If we had to pick just six wines to stock our wine rack with this Christmas then after careful deliberation this would be the line up! A stunning selection of classics and lesser knowns that each bring value, complexity and personality in spades. The perfect cases to crack open over the holiday season and enjoy with friends.....well good friends ;)
THE WHITES
Thistle & Weed ‘Brandnetel’ Chenin Blanc: Handcrafted, small batch from 70 year old bush vines! This gorgeous Chenin Blanc is brimming with delicate notes of quince, white peach and blood orange, the palate pulls through with quintessential Chenin blanc star power, including a rich and more-ish palate and lemon-zip acidity. It offers a wonderfully palatable lesson in appreciating differing terroir, bringing forward a more linear expression that ends with a slight saltiness achieved from the mineral-rich soils.
Ancestral Branco Fitapreta 2023: Winemaker of the Year' 2018, 'Singularity Award' 2018, 'Revelation Producer' 2017, Wine Project of the Year 2016 - it's safe to say that Antonio Macanita's mantlepiece is under some strain. A wonderfully tangy white, loaded with white flowers, a moreish cool flinty note and tempting nutty-oaty elements adding texture, richness and complexity. Sugared almonds, almond blossom, pears and some hazelnut too. It's a fab mouthful for those who like oaked Chardonnay or mild skin contact wine, with mouth-watering long acidity too.
Granbazan Etiqueta Ambar Albarino: A wine littered with awards for it's purity, tension and concentration - low yeilds and old vines create gorgeous tropical aromas in this Albarino with hints of mandarin and white spice. The palate has stone fruit and citrus with a creamy texture, mineral notes, vibrant acidity and classic saline characters.
THE REDS
Apo 6 (Oak aged) Malbec Belasco de Baquedano 2022: Woe betide the wine merchant that ignores a tip from Jancis Robinson MW. It was her that first pointed us in the direction of Belasco de Baquedano with their cracking AR Guentota Malbec. Great value and a gorgeous expression of Malbec from centenarian vines high up in Lujan de Cuyo, 1000 metres above sea level. Svelte and polished, with lots of violets and bright fruit on the nose backed up by a savoury-herbal undercurrent - blueberries, and bacon, raspberry coulis, with a gentle bitter, almost Amaro like, with a silken and seamless palate.
Luis Canas Rioja Reserva: Shhh this may be our favourite wine of 2024. A stunningly complex Roija with bold aromas and rich concentration which combine to give an intense, sophisticated wine. Ripe berry fruits, smoke, plum, cocoa, cinnamon and coulis notes explode from that glass. On the palate it is full and rounded, with lovely tannins offset by the glycerine-like character, resulting in a pleasant and fleshy mouth feel. Long lasting and lingering. Delicious!
Touriga Vai Nua Fitapreta 2022: A stunning and beguiling Portugese red full of personality and finesse, on the palate it's not at all heavy yet brimming with pure, unadulterated fruit: deliciously ripe English cherries, blackcurrant compote, violets, and on the palate it feels like liquid silk. The warmth of the Alentejo region lends a beguiling generosity that just oozes appeal, it's an absolute joy and so moreish you'll be reaching for a second glass in no time.
