Have A Glugging Good Time This Xmas With Seasonal Wines from Simply Woman

This December, whether you’ll be hosting a luxury dinner for Christmas, or just kicking back with friends, we’re sure to have something for everybody’s palate. And all our wines can be found in an outlet near you, guaranteed. So let us begin!

XMAS WHITE (Left to Right)
Kooliburra Reserve 2011 Chardonnay abv 12.5%.
Fully packed – think luscious tropical and peach flavours topped with melon, in a smooth delicate wine. Enjoy with roast chicken or creamy pasta. Available £4.19 at Aldi.

Riesling Mosel 2010 10.0 abv %.
The cooler climes of Germany are perfect for this delicate grape which translates into a white with fresh apple and citrussy flavours. Buy at Morrisons.

Kumala Zenith Chenin Blanc Chardonnay 13.5% abv
A juicy white from South Africa, heavy on alcoholic content, but not overpowering on the palate. Hints of tropical notes and French Oak. This is a perfect accompaniment to a girly gathering. Around £5.00 from most supermarkets.

Shingle Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – Jackson Estate
Another offering from New Zealand’s Marlborough region that’s rich and intense on the palate. Gooseberry and lime in this ‘reservation release’ intertwines with passionfruit and tropical fruit flavours. Has a long refreshing finish. Savour alone or with pasta dishes. From Laithwaite’s Wine.

XMAS RED (Left to Right)
Uco Valley Malbec 2011 13.5% abv
This ‘exquisite collection’ wine is a bright and intense ruby red with plum and black fruit notes. Vineyard plots at high altitude give a premium wine with long finish. Recommended for red meats. Available all year round at Aldi. £5.99.

Kumala Zenith Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 13.5% abv
A juicy white from South Africa, packed with red fruit and juicy plums. heavy on alcohol content, but not overpowering on the palate. Hints of tropical notes and French Oak. This is a perfect with red meats, fish and pasta. RRP £5.00 from most supermarkets.

Palais des Anciens Fitou 2011 Reserve abv 13.5%
This Appelation D’Origine Protegee is medium density and evokes traditional, rustic France. It is part of the Roussillon Languedoc where it experiences continual sun. The palate is elegant with blueberry and rich blackberry providing fruit, and mochas providing exotic spiciness. Good for parsnips and stilton! From Morrisons.

Hunter’s Pinot Noir 2010 13.5% abv
This robust wine is from Jane Hunter, the most acclaimed and awarded woman winemaker in New Zealand. Her pinot noir comes from the Marlborough region and delivers luscious hits of cherry, plum and spice. Recommended as a partner to red meats and strong flavoured game. From by Laithwaite’s Wine.

Tomas Abad Medium Amontillado Spain abv 17.5%
Not quite wine but we thought we’d squeeze this in! This is a rich and creamy sherry with intense notes of fermented plums. Elegant on the nose, good as a winter warmer. From Laithwaite’s Wine.

XMAS FIZZ  (Left to Right)
From Morrisons come 4.0% low alcohol ready mixed cocktails with crisp white wine as the base. Kir Royal is contains blackcurrant and cassis – Peach Bellini contains fresh peach juice. Only 0.5 units per 125 ml glass! Good for health and calorie watchers. Just two from a fab range. Buy for £4.99.

Morrisons Reserve Champagne Brut Private Cuvee 12.5% abv
This is an English wine made from two thirds chardonnay and one third pinot noir grape. Very pleasant and smooth on the palette with a gentle mousse. We nosed white flowers and a hint of brioche. RRP £23.99.

OMG we just couldn’t resist this sparkling Chardonnay from Philippe Michel’s Creman Du Jura house. Its clean fragrant nose yields lively apple and lemon fruit.  Produced as a ‘bottle fermentation’ which means yeast and sugar are added after initial brewing to produce the fizz. You’ll be pleased to know this delicious offering is available all year round. Buy for £6.99 from Aldi.

Hardys Crest Sparkling Rose is the eternal favourite that we can’t help re-featuring. We’ve long said all we can about the fresh red fruit and zingy but soft finish that’s showstops every time. It’s best enjoyed on its own, unencumbered by food. We’d definitely recommend this for a girly night. RRP £14.99 from Tesco and Sainsburys.

See www.laithwaites.co.uk, www.morrisons.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/Drink/Wine,
www.tesco.co.uk, www.sainsburys.co.uk, www.waitrose.co.uk, www.aldi.co.uk for more vintages, and shops near you

During this season please drink responsibly. See www.drinkaware.co.uk for guidance.