Classic Christmas Wines. From h2gwines.ie

€148 delivered. Was €178. Save €30

At Christmas we prepare and serve great food. But finding great wines to match a multitude of flavours can be tricky. This case of six Christmas wines is tried and tested. What could be more Christmas than Bordeaux & Rioja, a Riesling & Tawny Port, a delicious Cava and an elegant, oaked white from Gascony? Six great wines that we know from experience are perfect partners for Christmas fare.  

We hope you like these wines. Please let us know what you think at: mark@honest2goodness.ie

Wine details:

CAVA IDILICUM BRUT

A great introduction to the Cava range made by Dominio de la Vega from 100% Macabeo grapes grown on limestone soil. After the second fermentation in bottle the Cava is aged on the lees for 12 months in their underground cellar. This is a drier style of Cava showing floral notes, bruised apple and creamy notes with lovely fine bubbles and excellent length.

SCHUMANN NAGLER, RIESLING KABINETT

100% Riesling, a Kabinett which gives it some age-worthiness. Full of stone fruit, a touch of tropical fruit, some cleansing lime, spice and minerality. Generous on the palate but Riesling’s trademark acidity keeps everything in balance.

LE FAITE BLANC, SAINT MONT AOC

A mix of Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu and Petit Manseng, it is almost gold in colour. Crisp and fresh with lemon-zest, apple and oodles of minerality. And then, as it opens and warms, comes tropical ripe fruit and a floral rose nose. Lees and oak aging contribute layers of complexity and a long finish. The blending is informed by an open tasting session of journalists and sommeliers. The “wooden” label is a tribute to the growers who kept their wine buried under soil, identified by a wooden marker.

BIURKO RIOJA RESERVA

The 2014 vintage is made from organic grapes grown at altitude. It is aged 16 months in oak, 12 in stainless steel and 24 in bottle before release. Balanced, elegant and subtle with black fruit, sweet Christmas spice, tobacco and a long mineral finish. Open and decant if possible in advance of serving.

CHATEAU LA DILIGENTE, PUISSEGUIN SAINT-EMILION

A blend of barrel-aged Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It is ripe, soft and mellow with lovely red plum, cherry and Christmas cake spice. It has medium plus body with good acidity and a savoury, minerally finish. This wine is best enjoyed with food.

CONCEITO 10 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT

This is a rich, full-bodied and very moreish Tawny made from old vines. Think sticky toffee pudding and luxurious caramel. Ripe and intense aromas of caramel, figs, dates, plums and licorice with an evolving finish. You’ll find it hard to resist a second glass.