December wines

Looking back at December and the year as whole, the first thing that comes to mind are time flies. Wasn’t it just summer? Is it really Christmas already? Thinking back, it has yet again been an amazing year. Lots of amazing wine discoveries, fun trips and fabulous meals with TheMan and needless to say December was no exception. It would be a lie if I didn’t say I hope this coming year will be the same. I’m so happy and blessed to have found someone who shares my passion for food, wine and travels.

What I will remember most from December is probably drinking a fabulous South African Cabernet Franc from High Constantia Winery the same time as the news of Nelson Mandela’s death broke. Someone clearly wanted me to think about South Africa…

Or finally getting to try British sparkling wine which I’ve heard so much about. Nyetimber Classic Cuvee was all I heard about it and some more. Aromas of melon and bread along with hints of vanilla. On the palate apricot and melon flavours ending in a long finish.

Another highlight was of course Christmas Eve and our annual Christmas champagne. This year a bottle of Perrier Jouët Grand Brut. Non-vintage but it had aged incredible well over the last 5- 6 years. Golden colour, floral and fruity aromas with notes of butter and hazelnuts. Simply fabulous!

Talking about Champagne, New Year’s Eve was quite special as well. We tried different champagnes all through the meal where Champagne Collard-Picard Cuvée Dom Picard Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs made the biggest impression on me. Wonderful aroma, lots of citrus and acidity which went perfect with canapés consisting of seafood paté, Kalix roe and sour cream and foie gras with Sauternes jelly. Marvellous!

2006 High Constantia

2009 Nyetimber Classic Cuvee

2008 Travaglini Gattinara

2000 Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

NV Pierre Peters Cuvée de Réserve

2011 Ro-Rée Saint Joseph Louis Cheze

2009 Trimbach Selection de Vielles Vignes Riesling

2012 Château Mont-Redon Côtes du Rhône Réserve Blanc

2006 Vigna Pedale Riserva

NV Taittinger Brut Réserve

2010 Cuvée Sextant

NV Delamotte Brut

2006 Trimbach Gewurztraminer

NV Perrier Jouët Grand Brut

2007 Sancerre Domaine Raimbault-Pineau

2008 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel

2008 Barbera d'Alba Gallina La Spinetta

Castelforte Prosecco Extra Dry

2010 Campogiovanni Rosso di Montalcino

2004 Baron De Ley 7 Viñas Reserva

2008 Kanonkop Pinotage

2008 Rotari Rosé

NV Champagne Collard-Picard Cuvée Dom Picard Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

NV Taittinger Brut Réserve

NV Champagne Collard-Picard Cuvée Prestige

1996 Rotari Brut Mezzacorona

NV Taittinger Prélude Brut