December has arrived with a flurry of snow, getting us all in the mood for the festivities. Here are our Wines for the month of December - handpicked for your seasonal merriment.
Cramele Recas Solevari Reserve Feteasca Regala, Romania 2022
History: We are going a little off piste with our first choice, although Romania is the fifth largest wine producer in Europe and has a long history of wine production, dating back 5000 years! Phylloxera came relatively late to the region, in around 1880, by which time a solution to the problem had already been found, leading to the replanting of the vine yards with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon & Pinot Noir before too much damage was done. Many indigenous varieties survived and are thriving today. Wineries such as Carmele Recas are at the forefront of the Romanian wine renaissance.
Solevari Feteascã Regalã comes from selected plots of the vineyard with fractured Limestone and iron oxide rich loams, clay soils. These are the areas known to produce better grapes. The grapes are given an extended ripening period to allow development of more intense flavour. The grippy mouth feel, typical for Feteascã Regalã is well expressed in this wine by allowing full fermentation to dryness, to create a sophisticated palate.
Taste: An abundance of lemon, peach, apricot with added orange blossom on the nose. Medium-bodied yet super fresh thanks to the zippy acidity and mineral edge that underpins further citrus fruit, and hints of more tropical fruit on the lingering finish.
Enjoy: Pair this with a salad of roast chickpeas with butternut & feta, or a light pasta dish, such as linguine with prawns, mint, lemon, peas and a hint of chilli.
£12.64 DECEMBER OFFER £11.10
Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, France 2019
History: Yann Chave is a 20-hectare (50-acre) estate situated in the Crozes Hermitage appellation in the northern Rhône Valley. Its traditional red and white Crozes Hermitage wines are the cornerstones of the estate`s portfolio, and this is a classic blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussane that is matured in stainless steel to retain its freshness and primary fruits.
Taste: Impressive aromas of ripe peach and apricot with a touch of nectarine and exotic pineapple. Concentrated, luscious, and creamy texture on the palate that oozes with complexity… gorgeous. Pure honey centre infused with underlying spice on the silky finish.
Enjoy: Save this for a celebration, served with a centrepiece roast haunch of venison or delicate whole roast pheasant, with honey roasted carrots and peppery potato gratin.
£27.49 DECEMBER OFFER £23.50
Los Vascos Cromas Carmenere Grande Reserva, Chile 2019
History: Los Vascos has been owned and managed by Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) since 1988. Barons de Rothschild have put their extensive knowledge and investment into producing one of Chile`s finest and most popular wines through a combination of traditional agricultural methods and modern technology ensuring healthy grapes and consistent, high-quality wines.
Taste: On the nose, the wine reveals fruit aromas such as blackberry, plum and black cherry that gradually evolve with notes of white pepper and herbaceous notes characteristic of this grape variety. On the palate, the tannins are soft, silky with a pleasant balance between density and acidity.
Enjoy: Smoked, grilled, or roasted red meats, wild game in a red wine sauce or mature hard cheeses.
£20.84 DECEMBER OFFER £17.50
Domaine Lafond Lirac Rouge La Ferme Romaine, France 2019
History: Tremendous attention to detail is the key at Pascal Lafond’s estate based in Tavel, in France`s Rhone Valley. Most of Pascal’s red vines form a single holding straddling the Cotes du Rhone and Lirac appellations, although 3.5 hectares of Chateauneuf-du-Pape have also been added in recent years. All the red wines are fermented in stainless steel vats before maturation in a mixture of small oak barrels and larger foudres.
Taste: Fashioned predominantly from Grenache and Syrah, with a little Mourvedre for extra structure, this southern Rhone red is all personality and charm with plenty of flavoursome red and purple fruit and a lifted floral, spicy note. Enticing nose of spicy black fruits with added cherries. Full, round, impressive style with loads of seductive bramble and loganberry fruits fused with soft spice. Great purity and a lingering freshness.
Enjoy: Perfect match for an antipasto platter with spicy cured meats, olives, grilled peppers and mature cheese.
£22.66 DECEMBER OFFER £19.30
All of these wines will be open to taste in our Cellar 21 shop throughout November. Pop in and have a taste!
We would love to see your pictures of you enjoying our wines or if you have made any delicious food pairings, please join the conversation and tag us on Instagram @boncoeurfinewines.
