So this is it folks, the last offer of the year. James Franklin of Corney & Barrow and I worked tirelessly to bring you the tastiest, most Yule-appropriate wines we could at the best possible prices. Indeed, so fine and so well-priced are they that I barely bothered the spittoon while tasting them and will certainly be nabbing a case or so myself as I cower from Christmas in my bunker.
The 2021 Maison Azan Picpoul de Pinet (1) is as decent a P de P as you’ll find. From vineyards on the banks of the Bassin de Thau in the Languedoc, it’s made by Olivier Azan, the first in the region to farm/vinify organically. Lively, fresh, fruity and creamy with a slightly savoury finish, it’s the perfect party wine. £10.76 down from £11.95.
The 2021 Maturana Wines Ascension Chardonnay (2) from the Maule Valley in Chile is a real find and you’d pay another couple of quid if it was from somewhere more fashionable. Fermented with wild yeast and aged partly in barrel, tank and amphorae, it’s deliciously multi-layered with hints of mango, citrus, honey, cream and nuts. £14.85 down from £16.50.
The 2021 Leonardo Bussoletti Colle Ozio Grechetto (3) from Umbria is typical Italian fare: a deliciously appealing wine made from a grape variety you simply don’t see anywhere else. Invitingly fresh and floral on the nose, it’s full of peach, pear, apple and melon with a long satisfying finish. £14.85 down from £16.50.
Corney & Barrow’s tastiest and most Yule-appropriate wines, at the best possible prices
Also from Italy we’ve the 2021 Menegotti Bardolino (4), a blend of Corvina and Rondinella from the Veneto. Light, soft and juicy with ripe cherry and damson fruit, it’s full of easy-going charm and not unlike fine Beaujolais.
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