The wines…..12 bottles perfect for the Christmas party season, comprising...

Sparkling

1. NV Franciacorta Cuvee Prima Monte Rossa, Lombardy
   From Lombardy, here is the perfect wine for a celebration. The Italian challenger to Champagne - Franciacorta. Monica Larner says ‘The non-vintage Franciacorta Brut P.R. is a streamlined and well-contained sparkler that doles out slow aromas of white flower, stone fruit, crushed minerals and blanched almond. The wine stands out thanks to the purity and elegance of its aromas. Only later do you notice those soft yeasty tones that fill in the rear so nicely.’ Good as aperitif, with shellfish based dishes or soft to medium cheeses in general.

Whites

1. 2022 Gavi di Gavi Villa Sparina. Piedmont

   Straw yellow in colour with golden reflections. On the nose, aromas of white-fleshed fruits, juicy citrus, aromatic herbs, white flowers, and almonds. The palate is vertical, agile, and lively, with a fresh, savoury finish. This elegant wine can be stored for between 5 and 10 years before it starts to lose its quality. Serve with grilled white fish, or vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or vegan roast.

2. 2020 Chardonnay/Grechetto Nicoleo PoderNuovo, Tuscany

   This is equal parts Grechetto and Chardonnay, with 20% fermented in barrel. This has freshness with nice citrus fruit, a touch of pear and green apple, and a delicacy. It’s textured with ripe fruit, but also some fine spicy hints. Supple and quite fine, with a gentle character. Has a delicate saline, nutty character on the finish. Very stylish. Wonderful with scallops or monkfish.

3. 2022 Fiano Asterias Tempa di Zoe, Campania

   Made with 100% Fiano grapes. Alcoholic fermentation in steel tanks it then matures for at least six months, partly in steel tanks and partly in French oak barrels. This coastal Fiano reveals a bouquet ofhoneyed white flowers, crisp pear, lime zests and a hint of wet stone. It’s soft and round yet with a stimulating core of bright acidity and salty minerals that creates a buzzing of savory tension across the palate. White pit fruits combine with sour melon in a nuanced expression, yet they stay with you long through the mouthwatering finale. This is showing beautifully today, yet there’s no shame in losing a few bottles in your cellar for a number of years. It pairs excellently with baked fish or salt-crusted fish. Enjoy with burrata cheese, lobster linguine or pumpkin salad.

Reds

1. 2021 Cannonau di Sardegna Naracu Vigne Surrau, Sardinia

   Joyously fleshy and brimming with youthful vivacity, this perky red is ready to steal hearts and palates. It starts with a concentrated boost of black cherries then transitions into boysenberry, dried lilac and Lapsang Souchong tea. Riveting in flavor profile, this is also well-balanced on the palate with good acidic vitality and rather easy-gong, even caressing tannins. It is so vibrant that it would be a shame not to enjoy it in its youth. The Naracu is so pretty and an excellent value as well. A great pairing with roast goose at Christmas.

2. 2019 Refosco Primosic, Friuli

   Only 6-8 day maceration on the skins with ageing in concrete vats and a touch of wood for one year. A deep garnet red colour tending towards violet with aromas of red currants, plum and white pepper. Medium-bodied and elegant, the balanced palate shows soft tannins and a persistent finish. From an indigenous grape typical in Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Great with a glazed ham.

3. 2019 Rosso di Valtellina San Gregorio Rainoldi, Lombardy

   Produced since 1925, San Gregorio comes from the commune of Ponte in Valtellina, which sits outside the DOCG zone. With just a brief passage in large wooden casks and used barriques, the fruit is allowed to shine. Pretty and fragrant, notes of strawberry, pepper and forest growth emerge immediately. Light weight but not fragile, this is wonderfully vibrant. Slender, suave tannins provide support and citrussy acidity carries the finish. Perfectly paired with a beef wellington.

4. 2021 Aglianico del Vulture Gricos Grifalco, Basilicata

   Made from one of the best-known grapes from Southern Italy, this wine shows earthy aromas of black cherry and plack pepper on the nose. Elegant and floral on the palate with the graphite minerality characteristic of wines from Vulture. This is a bold wine that was made for barbecued meats. Serve with sausage rolls or grilled lamb.

5. 2020 Dolcetto d'Alba Luigi Pira, Piedmont

   An excellent Dolcetto d'Alba from one of the region's rising stars. This wine is aged in stainless steel vats for 9 months. It exudes aromas of crisp, fresh red berries and boasts subtly floral notes. It is very even on the palate, delivering a superb balance between freshness, structure and volume, with an outstandingly long finish. If you’re having roast turkey for Christmas, this is the wine to serve with it.

6. 2018 Chianti Classico Podere Cianfanelli, Tuscany

   Evoking cherries, raspberry fruit and leaf, some dried rosemary and a hint of balsamic. This Chianti is perfect with tomato based pasta dishes, smoky meats from the barbecue and of course, pizza. Serve with beef tartare or charcuterie in general.

7. 2020 Reserve del Conte Manincor. Alto Adige

   This wine comes from Lagrein, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in clinging vineyards on some south-eastern slopes of Alto Adige. The 2020 vintage of the Réserve del Conte unfolds a fruity-floral bouquet on the nose, reminiscent of blueberries, sour cherries and wild strawberries, as well as ivy and roses. Subtle earth, porcini mushroom, woody smoke and undergrowth scents add structure and depth in addition to a pronounced graphite note. On the palate, the wine is fruity, almost filigree and elegant. Its structure is velvety soft and finely polished. A cool-looking wine that awakens the desire to drink and goes perfectly with the tasty, aromatic mountain cuisine that is common in South Tyrol. It’s a beauty. Pair with braised or grilled beef , or any rich in flavour meat dishes or hard cheeses.

8. 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Mastrojanni, Tuscany

   Mastrojanni's Brunello di Montalcino is made from pure Sangiovese grown on the estates' own south-east facing vineyards. Aged for 36 months in various size Allier oak barrels and then a further 6 months rest in bottle prior to release, this is a wine of great elegance. On the nose there are fragrances of plum and small berries, spicy nuances, touches of tobacco embellished with a hint of minerality. The palate offers a rich and thick texture, supported by a good acidity and elegant and dense tannins, which extend in a long finish. Pair with game, lamb, grilled red meats and mature cheeses. Serve with grilled beef or rich in flavour meat dishes or hard cheeses.

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