The discerning drinker: Best red wines for Christmas
Some of my Christmas reds nod to the idea that turkey or goose go best with pinot noir. That said, I plan to drink claret with goose this weekend: my first rule of food matching is
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2009 (£5.99)
From the cracking 2009 vintage, by respected house Chapoutier, this is a bargain: spicy, brambly fruit with well integrated oak
and tannins.
De Bortoli DB Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 (Majestic £7.49 or £5.99 when you buy two)
Not the most sophisticated pinot but this wine's soft, juicy fruit is very good value at the multi-bottle price.
Waipara Hills Southern Cross Selection Pinot Noir 2008, Central Otago (Sainsbury's, £12.99)
A nice example of why New Zealand so often beats Burgundy at pinot noir under £20 these days: sweet, fragrant fruit, fine balance and good weight and depth.
Château La Vieille Curé 2002, Fronsac (Sainsbury's, £17.99)
The 2002 vintage was rubbished by many critics but this majority-merlot, Right-bank claret is drinking well now: fully mature, notes of cedar, very food-friendly. But drink up.
Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Margaret River (M&S, £16)
For those who prefer a more full-on New World style, this is richer and deeper than the Fronsac but nevertheless has lovely structure and class.
A thoroughbred from a pioneering producer in this corner of Western Australia.
