|
|
What’s Your Tipple?
 It’s nearly Christmas! So as well as thinking about fine foods for the dinner table, it’s also time to think about stocking the drinks cabinet for the festive season ahead.
Christmas only comes once a year so why treat yourself to a fine malt, a great claret, a vintage port or a quality brandy? David Marriott, who runs Taste Fine Wines at Almondbury, says he would advise anyone to buy a fine claret wine to enjoy on Christmas Day.
Fine Wine
Whether you’re an experienced Bordeaux buyer, or just beginning to appreciate the fine wines from this region of France, why not ask David for his advice on which
to choose?
Late in the 17th Century the wine trade began to boom and Bordeaux wines were being exported all over the world and in the mid 1800s Napoleon started the Fine Wine Index when he classified the wines in order from one to five. These laws which he put in place are still upheld today.
|
Vintage Port
If you’re partial to a glass of port to round off a great festive meal, then why not invest in a Vintage Port? By the 20th Century Vintage Port was recognised as one of the world’s greatest wines and various producers were building up reputations for their great vintages. Over the years there has been friendly debate about the best time to drink a Vintage Port and the normal advice is that when the wine has reached 20 years old, it should have reached a perfect balance. The main producers still maintain that the best vintage is made by a combination of the pick of the best wines from the finest estates.
Malt Whisky
If you prefer a malt whisky, then here’s some advice from the Scottish Malt Whisky Society whose members say that a tulip-shaped glass with a narrow opening should be used along with still bottled water. The colour of a malt is sometimes an indication of its character – but not always. A pale whisky can be rich and powerful, while a dark one can be light and fragrant.
Brandy
If brandy is your favourite Christmas tipple, then remember that all cognacs are produced from grapes grown within the cognac region, about 100 miles north of Bordeaux on the coast of France. True cognacs are the finest of all brandies – distilled twice in small copper pots for a minimum of three years. To be called cognac, a brandy must be made from certain types of grape. Cognac is rated as the best brandy in the world – smooth but with a heady scent.
A great range of fine wines, vintage ports, malts, brandies etc are all available from Taste Fine Wines and David says, if you give him plenty of notice, he will try to source any type of wine, brandy etc for you in time for Christmas. Remember that the shop also does a great line in hampers and gift packs, both for the commercial sector and for individual gifts. These are available either ready made or as a bespoke gift, made to order.
Taste Fine Wines also has a great selection of cigars. Earlier this year the shop was approached by cigar distributors Hunters & Frankau to become one of Yorkshire’s few cigar specialist outlets. A special humidor was constructed in the shop to keep cigars at the correct humidity. Again, these are ideal for gifts or for a special occasion. Ring David or Tim Marriott on 01484 426226 for more details of availability.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Super Seven
Coming in at No.1
Goyenechea, a Merlot Rose from the vineyards of Argentina. A dry rose, with a fruity flavour and a fresh finish, it retails from Taste for £5.99.
Second place
Gran Feudo, a Spanish rose and said to be a perfect accompaniment to pasta, risotto, vegetables, fish and white meat. It retails at Taste for £5.79.
Runners Up
Chateau Carignan (£7.99) from the Bordeaux region of France, Echo Point Cabernet Sangiovese Rose (£6.99) from Australia, Pinot Grigio Ramato (£6.79) from Italy, Torreon de Parades (£6.79) from Chile and finally Willowood (£4.89) from California. |
|
|
|
|
