WITH Christmas just round the corner, you'll notice the floor-stacks in your local wine emporium getting higher as Santa's elves fill the shop with Champagne, Chablis and good claret for the coming festivities.
You'll also find more of a choice of expensive Italians, interesting South Africans and powerful Australian Shirazes.
The same is true of the supermarkets, as they all have to raise their game to entice you in to do the most important shop of the year. Often the supermarket with the best wine selection will sell the most turkey and (of course) all the trimmings. Aldi normally have a decent choice, but at the moment those shelves are groaning under the weight of exciting Christmas classics. And they're still well-priced. Here are a few recommendations.
Charles de Monteney Condrieu 2012 (Aldi, £19.99). I love a good Condrieu, but rarely have it at any other time of year. It's Viognier at its best, with lovely rich notes of white peach on the palate. Have a glass while you're cooking, and then move on to Burgundy with the bird.
Maranges Premier Cru Les Clos Roussots 2008 (Aldi, £15.99). This is a well-balanced mature red Burgundy from Edouard Delaunay, a negotiant based in Nuits-Saint-Georges. I always have a good Pinot Noir decanted and ready for the turkey, and this premier cru would tick a lot of my boxes.
Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos 2007 (Aldi, £18.99, 50cl bottle). Tokaji is one of the great sweet wines, and works well with fruit-based desserts, the cheeseboard (especially the blues) and as a wee digestif after over-indulging on the main course.
Pete Stewart is Glasgow director
of Inverarity One to One,
185a Bath Street, Glasgow.
www.inverarity121.com
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