I’m sick. Sore throat, shivers. Don’t want wine (so, quite serious). But that’s not stopped me sorting out wines for next week. First though, my Christmas List:
1. A new pair of bed socks
2. A Miller Harris scented candle (Geranium Bourbon, to be precise)
A great improvement on a wheelbarrow and a new roasting dish, I think. Though practical, they were decidedly not luxurious. This Christmas I’m going for luxurious. If you could spread the word, I’d be grateful.
Now, to wine, and what I’ve got on standby for next week.
Christmas Day Champagne in the fridge: Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru 2004, £60, Berry’s
The day will start – as always – with bubbles. I know, outrageously expensive, but it was a 40th birthday present and I have been saving it until now. Made by a small producer in Champagne, it is biodynamic (think super-organic) and – unusually for Champagne – fermented in barrels, giving the wine a distinct woody aroma. I know I am making it sound like an odd beast, but I’m rather hoping it is. I’ll let you know.
Christmas Day white in the fridge: Nicolas Potel Pouilly Fuisse 2011, £10.99 on offer, Waitrose
Although Chablis is the oft-touted Christmas classic white, I’m going for something a little bit different. Pouilly Fuisse comes from an area in the Maconnais region in France, and whilst made from the same grape as Chablis (that’ll be Chardonnay) it is just a bit more relaxed than its uptight near-neighbour. And I’m all for relaxed on Christmas Day. This will be sipped whilst scoffing smoked salmon on brown bread with a lick of horseradish, a squeeze of lemon and a heap of black pepper.
Christmas Day red in the rack: Elephant Hill Pinot Noir 2011, £14, Coe Vintners
Pinot Noir from New Zealand, particularly Central Otago in the middle of the South Island can be tear-inducingly good. It can also be tear-inducingly expensive but this one seems great value. Now, I’m very lucky to have a bottle because this particular vintage isn’t available here until next Spring. It won a gold medal at the recent International Wine & Spirit Competition, the very same competition that named me as their Blogger of the Year. And they sent me a bottle of this by way of congratulations. Lucky me.
Here’s to you and yours x
Not a spam comment (hurrah!) but wanted to wish you a Happy Christmas and here's hoping your £60 bottle of champagne lives up to expectations! PMx
Thank you! And to you and your boys (big and small) too x
don't even consider opening those bubbles before i arrive – just don't 🙂 xxx
p.s will an ikea candle and a pair of old ski socks with penguins on them do?
Gimme those and you get Lambrini x
Wow, posh champagne: sounds lovely! Hope you have an amazing Christmas, and that you get the socks you've been dreaming of 😉
Love
Peg
xx
Thank you Peg, same to you. And socks would make me SO happy x
Hope you feel better! Merry Christmas!
Much better thanks. Nothing Pholcodine couldn't fix 😉
I have to say Otago wines have become firm favourites recently, shame they can be expensive though eh? Have you tried the Majestic Peaks Pinot Noir? Was quite impressed with one I was given as a gift.
Ooh, no. Haven't…will seek out. Love a recommendation!
Sounds so intriguing – what time do you want me?
Happy Christmas and may 2013 bring you love, joy and laughter xx
Anytime Mari (and same to you and your gorgeous lot) x
An oaked bubbly, I just don't know…but if it makes you feel better, drink it now 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I know, feel same but hey, willing to give it a go! Happy Christmas x