Wine has got to be one of the most welcomed gifts at Christmas. Surely, few people would turn their nose up at a bottle, or two, of their favourite tipple. So to help you find something special for your friends and family this year, we have hand-picked a selection of our top 5 Christmas presents for 2017.
1. Expression Brut, Champagne Geoffroy
Was £32 Now £25 per bottle retail.
As the world’s most quality controlled wine, with rules to ensure that even entry level bottles are, at the very least, very good; you simply cannot go wrong with Champagne. Champagne Geoffroy is hand-crafted at a small family domaine in the Vallée de la Marne, owned and run by fifth generation winemaker Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy. Geoffroy is widely acclaimed by critics as being among the top Champagne growers in the region.
Tasting Notes:
The rich fig and red apple fruits create a compelling contrast with crisp acidity and tight grapefruit and lemon notes. Three years on lees makes for generous maturity, reinforcing honey and fruit cake spice and a deliciously creamy texture. Wonderful, easy drinking freshness.
2. 2009 Vintage Rose Brut, Digby Fine English
£45.16 per bottle retail
From the award winning Digby Fine English, this 2009 Vintage Rose Brut is the perfect choice for style and elegance. It is the quintessence of English luxury: fresh roses and strawberries dance match a deeper smokey richness from over seven years of ageing. What's more, it is available as a single bottle or magnum, and it is perfectly presented in a special Digby gift box.
Tasting Notes
With a remarkable generosity of spirit, this 2009 Vintage Rosé draws from the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from Southern England, yielding a refined yet exuberant wine. Delicate bubbles carry the essence of an English summer: fresh roses, strawberries and impromptu picnics. Extra time on yeast lees gives delicious toasty characters, so Digby’s Rosé is ideal for pre-dinner drinks or perhaps a spot of afternoon tea.
£295.51 per jeroboam retail
The iconic Viña Ardanza celebrates its' 75th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion, they have created a special limited edition 2008 vintage jeroboam. Each bottle of this collector's edition is numbered and signed by the winemaker, Julio Sáenzand dressed in Swarovski crystals. Big bottles have many benefits. They’re often better value, great for entertaining and of course, they offer the wow factor. This double magnum also comes in a very special box that includes an exclusive wooden corkscrew.
Tasting Notes
The nose opens with warm earthy tones. Appealing spice sits alongside dried peel notes and hightoned fruit over a hint of leather The fruit is forward, and a touch juicier than in the past, underpinned by the same spicy notes found on the nose. A keen freshness knits everything together and the balance of this wine is impeccable. Drink from 2017-2030.4. La Rioja Alta Christmas Mixed Case
£90 per case retail
Alternatively, you can opt for a the special La Rioja Alta mixed case presented in a bespoke wooden gift box that conains 1 bottle each of the following: 2008 Viña Alberdi, Viña Arana Reserva 2006 and Gran Reserva 904 200.
5. 2011 Ornus Ornellaia, Tuscany
£55 per bottle retail
If you would like to treat your friends and family to something truely rare and unique, Ornus Ornellaia is an obvious choice. It is a late harvest Manseng "distinct in style, inspired by nature and unique in origin." produced in extremely limited quantities. The name Ornus dell'Ornellaia takes it's inspiration from "Fraxinus Ornus" the latin name for the "Manna" or flowering Ash tree which is typical to the Mediterranean coastal areas. It's precious sap has been harvested to be used as sweetner since biblical times. Pair alongside their Olio dell'Ornellaia Permieum Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or any one of their iconic tucan wines and you have the ultimate christmas gift, for wines lovers and foodies alike.
Tasting Notes
Wonderful gold colour, boasts a nose of extraordinary complexity, with emphatic notes of dried apricot and honey. The silky, smooth, elegant, sophistication that oozes from this sweet delight makes it the perfect digestif.
By Megan Parkinson
Marketing Executive