissé is the finest appellation of the Mâcon. A delicious wine from the excellent 2023 vintage - ripe and inviting flavours; intense citrus combined with more tropical fruits.

A perfectly mature 'mini-super-Tuscan' blend of sangiovese, cab franc and merlot and without the super-Tuscan price. Almost two decades on, it's full of delicious nuance, complexity - and life.

"...from a stellar château whose grand vin sells for just shy of £400 a bottle."

Michel Guilleminot Blanc de Noirs comes from the very south of Champagne in the beautiful Vallee de l'Aube. A lovely single grower champagne made by the 4th generation Guilleminot family.

"...one that FVD's Esme Johnstone, à la sungazer, believes is richer and more profound than the 2020 incarnation and already very approachable."

Another very pretty, expressive 2021 with pronounced blackberry and plum aromas and an underlying green-leaf freshness.

Rosé champagne has a cachet and excitement about it, perhaps because it is rarer. The Guilleminot Rosé champagne made with their own Champenois pinot noir is a real treat.