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Fine Wine in Lincolnshire
Written by Ben Straw on 17th November 2010
What would Christmas be without some fine wine in Lincolnshire over the festive period? Steep Hill Wines's Ben Straw is going to take you on a journey through Christmas day with some of the fine wines that he positively adores, just right for each course of your Christmas lunch… and who knows, Santa may even bring him a couple of them!
One of the simplest pleasures in life is enjoying fine wine that complements food well, but Christmas dinner can be a tricky meal for the lay person to match wine with. That’s why I wanted to recommend wines to match classic Christmas dishes course by course, beginning with a glass of choice champagne to celebrate good tidings! Read on for my pick of fine wines in Lincolnshire...
1 Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2000, Epernay - £49.95
What better way to start Christmas day than with a bottle of Pol Roger’s finest? The new release Vintage 2000 is a shimmering, straw-gold colour wine. A fine and elegant nose that is lightly honeyed and nutty. Rich and full of flavour on the palate, with a lively mousse and bright, incisive acidity. Nicely balanced out by the texture of the wine with a savoury, mouth-watering finish. Try with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs if you can tear yourself away from the presents.
2 Schloss Johannisberg Riesling Spätlese 2007, Rheingau, Germany - £30.25
The day progresses and as pre-dinner drinks beckon look no further than this stunning ‘late harvest’ Riesling. Shows a nose of apple and quince fruit. It has considerable substance without being heavy and has an enormous elegance. It is complete and wonderfully balanced. Just 10.0% alcohol by volume and of medium sweetness with 56 grams of residual sugar. Ideal as an aperitif, or if you have any left, an excellent accompaniment to poultry and liver pâtés, too!
3 Domaine Serafin Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2000, Burgundy - £44.95
Now you’re sitting down to the turkey and trimmings, so a Pinot Noir is called for. This domaine-bottled Burgundy is a bright, deep red. Quite supple and ripe with good depth and nice finishing intensity. Round, ripe and ripe in the mouth this sumptuous Pinot delivers plenty of flavour and complexity in a medium weight package.
4 Ridge Geyserville 2005, California - £26.75
The Christmas pud has been consumed and those brave few are venturing towards the cheese board. The Geyserville has a rich nose of black cherry, liquorice, and sweet spices with a plush core of fruit on the palate. A predominantly Zinfandel blend that has a spicy finish with cinnamon, cloves, and anise wrapped around a raspberry layer. If you are a Zinfandel fan, this is a wine that you really should taste. Stylistically, it’s right up the middle and will go well with the turkey if you want to try it early!
5 Montaudon Reserve Premiere Demi-Sec - £27.95
A predominantly Pinot Noir blend with some Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. A fine and persistent effervescence leads to a nose of brioche and toast, combined with a delightful freshness. Soft, smooth and slightly sweet on the palate of fruit and biscuit notes. Delightful with fruit desserts.
6 Niepoort 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Vila Nova di Gaia - £46.95
The meal is over, and if you’re like me it’s time for a place by the fire with the Christmas Day evening TV. So out comes the port. My preference is Dirk’s 20 year old Tawny. The prolonged ageing in small wooden casks confers the characteristic tawny colours and the complexity of aromas. An absolute pleasure to end the day with.
For more fine wine in Lincolnshire, see the latest edition of Lincolnshire Pride Magazine!