Christmas Tipple

Compliments of the season to all.

In lieu of a Christmas Wine on Wednesday, I thought I'd give you a few good value wines you might like to keep an eye out for when you're in the bottle shop looking for a drop to try over the Christmas/New Year period. Earlier in the year, on a Wednesday night (of course), I went to a wine tasting by Matt Skinner, co-founder of Fifteen Restaurant with Jamie Oliver, so I'll share a few insights he has for wines in 2011.

1. Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley, Chile
You'll know their wines by the distinctive bicycle on their label. I first came across this producer in London and really wasn't sure what to think of it. They do a number of wines, and Matt likes a few of them, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon Camenere (if you want red) and Sauvingnon Blanc (for a white). Apart from being decent quality wines, I thought these guys definitely worth a mention because they're also very reasonably priced (at $10-$15 a bottle).

2. Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz 2008, Frankland Valley, WA
Only fitting that I include a Shiraz - for me, I will remember 2010 as the year I truly discovered the brilliance of Australian Shiraz. I like the name of this one and it's a good drop according to Matt. In particular, Matt likes the producer behind this wine, Larry Cherubino - "well-versed in the art of producing seriously drinkable value-for-money wines." So much so, Matt named Larry Producer of the Year. This one's priced nicely at $20.

3. Morris Rutherglen Liqueur Muscat, Rutherglen, Victoria
Now, it's Christmas after all, a time of a little indulgence, late nights (and maybe a lot of rain this year). Enter sweet wine - Muscat to be precise. Perhaps the idea doesn't grab you at first, but give it a go - having tried it with him at the tasting I can vouch for Matt's recommendation on this one. In particular he says, buy and drink these wines before they disappear forever. It's good value at around $17 for 500mls too. As far as smell and taste - think dried fruits, Christmas pudding, spice and spirit. Yum yum.

Once again have a tremendous Christmas, savour the wine and company you share it with. Thanks for your support of WoW during 2010, and I look forward to enjoying some more vinos with you in the New Year - there's going to be plenty going on wine wise in Brisbane in 2011.

Cheers

Ant