December: The month of Christmas

This is our final blog post of the year and we’re very excited to talk about these wines that have been sent to members in our brand new (and pretty damn cool) boxes. We hope that all your gifts go down a treat when you hand them over on Christmas day… and that your loved ones are kind enough to open them whilst you’re there 😉

Here’s a description of all the wines that we’ve sent out this Christmas. (All prices shown have had our 15% discount added).

January is up next and we’ve got a delicious theme: Austria vs Australia. You’ll get some good old wines from the top two producers we’ve found.

The Original Grape Drop

Graham’s Tawny

Origin: Douro Valley, Portugal
Grape: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz
Case price: £60.37

Because it’s Christmas it’s the perfect excuse to send a Port wine in our grape drop. It’s a fantastic fortified wine and it’s most suited for the end of a Christmas lunch or dinner. We’ve gone for the lighter style of a Tawny, and also to show you that Port doesn’t have to be thick, dark and heavy (even though that’s pretty tasty too). This tawny has been aged in barrels for about 8 years and is ready for drinking, don’t try to age it in the bottle because it won’t. Pop it in the fridge and drink it chilled, it’s a good one.

This wine comes from our family’s vineyards, so we’re proud to be serving it and hope you like it. Drink it with your chocolate pudding, ice cream or your cheese and biscuits and you’ll never taste a better pairing.

Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel

Origin: California, USA
Grape: 82% Zinfandel 18% Syrah and others
Case price: £61.15

This wine has been very popular on our Christmas stalls these past few weeks and that’s exactly why we put it there. It’s a delightful Zinfandel that we both really love (and in fact the first Zinfandel that we’ve actually liked – a lot have seen the kitchen sink). It’s the perfect accompaniment to a Turkey because it’s light enough to pair with a white meat. With flavours of Nutmeg and vanilla (yes, yes – we sound ridiculous but it does) and some typical red fruits – it’s the top dog in this Grape Drop.

Made by a man who has a love of cigars he’s said these wines are “crafted for those with an appetite for adventure, those in touch with their inner loon, those who consider pretense simply unnecessary.” Sounds like our kinda guy.

Kaiken Terroir series Cab S/Malbec/Petit Verdot

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Grape: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot
Case price: £99.12

This Kaiken is a real warmer. You can imagine having this with a big meaty meal by the fire. It’s made up of the two most popular and most planted grape varieties in Mendoza, Argentina and it’s also made from vineyards in one of the most fashionable regions – Valle de Uco. We only send the best clearly.

These guys have got winemaking down to a T. They make wine in both Argentina and Chile, both just a mountain range away from each other, the Andes to be precise. They are building up a really impressive portfolio so more will most probably be on the way. Have this with a roast lamb and lots of rosemary.

Bodega Arribes Malvasia

Origin: Castilla y León, Arribes, Spain
Grape: Malvasia
Case price: £46.44

Our only white this Christmas because of the requests from members who tend to only drink red in the winter.

When you need a break from all the heavy meals you’ll be having this Christmas we’ve got the perfect wine to go with fish. Try this with some really fresh seafood and you won’t be disappointed. It’s got that perfect crisp and refreshing taste to it. If you haven’t had a Malvasia before you’ll want a lot more of it now. This is from the northern part of Spain where it thrives. It’s grown in many parts of Europe but still not very well known. Croatia makes some good wines from it too. Have a try. It’s only £46.44 for 6 bottles – so tasty AND SO CHEAP!

The Red Grape Drop

E. Guigal – Crozes-Hermitage 2011

Origin: Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, France
Grape: Syrah
Price: £96

The red grape drop has the three red wines from our original grape drop and the fourth is the outstanding wine from Guigal, who are currently our favourite winemakers in the Rhône Valley and if you are lucky enough to have this wine, you’ll know why.

Priced a little higher than our usual wines, it’s £16 a bottle, but completely worth it. With peppery spice (our personal favourite style of wine) and toasty flavours it’s the perfect example of a wine from Crozes Hermitage and a great wine to serve your family and friends. If you’re looking to buy a few more bottles for your holidays then give us a call. It’s a tasty pairing for any sort of game.

The Christmas Gift

This box consists of two bottles of the Guigal – Crozes Hermitage, a bottle of Port and a bottle of the exceptional sparkling wine from Valentin Bianchi. Your Christmas day sorted.

Valentin Bianchi – NV Brut

Origin: San Rafael, Argentina
Grape: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
Price: £62.50

This is a wine that tastes like Champagne, is made like Champagne, has the same grape varieties as Champagne but as it’s not from Champagne… it can’t be called Champagne. Instead, it is a Sparkling wine from Argentina and it’s wonderful. It’s also a lot better value and a lot nicer than any of the Champagnes in it’s price range. Not having the famous appellation name on the bottle doesn’t seem to be affecting this wine’s popularity.

Made by two brothers who were keen to show that they can make just as good sparkling wine, they’ve done a great job. The grapes were grown high up in the mountains of Mendoza and so the climate is perfect for this type of wine. Have it with your canapés before supper and you’ll really feel the Christmas spirit.

Last but by no means least is our 10 year old tawny.

Warre’s – 10 year old Tawny

Origin: Douro, Portugal
Grape: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz
Price: £89.15

Also one of our family’s wines, this is one that has proved to be the most popular since the Grape Club was born. With nutty, toffee and dried apricot flavours it is the loveliest drink. Have it chilled like our other tawnies and you won’t regret it.

This wine has had all the ageing done for you, an average of 10 years in small oak barrels. Buy it, chill it, drink it. We’ve got you a great deal at only £89.15 for a case of 6. Turn up to anyones house with a bottle of this and you’ll have a good time.

Happy Christmas, we can say that now, we’re finally in December.

See you next year,

Louisa & Ant x