Curious Case - December 2021 - Private

The Curious Case Selection

Coupon Code (for 10% off all of the below wines) - Curious1221
expires 01/02/2022

For December’s Curious Case we’ve put together a suitably seasonal selection but, as usual, with a bit of a twist.

Christmas is a time of year when wine choices often return to the classic regions and familiar favourites and our picks for this month have been made with this very much in mind, but just pushing the envelope a little bit.

So what we will say is that our December Curious Case is made up of wines ideal for all the usual seasonal events, but maybe not what you would have automatically gone for...

Castillo de Eneriz Reserva, Navarra

In a nutshell: An aged and developed red from Spain's northern Navarra region, adjacent to Rioja.

The lowdown: Castillo de Eneriz, close to Pamplona, is the Navarra winery of Bodegas Manzanos and from where they produce their excellent range of wines from this region. This Reserva is a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominated blend which has been aged in French and American oak barrels for 18 months before bottling. It has rich flavours and aromas of red fruits, raisins and plums, liquorice, cassis, cedar and woody spices. The well-integrated tannins give a good structure and it' rounds off with a nice mature and evolved finish.

When to drink: A flavour-packed mature Spanish red. Just the thing to pair with lamb chops, steaks, or chicken.

Buitenverwachting Christine

In a nutshell: A wonderful South African Bordeaux red Blend and Buitenverwachting's flagship.

The lowdown: Named after winemaker Lars Maack's mother their premier red is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the major red varieties of Bordeaux which have been successfully grown in the region for centuries. It's big and rich and aged for two years in new French oak barrels. The dark fruit flavours of ripe cherry and cassis dominate with dark chocolate, tobacco and cedar undertones supporting these well. Full-bodied with grippy, nicely integrated tannins it signs off with a long rich finish.

When to drink: Deep and velvety it's good with roast and grilled red meats and rich game dishes.

Cantine Vittorio Innocenti Chianti Colli Senesi

In a nutshell: A glorious earthy, meaty and ripe Chianti from one of the best traditional style producers.

The lowdown: Vittorio Innocente is one of our favourite producers and we urge everyone to taste his wines. They won't be to everyone's liking, but you have to be glad that someone, somewhere is still making such rustic and honest wines.

When to drink: Forget about fruit, this earthy Chianti has a wonderfully meaty, leathery character which makes it a superb partner for charcuterie, pate, cheese and a chunk of good bread.

Reserve de Gassac Blanc

In a nutshell: A great value Languedoc white from a famous domain.

The lowdown: At a fraction of the price of its famous stablemate, Mas de Daumas Gassac Blanc, this Viognier/Marsanne blend has the elegance & quality you'd expect from a 'Grand Vin' estate. Herby and aromatic on the nose, peachy and lemony on the palate - just superb. And it's organic.

When to drink: Grilled Chicken or barbecued prawns suit it well.

Vergelegen Reserve Chardonnay

In a nutshell:
A classy and elegant South African white from the Stellenbosch region.

The lowdown:
They may be best known for reds and red blends, but some of Vergelegen's whites, like this handsome Chardonnay, are certainly right up there as well. Fermented and left to age on lees in oak barrels this wine is restrained in style and doesn't compromise on intensity. There's lots of stone fruits here, and with its vibrant acidity balanced by a creamy butterscotch texture it's, quite simply, very long, intriguingly complex, and very delicious. Drinking really well now and until the early 2020s.

When to drink:
Poultry, pork, lamb and feathered game are good food pairings.

Graham Beck Brut NV

In a nutshell: A fresh, bright and creamy South African sparkler from one of the country's leading producers.

The lowdown: Graham Beck is the leading South African producer of sparkling wines with an envious reputation right across the globe. The wines they make have Methode Cap Classique on the label which is South Africa's term for wines made in the same way as Champagne. This cuvée is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and, for the price, this is magnificent value for money. It has a pale straw colour and a fine, delicate mousse with delightful aromas of yeast and toasted almonds. There's a lovely brioche richness which combines with crisp citrusy and tropical fruit flavours giving a real elegance and complexity all the way through.

When to drink: A wonderful aperitif it's great to drink alongside savoury canapés.