We've spent the last few weeks looking at some of the classics I love to have in the house for Christmas. Arguably my favourite is claret so we'll look at that this week. From next Saturday, I'm going to focus on special gifts of the alcoholic variety. Which, of course, are the best kind of gifts.
Claret, of course, traditionally means anything red from the Bordeaux region but now claret style has become a homage to Bordeaux by winemakers the world over and what a homage.
The classic claret grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot although the boys and girls in the New World (other genders also available) often take a bit of artistic license with other varietals.
Whether it's from France or otherwise, you are ideally looking for something with a classic nose of autumn fruits and occasionally violets, powerful but smoothly delivered cassis and brambly fruits on the palate, evident but mellow tannins and anything from coffee, mint, cigar boxes or cassis on the finish.
Despite all the powerful varietals, I've always found clarets an easy pairing with the traditional Christmas lunch which, with its combination of flavours, is often the most complex meal of the year.
If any philanthropic billionaires are reading this by the way, I would adore a Lafite for Christmas.
A gorgeous silky claret that won't break the bank. Plummy merlot backed up by the more rustic charms of Cabernet Franc. An elegant and rather classic claret.
Villneuve Wines £25
Chateau Leoville Barton 2012 Saint Julien
Now this one will break the bank but what a way to go broke. Incredibly smooth with lashings of blackberry, raspberry and cedar wood. Tell Santa to forget the new iPad and enjoy one of these this year.
Majestic £125 per bottle
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