Out & About Winter 2018

FOOD & DRINK – JAMES ALLEN

TOP JAMES ALLEN has an eclectic mix of wines to recommend for the winter season, including whites and magnums of claret, as well as some fun Christmas tree decorations and presents (see gift guide p24). He also asked head sommelier at The Vineyard Hotel Romain Bourger to part with some of the secrets around matching food and wines tipples

Gorgeous whites from Haynes Hanson & Clarke, Whitchurch

Ritou Syrah, Vin de France, Domaine Vallet 2016 £12.00 per bottle/case Named for Anthony Vallet`s grandfather Henri, who was fondly known as Ritou, this 100% Syrah is from vines that lie just outside the Saint-Joseph appellation, on pebbly plots on the banks of the River Rhône. Here, Anthony focusses his attention on producing a silky, easy-drinking, approachable Syrah, to contrast with his more concentrated, structured Saint-Josephs. Mid-ruby colour, aromas are very attractive and floral, recalling fresh blackberries and red cherries. Palate is medium bodied, with intense, pure, fruity mid-palate, fine texture and a balanced, lively, gently-tannic finish.

Bourgogne Aligoté, “Recolté du Domaine, Olivier Leflaive 2016 £13.50 per bottle/case This old-vine Aligoté comes from vines owned by Olivier Leflaive, planted in the villages of Puligny and Corpeau. For a fresh, rounded- yet-vibrant white burgundy it is unbeatable. There is satisfying richness in this 2016 wine, but it is lifted by intense lemony flavours and a crisp finish (for drinking 2017–2019+). (Top Tips comment….Leflaive makes super wines and is great value) Reuilly La Ferté, Matthieu & Raymond Mabillot 2017 £11.90 per bottle/case Following oenology studies at Bordeaux, then work experience at Château Lynch Bages and in the Napa and Barossa Valleys, Matthieu Mabillot returned home to run this family domaine; he was recently joined by his brother Renaud. They work eight hectares in the tiny appellation of Reuilly, their forte being Sauvignon Blanc. La Ferté was aged on fine lees in stainless steel tanks for five months, giving the wine a gorgeous, satin-like texture and enhancing its lively aromatics. Pale lemon- green colour, the nose is citrus-scented and fine, palate being light, focussed and full of finesse. Flavours are beautifully pure, the finish being clean and elegant.

From Grapesmith, Hungerford Crocera Barbera D’Asti Superiore, Piedmont, Italy, 2016, £8 This is remarkable value. The Barbera grapes are sourced in the Monferrato hills of Piedmont. The wine is aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels and the result is outstanding – lots of plummy, rich, fruity flavours all wrapped up in a soft oak blanket. Pitch Fork, Margaret River, Australia, 2015, £12.50 A high-quality, Bordeaux style wine from Margaret River that punches well above its weight for the price. Snap it up now as this is going to be a winter favourite.

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