Christmas Mixed Case Nm. 2

What’s in the case

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  Sparkling

  Testulat Carte D'Or Blanc de Noirs Brut NV Champagne

  France · Champagne · Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

  Rich and rounded, with red apple, brioche and good depth from extended lees ageing

  Blanc de Noirs is Champagne made entirely from red grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier here, which gives it more body and red fruit character than a Blanc de Blancs. Testulat is a small, family-owned house in Epernay, not one of the famous names, but they make honest and carefully produced Champagne. This one had 36 months of ageing on the lees, which is longer than many, and it shows in the depth and richness. Good value for what is a proper, well-made fizz.

  Food match+−

  Smoked salmon, roast chicken, grilled white fish or soft cheeses.

• 

  White

  Raventos D Alella Pansa Blanca 2021

  Spain · Catalonia · Xarel·lo

  Light and fresh, with white fruit, tropical notes and a creamy, easy texture

  D.O. Alella is a tiny coastal appellation just north of Barcelona, and Pansa Blanca is the local name for Xarel-lo, the grape most people know from Cava. Here it's made as a still white, and it's a friendly, easy-drinking bottle with white fruit, tropical notes and a gentle creaminess. At this price it's one of the better-value whites on the list. It's not a complex wine, but it's clean, refreshing and very good value for a midweek drink.

  Food match+−

  Seafood, salads, fish tacos, light pasta or just on its own in the sun.

• 

  White

  Francois Carillon Chardonnay La Bergerie 2022

  France · Vin de France · Chardonnay

  La Bergerie is the name of this parcel, in Montagnac, near Nîmes. Really lovely yellow flower and apricot perfume, leading into a juicy, zesty palate which is both fresh and rich. This has the Carillon magic – a wine of succulence and presence. It spends a year in old oak, then is blended and bottled after a further period in tank. If vinified in situ, this would be a Costières de Nîmes, but as it is made in Puligny, it is a Vin de France.

  Food match+−

  Pairs well with meatier fish dishes and with white meat dishes; keep the cooking straightforward so the flavours of the food and wine can complement one another.

• 

  Red

  Diego Morra Barbera D'Alba 2023

  Italy · Piedmont · Barbera

  Diego Morra is one of Verduno’s stars; his wines capture the character of this less-famous corner of Barolo. I like them because they give a clear sense of origin and are a straightforward, reliable way to explore Barolo beyond the usual names.

  Food match+−

  Great with charcuterie, pasta or anything that needs a robust red wine.

• 

  Red

  Heirloom Vineyards Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2025

  Australia · Adelaide Hills · Pinot Noir

  Light to medium bodied with red cherry, dried herb and a lightly spiced finish

  The Adelaide Hills sits high enough to give Pinot Noir the cool nights and long growing season it needs, and Heirloom take it seriously: hand-sorted bunches, wild fermentation, 50% whole bunch and aged in well-seasoned French oak. The result is a Pinot with genuine character for the price, more savoury and structured than many from the region. Good value for anyone wanting Australian Pinot without paying Yarra Valley prices.

  Food match+−

  Duck breast, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes and lighter red meat.

• 

  Fortified

  Ferreira Dona Antonia 10 Year Old Tawny Port

  Portugal · Douro · Various

  Smooth, nutty and mellow, with dried fruit and caramel

  Ferreira is the oldest Port house still going, and their ten-year-old tawny is a lovely way into aged Port without the big price tag. Soft, nutty and warming, it's the kind of bottle that earns its place on the shelf right through the winter.

  Food match+−

  Lovely with hard cheeses, nuts and chocolate puddings, or just on its own by the fire.

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