What we've been drinking lately

With the festive season fast approaching, here are a few of our favourites for the time of year..... 

Starting with fizz, whilst we love grower Champagne, we also love to support our own fabulous English Sparkling wines.  So it's either something from Sugrue South Downs (Trouble with Dreams being our go to fizz - see here) or we have the excellent Langham Estate Corallian Classic Cuvee NV, made by one of the UK's brightest young winemakers, Tommy Grimshaw (see here for his wines).

Dermot and Ana Sugrue

If you want a white Burgundy, then we've been enjoying the Bret Brothers Cuvee Terroirs Macon Villages, which punches well above its Macon appellation (see here).  A little higher up but on a great deal is the David Moret Saint Romain, top notch Burgundy (see here).  

If you want a change from Chardonnay, then perhaps consider the Sal da Terra Albarino.  Not a variety we'd normally recommend for Christmas but this one is a bit richer and more textured than regular Albarinos and I think it would work brilliantly with turkey (see here).

As for reds, Pinot Noir has to find a place on your table so we'd recommend the Restless River Le Luc Pinot Noir - a stunner from Hemel en Aarde in South Africa (see here).   For claret, we've just taken in some brilliant value Bordeaux from Chateau Angelus, one of Saint Emilion's top estates.  Their Tempo d'Angelus, made from younger vines, is approachable early in its life and is a real joy (here for details).  Truly astounding value.

And if you want something like a Rioja, then consider the Pago de los Capellanes Roble (see here).  It's from the Ribera del Duero, which usually produces wines that are fuller than those from Rioja, but this has got a softness and juiciness that sets it apart.  They are a brilliant producer.

Whatever you're drinking, enjoy your holidays, thanks for supporting us and very best wishes for 2026.