When the clocks went back an hour on Sunday, Winter arrived! I’m not sure if people elsewhere in the UK felt the same, but I can speak for everybody living ‘Up North’ that this past week has been wet, dark and miserable!
So it’s a good job we have the fun and frolics of Bonfire Night at the weekend to look forward to! Toffee apples, pie and peas, parkin and bonfire toffee!
You will of course need a fantastic wine to compliment your festive feast, and after you’ve been outside in the cold for a good few hours you’ll murder a glass of what the trade likes to call a “winter warmer” – a hefty and characterful red. A wine for bonfire night has got to be smoky or spicy. Something to match with the fireworks, the scent of roasting chestnuts and the crackle of sparklers fizzing in the cold night breeze.
Here are some of our great recommendations:
The Wine Reserve
Geoff Merrill Jacko’s Blend Shiraz McLaren Vale South Australia 2005.
£14.99 per bottle / £12.99 x 12 bottle case.
Rich deep crimson with dark red hues. The aroma is a very sophisticated blend of blackberry, mulberry, spice and plum with a hint of vanilla and roasted almonds.
Tivoli Wines
Caliterra, Tributo, Malbec 2008.
£10.29 per bottle / £4.88 x 6 bottle case.
Friendly, smooth, and flavorful, with good structure and an aromatic intensity that echoes long on the palate.
Vagabond Wines
Mitolo, Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
£11.35 per bottle / £10.25 x 12 bottle case.
Massive but still well balanced, darkest cassis, liquorice and nutmeg with ultra ripe tannins. Macho stuff!
Just Grapes
‘Old Vine’ Syrah, South of France
€15.00 per bottle / €70 x 6 bottle case.
Amazingly dark and concentrated flavors with plenty of savory character to boot.
By The Glass® Recommendation
We have gone for a white wine, Domaine Jonathan Pabiot Pouilly Fume 2009.
Widely available online.
Fruit driven with aromas of lime and gooseberry fruits, hints of smokiness on the nose, crisp and smooth in the mouth with appealing flesh and purity of fruit. Precise, luscious and very satisfying
If mulled wine is more up your street here’s a great tip – add to your recipe a hefty shot of port!
Which ever winter warmer you go for, have a fantastic bonfire night!
