Rich, white wines and silky, lush, velvety reds make perfect
drinking on winter nights. Here is a selection of my favourites.
Chacra '55' Pinot Noir 2012 Bodega Chacra, £34.50, Lea
& Sanderman (leaandsandeman.co.uk)
You normally associate Argentina with malbec not pinot noir but this number is rather impressive. Elegant and classy, this opulent wine crams strawberry and raspberry flavours with a spicy kick into the bottle. Subtle and delicate, this is an interesting and most enjoyable pinot noir.
You normally associate Argentina with malbec not pinot noir but this number is rather impressive. Elegant and classy, this opulent wine crams strawberry and raspberry flavours with a spicy kick into the bottle. Subtle and delicate, this is an interesting and most enjoyable pinot noir.
Bandol 2012 Cuvée Classique Domaine Tempier, £29.95, Lea
& Sanderman, (leaandsandeman.co.uk)
Deep ruby red, this alluring wine, with a damson and plum core warmed with a hint of vanilla, is incredibly smooth and lingers long on the palette. A true classic, you will not be able to resist a top-up.
Deep ruby red, this alluring wine, with a damson and plum core warmed with a hint of vanilla, is incredibly smooth and lingers long on the palette. A true classic, you will not be able to resist a top-up.
Lugana 2015 Felugan Feliciana, £14.25, Lea &
Sanderman, (leaandsandeman.co.uk)
A taste of Italy in a glass. This scrumptious Lugana, made from trebbiano di Lugana, which you may know as verdicchio, comes from the shores of Lake Garda. The perfect accompaniment to fish, this crisp and dry wine with a smattering of pear is complex yet refreshing.
A taste of Italy in a glass. This scrumptious Lugana, made from trebbiano di Lugana, which you may know as verdicchio, comes from the shores of Lake Garda. The perfect accompaniment to fish, this crisp and dry wine with a smattering of pear is complex yet refreshing.
Seifried Estate Nelson Lighter Sauvignon Blanc 2015, £10,
Marks & Spencer, (marksandspencer.com)
Fans of sauvignon blanc can have a low alcohol wine and also cut back on the calories with this delightful version. It may only contain 9.5 alcohol but it does not compromise on flavour. Loaded with citrus fruit and gooseberries, this aromatic sauvignon goes down a treat.
Fans of sauvignon blanc can have a low alcohol wine and also cut back on the calories with this delightful version. It may only contain 9.5 alcohol but it does not compromise on flavour. Loaded with citrus fruit and gooseberries, this aromatic sauvignon goes down a treat.
Les Gendrines Côtes du Rhône 2015, Domaine Pierre
Gaillard, £21.75, Lea & Sanderman (leaandsandeman.co.uk)
Enveloped with piercing apricots and peaches softened with a dash of honey, this viognier has a lovely floral scent. It is rich and creamy on the palate with just the right amount of acidity. A pleasure to drink.
Enveloped with piercing apricots and peaches softened with a dash of honey, this viognier has a lovely floral scent. It is rich and creamy on the palate with just the right amount of acidity. A pleasure to drink.
By Daralyn Danns
