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Personally, I think anyone does (unless it’s a big retailer inviting me to a sumptuous five-course meal to sample their Christmas products paired with their finest wine, more than one of which is anon) should be locked up for the remaining 61 days of shopping. If, however, you are more concerned with a little happiness here and now rather than 2 months from now, then you will be happy to hear that I have managed to find a very palatable, affordable and suitably dark red. to help you through those dark, dreary evenings as we get closer and closer to the holiday season and all that it entails. It is if it is not canceled for lack of turkeys, gasoline drivers or heavy trucks.
First among peers, but on the verge of gaining the green light by the shortest of short heads, no longer than the length of a well-smoked cigarette to be sure, as today’s wine of the week is the 2020 opulent, mellow and deliciously complex Primitivo Puglia (£ 8, M&S). Smoky, supple and delicately spicy, this sophisticated, medium-bodied Italian red is bursting with densely concentrated flavors of forest fruits, sour cherries and cassis that jostle for attention alongside subtle earthy spices before a deeply satisfying finish. with seductive notes of dark chocolate. In terms of gastronomy, it is an exceptionally versatile wine that will go equally well with red meat, duck or poultry. I enjoyed mine with a rich and hearty casserole of sausages, onions and red peppers accompanied by a creamy buttery mash, lovingly prepared for me by my devoted wife and confirmed Christmas lover, the dreaded Madame G .
Let’s go back to the aforementioned shindig. Lidl is the culprit who invited me, along with a very small number of other media and food personalities from the local scene, to sample their Christmas dishes, cooked in the most inventive way by the brilliant local chef, Danny Millar, at the Stock Restaurant in St. George’s Market, Belfast. . The pressure of space prevents me from describing all the fabulous dishes, wines and cocktails, but special mention must be given to the sweet, fruity and superbly balanced Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020 (£ 8.99, Lidl). This easy drinking and alluring red is delicately spicy and also has pronounced notes of raspberries and blackberries before a lingering and peppery finish, as perfect to accompany my turkey dinner very early last week as it will be for your own chicken. roasted this weekend.
White lovers, I’ll never forget you and today’s final selection is just for you guys. The slightly honeyed, fresh and fruity Cono Sur Bicicleta 2020 Viognier (£ 7.50, Sainsbury’s) is a simple, easy-to-drink Chilean affair, perfect for sipping a simple snack on the couch – chips, cheese, grapes, nuts, and more. in our house – and watching nonsense on Netflix (Homeland works for us if you get stuck). A vibrant aromatic bouquet leads to a lively, just off-dry palate, full of flavors of citrus, apricot and melon. You can also enjoy it with seafood or salads, although I preferred mine with Madame’s delicious saag aloo chicken.
So, if you are there, Madam, and you are wondering what to offer Raymond Gleug when we find ourselves inexorably drawn to the mouth of Christmas, the answer is not too many. A tiny bit of dark chocolate is always welcome; that and a hearty meal with a large amount of good wine is all it takes to bring a festive mood to this particular feinschmecker. And remember, drinkers, as my Madam often says, the same rule applies for Christmas as it does for wine and love: it is never too early. See you next week, dumpers, health!
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