Of Wines & Festive
There is no doubt that the year-end festive spirits will, once again, be dampened by the pandemic this year, but there is still no stopping us in gathering with our loved ones and close friends to eat, drink and make merry (within the restrictions that are in place).
Wine plays an important role in bringing people together, and it has become an essential when it comes to festive and making merry. Be it a Christmas dinner, a picnic with friends or just chilling and taking in all the Christmas vibes by the pool, we have got you covered!
Wines for Christmas Dinner
Champagne is always a fancy treat, and what better way to start off a festive evening with loved ones than with a bottle of bubbly? The Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs 2014 is made exclusively with Chardonnay, mainly Grand Cru fruit. A subtle oakiness is achieved as 20% of the assemblage is vinified in wood barrels, making it an ideal aperitif to your Christmas dinner.
The E.Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau Ampuis 2017 is a full-bodied and luscious Cote Rotie, which makes for a great pairing with a spread of good steak and lamb shank, typically seen on a festive dinner table! Round up the evening with the Faiveley Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru les Charmes 2015. Its elegant, fragrant, and slight woody notes would remind you of fireplace and cosy nights – perfect for reminiscing and enjoying your moments together.
Wines for Picnic
Photo credit: Domaines Barons de Rothschild
Picnics are all about the food, company, and of course, the perfect wine to pair with all of that. A good picnic wine is refreshing, balanced, and do not overpower your picnic food. Vacheron Sancerre Blanc 2019 would make a great picnic wine! Who says that a simple Sancerre at this entry point does not shine? Vacheron has proven to many that this Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley had done a fabulous job. A very well enjoyed Sancerre that pairs greatly with seafood, white meat & even with cheese!
Try a German Riesling – it goes well with most Asian food! If you are packing a little bit of spice in that picnic basket, there’s no better foil than a little bit of sweet. The 2019 Rheingau Riesling Kabinett is just ripe on the bright, refreshing, very elegant and delicate nose. Round, lush and mouthfilling on the palate, this is a light yet piquant and aromatic Kabinett classic with precision and white fruit and floral aromas on the finish.
Wines for Chilling by the Pool
Photo credit: Domaines Ott*
When we think about drinking wine by the pool, we think of wines that are fruity and refreshing. The Domane Wachau Riesling Achleiten Smaragd 2019 is juicy and vibrant, structured and elegant with great freshness and an aromatic finish of sweet fruit. Think apricots, white peaches, lemon peel and white pepper, with a final note of mountain herbs. Doesn't hurt that it is also certified vegan and sustainable!
The R de Rieussec 2019 is a dry white that is lively yet delicate, and bursts forth with notes of passion fruit and grapefruit before the floral notes are coaxed out of the glass. What’s not to love about fruity flavours in a glass by the pool?
Regardless of which wines you pick, and what you pair it with, one thing’s for sure – where there is wine, there will be merry! So shop away and fill up that cellar because festive is fast approaching! Ho ho ho!
