This week, four great wines that were shortlisted for my end-of-year selection but didn’t quite make the final cut. The main reason was because I just wasn’t sure how well they would go with turkey. But all four are worth buying, the Bordeaux and the Chianti Classico in particular.
In addition to those listed below, if you fancy trying something new, winesdirect.ie have the excellent Nimbus Russus Xinomavro from Greece (€28.75), while their Vinmouth (€59.25) is an exciting, complex vermouth that is worth the price.
I featured a Ribera del Duero from Lidl last week. This week one from Aldi, which is almost as good and €1 cheaper. The Château les Grands Vallons is one of the best-value Bordeaux I tasted last year.
Castello di Volpaia is one of the top estates of Chianti Classico. The wines generally have a very appealing elegance and refinement that make them great with food.
The Morgon comes from Côte de Puy, among the best vineyards in Beaujolais. Château des Jacques is one of the best-known names, proprietors of an impressive 69 hectares of vines in the most sought-after crus of the region.
Specially Selected Ribera del Duero 2023
14%, €10.99
Sleek smooth ripe plums and spice with some dusty tannins on the finish. One to savour alongside lamb dishes or roast belly of pork.
From Aldi.
Château les Grands Vallons 2020, Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux, Biodynamic
12%, €18.99
Smooth ripe blackcurrant fruits, a slight earthiness, and perfectly balanced light tannins. Great value for money and perfect with roast lamb, beef, firm cheeses or mushroom dishes.
From Baggot Street Wines; The Vintry, D6; The Wine Pair, D8; Grapevine, Dalkey; 64 Wine, Mount Merrion & Glasthule; D6 Harold’s Cross; Morton’s Galway.
Volpaia Chianti Classico 2021
13.5%, €34-35
One of my favourite wines from this region. Elegant, sweet-sour dark cherry fruits with a fine acidity and subtle tannins. Try it with lasagne and other meaty or tomato-based pasta dishes.
From Pinto Wines, D9; BaRossa Wines, Sandymount; Eleven Deli, Greystones; Browns Vineyard Portlaoise; Morton’s, Ranelagh; Dodi, Lahinch.
Morgon Côte du Puy 2021, Château des Jacques, Louis Jadot
13%, €45.99
Fragrant, light in body with concentrated dark cherry fruits, a pleasing austerity from the tannic structure and good length. Keep for a few years or enjoy now with duck, or charcuterie.
From La Touche, Greystones; BaRossa Wines, Sandymount; The Wine Pair, D8; Barnhill Stores, Dalkey; The Corkscrew, D2; Kelly’s, D3.
