Welcome
I am delighted to share this year’s Love Wine Christmas gift guide. As you will discover in the following pages, we have created another fantastic gifting range for you to choose from this Christmas.
2022 has been a mixed bag, with some severe supply and cost challenges, but we are committed to continuing to bring you quality and value in the marketplace. We continue to work on our offering at Love Wine to be first to market with what is trending in the drinks industry by visiting as many producers as possible to gain first-hand experience with the wineries, the winemaking, and the people who run them.
As I write, Will & I have just returned from Villa Sandi in Veneto, North-West Italy, just in time to bring you some fantastic sparkling wines for Christmas. Even if we can’t quite make it to all the ‘dream wine destinations’ in the meet the team comments, we’ll undoubtedly give it a go! There are some exciting trips on the horizon in 2023.
Rest assured, we will continue to bring you excellent drinks into 2023 and beyond!
Finally, I have some big news for you... It may be the worst-kept secret in Jersey, but we are opening a new shop in St Helier. Located at 10 Seaton Place (at the back of Aztec, next to the Langtree pub), we are starting as a pop-up in December, so if you can’t make it down to us at Longueville and would rather say hi than purchase online. Pop by and see us!
I look forward to welcoming you in the shop or online during the festive period.
Merry Christmas, and here is to a fantastic New Year!
Cheers! Chris Rogers
Managing Director
Current Favourite Wine Blank Bottle Luuks Chardonnay 2020 Stellenbosch South Africa – Take a bow Mr Wallser. Go to tipple (not grape-based) Prospero Tequila Anejo on the Rocks, lots of rocks
Dream Wine Destination I fancy a trip to Tuscany. I hear the reds are not bad.
# that sums up the year #keepdoingitright
Current Favourite Wine Bodegas Cota 45 Miraflores UBE 2021, Jerez Spain
Go to tipple (not grape-based) Still enjoying the Whisky. Dream Wine destination I’m keeping it within the EU – Sicily is at the top of the list!
# that sums up the year #lovewine
Current Favourite Wine Jordan Cobblers Hill. Blackcurrant and spice and all things nice!
Go to tipple (not grape-based) Ron Zacapa 23 Year Old. Amazing in a rum old fashioned.
Dream Wine Destination South Africa. Visions of sippin’ away on that Cobblers Hill in the Vineyard # that sums up the year #backtogreece
Current Favourite Wine I was inspired to try the SP68 Rosso 2021 by Arianna Occhipinti after it featured in Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy series and this did not disappoint, a biodynamic red that oozes elegance and class, light, bright, smoky and herbaceous, the perfect partner to a delicious Sicilian meal (although the wine performed much better than my cooking!)
Go to tipple (not grape-based) Rum Punch in the sun – light & dark rum, pineapple, orange, lime, grenadine, garnish with cherry and enjoy the sunshine!
Dream Wine Destination Santa Barbara, sipping in Santa Rita Hills with my bestie �� # that sums up the year #sunshinecelebrations
Current Favourite Wine The Finca Dinamia Buenalma Malbec is right at the top of my list; if you like your Malbec more on the minimal/ rustic style with lots of dark fruit and a nice touch of spice on the finish, this is the one for you.
Go to tipple (not grape-based) Someone mention a cocktail?
Dream Wine destination Sicily during harvest, amazing wine and food, rich heritage, breath-taking landscape and nice weather # that sums up the year #keepswirling
Current Favourite Wine Back to the roots, Chateau Villa Bel Air Rouge
Go to tipple (not grape-based) Sippin Beach from our friend Dany, Jersey, in a bottle.
Dream Wine Destination New Zealand, worth to be visited, being for the wines or the country itself. # that sums up the year #newshopintown
Current Favourite Wine Clos Lojen Bobal
Go to tipple (not grape-based) William Chase Pink Grape fruit Gin – Fevertree Light Tonic- a thick wedge of fresh Orange and a rosemary sprig Down the Hatch!
Dream Wine Destination Saumur in the Loire – drove through this place earlier in the year and only stopped off for a quick pic and a taster, OMG!!!
# that sums up the year #lovinglife
Current Favourite Wine This seems to change every day, but I always come back to Anne Sophie Dubois’ L’Alchemiste
Go to tipple (not grape-based) A Gibson, it’s basically a Gin Martini but with a big ol’ pickled onion in it.
Dream Wine destination Bar Brutal, Barcelona; the bar at the centre of the natural wine movement in Spain. Bring on the Jamon! # that sums up the year #needabiggerwinerack
Current Favourite Wine Duncan Savage White. Punchy acidity, amazing complexity, and modern freshness all this lifted by a pinch of salt. I have been so impressed last time I tried it by its balance. Nothing to envy to any Bordeaux white. The blend is magic, Duncan Savage must be a wizard.
Go to tipple (not grape-based) Indica Rum spiced and ginger ale. I am living spicy ! I will add 2 slices of lime into it : don’t forget to eat 5 fruits per days!
Wine destination Bekaa valley. I would love to go back to Lebanon soon. The origins of wine making. And on the top of that it is such a foodie destination.
# that sums up the year #aintnomilk #makeitmagic
Picture the scene - you have just warmed yourself in front of the fire in your comfiest attire, donning a pair of slippers, you realise, ‘Oh, nuts!’ ‘We are running out of wine!’
Do not fear! Your Love Wine delivery heroes are here!
Discover the pleasure of wine shopping in your pyjamas!
As many of you have already discovered, our website is easy to navigate; full of interesting, unusual, and traditional wines. Take your time to browse through our special offers, read tasting notes, discover something new and treat yourself! Check out our recommendations, pre-mixed cases, and gift ideas; all are awaiting delivery to your door in only a few clicks.
Our delivery team will spring into action and deliver to you the following day upon receiving your order. (This can increase in busy periods, but not by much)
So, crank up the heating, make space in the wine rack and grab that laptop. The next thing you will realise, your new-found hero will appear at your front door with your rescue supplies for the week ahead and a few Christmas pressies!
Let’s sparkle this Christmas
In the words of Noddy Holder, ‘It’s Chriiiiisssssttmmmaassss’! And what better way to kick it off than with some bubbles? We’ve got it all here –Champers, English Fizz, Pet Nat, the list goes on. My top tip for enjoying your bubbles is to stay away from flutes. Pop it in a standard wine glass, and you’ll get a whole lot more from your fancy festive fizz!
Villa Sandi Prosecco Millesimato, Valdobbiadene, Treviso, Italy - £14.95
This is where Prosecco gets serious. A vintage Prosecco that comes from the town at the heart of Prosecco, Valdobiadenne. It’s brut, so a little dryer than you might expect from a region known for its slightly sweeter tendencies. Intensely fruity & floral, it’s a lovely welcoming aperitif to have at the ready.
BUY
Duval Leroy Degustation Secrete, Champagne, France - £39.95 - Offer £32
What if I told you that you could have a ‘96 Blanc de Blancs from Champagne Duval Leroy for under £40? Or maybe a single vineyard ‘06? You might think I was having you on… but that’s exactly what we’re offering. The catch is you won’t know what you’ve got until you pop the cork—a perfect gift for any champagne lover or blind-tasting champ.
BUY
Loxarel A Pel Ancestral Pet Nat, Penedes, Spain - £22.95
If you close your eyes, click your heels and say ‘there’s no place like Shoreditch’ three times, you might find yourself sitting in a railway arch drinking something like this.
Fresh white flowers & quince meld with a slight cloudiness in this methode ancestral new-wave fizz from Penedes.
BUY
Sugrue The Trouble With Dreams
2017, Sussex, England - £46.50
Dermot & Ana Sugrue are two of England’s finest and most awarded winemakers but what’s truly exciting is that they’re not just trying to ape Champagne in the land of Albion; they make truly English wine. The Trouble with Dreams is their signature cuvée from Hampshire vineyards. A Chardonnay dominant blend, with three and a half years on the lees, is a masterclass in what an English Wine can be. BUY
Bosman Loose Cannon Chenin Blanc MCC 2017, Wellington, South Africa - £14.99
Special offer £12
South African Methode Cap Classique wines have used the Champagne method for over 50 years but don’t get nearly as much recognition as they warrant.
The Loose Cannon is a doozy of a wine, showing exactly why these wines are such great value. Forty-two months on lees give an outstanding balance between orchard fruits and biscuity brioche notes.
Nature 2016, France - £18.95
Everyone loves a dry sparkler, and it doesn’t come much drier than this. Brut Nature means that no sugar is added to this wine, letting the natural acidity of this Chenin / Mauzac blend tear through the layers of appley, lemony, bready tastiness to get your tastebuds ready for the eating season!
Pierre Mauzac Limoux BrutZalto Champagne single £37.95
BUY
Zalto Burgundy single £39.95
BUY
Zalto White wine single £37.95 Zalto Axium decanter £82.95
Zalto Bordeaux single £39.95
BUY
Zalto Universal single £38.50
BUY BUY
Urban Bar
Strathspey Rum glass £8.99
Urban Bar Copper mug £8.99
Urban Bar Premium
Gin balloon glass 1910 £7.99
Urban Bar Champagne flute £5.99
Urban Bar Nick and Nora 1921 £6.99
Urban Bar Retro Coupe £6.99
Urban Bar Champagne Cocktail glass £6.99
Urban Bar Old Fashioned tumbler £5.99
Urban Bar Highball 1910 £5.99
Riedel Decanter £215 Riedel Cornetto Decanter £215
BUY Riedel Curly Clear decanter £315
Riedel Cabernet decanter £39.95
BUY BUY
Riedel Syrah decanter £39.95
REH
PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2019
“Pinot Noir can be quite a temperamental grape but thrives on limestone soils in cool climates. This rosé is elegant, bright, and racy on the palate with a crisp finish. Its fruitiness comes best to the fore by not chilling too much.’’
Alison Flemming MW KENDERMANN KALKSTEINSpiegelau
Authentis Bordeaux (Set of 4) £31.95
Spiegelau
Whisky Glass (Set of 3) £99.95
Spiegelau
White Wine (Set of 4) £31.95
Spiegelau Red Wine (Set of 4) £31.95
Spiegelau
All purpose tumbler (Set of 6) £27.95
Spiegelau
Tasting kit - Craft beer Glasses (Set of 4) £27.95
Spiegelau Champagne flutes (Set of 4) £29.95
Great for a gift or even better to share this Christmas.. The Big Guns are back!
Tupungato
Mendoza, Argentina
On the nose, aromas of ripe red fruit, with a highlighted presence of floral notes, perfectly harmonised with aromas coming from the oak aging. In the mouth it is smooth and velvety with sweet tannins.
Magnum 2018 £33.95
Bodegas Tamaral Crianza Ribera del Duero - Spain
The wine is produced from vineyards situated over 900 meters altitude in Pesquera de Duero. Red fruit nose with toasted wood. Good structure, with the presence of mineral and balsamic notes. An intense wine, with volume and a long, lingering finish.
Magnum 2015 Double Magnum (3ltr) 2018 Gift Pack (Joven 2020, Crianza 2018, Reserva 2016)
Domaine Gayda
Chemin de Moscou IGP
Pays d’Oc, France
Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault blend. Expressive nose of black fruits, pepper, cinnamon, spice and violets. A seductive palate of dark hedgerow fruits, very open and welcoming with an explosion of fruit and spice. Mineral undertones.
Magnum 2016
Jean Fery Savigny Les Beaune Ez Connardises Burgundy, France
The terroir of Savigny gives white wines minerality; the wines are mellow, balanced and ro bust. Aromas of tropical fruits and hawthorn flowers, and on the palate, the flavours are refreshing and lingering. Harmonious development over 3 to 7 years. A pleasure to drink even when young
Magnum 2020 £77.49
Xmas offer £69.95
Felton Road Bannockburn, Calvert & Cornish Point
Pinot Noir
Central Otago, New Zealand. Felton Road is arguably the best producer of Pinot Noir in New Zealand. The estate employs organic & biodynamic viticulture and a commitment to hands-off winemaking.
Magnum Bannockburn 2020 £96
De Toren Z
Stellenbosch, South Africa
This delicate ruby-hued beauty is a testament to the Right Bankstyle Bordeaux blends. You’ll find it tantalisingly soft on the tongue, with a hint of aniseed, liquorice, raspberry and cranberries lending a fresh acidity to its polished finish
The Beach by Whispering Angel 2021
Provence, France
Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan grapes, selected from the best vineyards in the appellation of Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence. Clear and very expressive with a great aromatic freshness on the nose, including aromas of red berries with hints of lime and melon.
Exclusively distributed in Jersey via Love Wine.2019 Pinot Noir
This pinot noir is deep purple with hints of crimson. A rich and complex nose showing generous aromas of ripe dark cherry and red berry fruits dominating against a background layer of spice and savoury complexity. It has mouth-filling flavours of ripe raspberry and strawberry.
The fruit flavours are balanced by a good concentration of fine, soft, silky tannins and enough acidity to give definition to the finish which is long and persistent with lingering ripe fruit. The wine is drinking well now and will develop more complex and savoury characters with some more time in the bottle. It could be cellared for another four to eight years.
This full and flavoursome pinot noir makes a versatile accompaniment to a great variety of foods. It would be delightful with an olive crusted lamb cutlet served on a tomato and chickpea salad.
Go on. Treat yourself. You have spent enough money on presents and decorations, not to mention food; there is certainly a better time to scrimp on the wine! Go that extra mile when it comes to the wines you choose to enjoy with family & friends at Christmas.
Part of Christmas is about indulgence and celebration; it only comes around once a year, so take the hand-break off and immerse yourself in tasty food and great wine!
With celebration in mind this year, I have selected some wines from four exceptional producers exclusively available at Love Wine
Henri Giraud Fut de Chêne MV16
Champagne, France £170
Described by leading wine critic Robert Parker as ‘the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of,’ but as we like to say at Love Wine, ‘if you know, you know!’ Henry Giraud Champagne is a new addition to the Love Wine family, and the house represents exceptional quality to rival all Grand Marque Champagne. 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay - 2014 wines blended with 32% older reserve wines aged in “Solera” 12 months of vinification over full lees in Argonne oak barrels. The wine is matured in its bottle for a further six years. A must-have this Christmas if you are in the mood for celebration!
Ken Forrester v Piekenierskloof, South Africa £69
Without the efforts of men like Ken Forrester, South African Chenin Blanc might be scarcely more than a footnote to the country’s recent winemaking history. Ken’s FMC (Forrester Meinert Chenin) Chenin Blanc, also affectionately known as (F*cking Marvellous Chenin) here at Love Wine, has long been our best-selling premium white wine. In comparison, Dirty Little Secret is the FMC’s big brother. “We took a trip backwards to make a thoroughly modern wine. A wine that will age beautifully for at least the next ten years, a tribute hopefully to the age and concentration of the vines, as well as to low intervention winemaking. A natural wine in every sense and finally bottled with no cold stabilization or fining, and it is crystal clear, slightly golden in a good way, with a still lime green rim. How did I do that, you ask? Well, it is unfiltered, unrefined, just a Dirty Little Secret –naturally!” Ken Forrester. Each Dirty Little Secret comes in a presentation box, so it is also the perfect gift.
BUY Article by ChrisTake the handbrake off and immerse yourself in tasty food and great wine!
Saffredi 2014
Toscana, Italy £76
Elisabetta Geppetti and her extraordinarily talented consultant, Luca d’Attoma, are now making a Super Tuscan that has come to define the region. A typical Super Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, the wine shows rich texture in the mouth, loads of leather, dark chocolate and spice. Often spoken of in the same breath as Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Tignanello, Saffredi is a fraction of the price of its famous neighbours. Eight years after its release, this wine will start to show now, but if you are patient, it will get even better.
Yalumba Distinguished Sites duo-gift set
Barossa Valley, Australia £81.90 Xmas Special offer Price £74.95
167 years old, spanning five generations, Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family-owned winery. I have selected two of their top ‘distinguished sites’ wines to feature in a limited-edition duo set, the perfect gift for any wine lover this Christmas! The Steeple Shiraz 2016 is a true single-vineyard wine. This wine is from biodynamically grown, low-yielding centenarian vines planted in 1919. In the shadow of the Light Pass Immanuel Luther an Church steeple, the roots of these old vines run deep into the ancient Barossa soils, yielding intensely flavoured Shiraz grapes to create a wine of richness, texture, concentration, and length. In the heart of the Barossa Valley from their Tr-Centenary Vineyard, these gnarly, old bush vines have been in the ground for 130 years. Year after year, these ancestor vines give up small quantities of exceptional grapes from which, in the 2017 vintage, only 4695 bottles were produced. The resulting wine has excellent richness, texture, and complexity.
LABORIE MCC BLANC DE BLANC 2016
Complex and indulgent with aromas of green apple and citrus. Hints of lime are accompanied by aromas of toasted bread and hazelnut.
The palate is creamy, round and textured with bright acidity and an elegant, lasting finish.
BUY
KIT RECOMMENDS
Recommending wine for Christmas Dinner can be a minefield. What you realise is every family is different – Turkey, beef or goose? Is there a trusty jug of bread sauce lurking alongside the gravy? Maybe a cauliflower cheese to round things out? And don’t even get me started on the general absence of Yorkshire puddings. This variety of traditions & preferences is what makes every Christmas unique, so here you have a selection that should span the gamut of possibilities for the biggest meal of the year!
Domaine Gayda
La Minuette Rose
Pays D’Oc, France
£10.50 - offer £8.50
We’re always prepared for the cold winter nights, aren’t we? But what happens when one of those magically clear, sunny, bright winter days turns up out of the blue? That’s when you need a cheeky bottle of the pink stuff to sip alongside your hastily prepared fruits de mer, and this is just the ticket.
Tohu Whenua Matua Vineyard Chardonnay Nelson, New Zealand £29.95
Love a White Burgundy but hate the price? Then this is for you. An outstanding Chardonnay from New Zealand’s South Island, brimming with stone fruit and hints of toasty oak, is a guaranteed winner for the big day. Meursault, eat your heart out.
Anne Sophie Dubois
LAlchimiste Fleurie
Beajolais, France £23.95
Anne-Sophie Dubois is one of Beaujolais leading lights. She makes intensely juicy and complex Fleurie, a million miles away from the candied fruit bombs of yesteryear. If you want something that will both please and surprise everyone around the table, this is your bottle.
Fedele Nero d’Avola
Sicily, Italy £9.25
Once the festivities have died down, the fire’s lit and something starring John Nettles is on the TV, this is the bottle you need. A juicy but uncomplicated bottle of Southern Italian joyousness to sink into the sofa.
Artisans
Vignerons
Xinomavro de Naoussa
Naoussa, Greece £18.95
Zin-oh-mav-row or Zin-omavroh? I’m honestly not sure; all I know is that this is a wine that delivers excellent structure, dark fruit and delicate herbal hints of rosemary and bay that will pair perfectly with the Jersey beef sirloin (served pink, of course) you have waiting for you on the 25th
Arndorfer Gruner Handcrafted
Strassertal, Austria £15.95
This fully organic wine from the banks of the Danube is a brilliant example of why Austria is fast becoming one of the most exciting wine regions around. Fresh, vibrant and a little bit spicy. Just what you want alongside your smoked salmon in the morning.
Drinks
Article by WesDalva Colheita
Port 1995
£31.95
Fan of Port? Vintage Colheita port with age….? Yes, please! This has now developed from its youthful characteristics into a sophisticated, elegant port. Caramel, hazelnut, raisins and honey come through on the nose and palate. You will not be disappointed.
Following the rising interest in spirits,
I have come up with a few options to whet your appetite! Whether you’re a Christmas traditionalist or like to try new and exciting things, there’s sure to be something here for everyone.
Matusalem 15 YO Gran Reserva Rum £41.95
Matusalem 15 is a rum born in Cuba, produced in the Dominican Republic, and enjoyed worldwide. The Gran Reserva 15 is their flagship Rum, adored for its woody, dry, buttery flavour notes. Its complexity and smoothness make it perfect on its own, and it is ideal for new combinations. And with a very low sugar content in rum, only 5.7 grams per litre.
Ardbeg 10 Years Whisky - £47.85
Something to warm the cockles! Ardbeg Ten Years Old is revered worldwide as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex single malt. Yet it does not flaunt the peat; instead, it gives way to the malt’s natural sweetness to produce a perfectly balanced whisky. It was named World Whisky of the Year in 2008. Choose this if you’re after a whisky full of coastal air, smoke, and more.
Dupont Calvados Pays d’Auge 12YO - £65.95
It is intense and complex on the nose, with hints of roasted coffee, confit apples and vanilla. The aromas of apples develop gradually to become dominant. The palate is sweet, slightly bitter, intense, round, well-built, and fruity. Good concentration.
WILL RECOMMENDS
We have had a fun year when it comes to visiting producers. Below, to show my vast appreciation for investing in Love Wine, my case has been urated to represent those brave enough to travel the world and make the hop to spread the love here in Jersey.
Yalumba Y Series Viognier
Southern Australia £11.75
A firm favourite on the Love Wine list. Versatile and turkey friendly, this will hit the spot if you are looking for an all-rounder for lunch.
Villa Sandi Prosecco
Superiore
Asolo
Treviso,Italy £14.50
Blank Bottle Moment of Silence
Wellington, South Africa £18.25 - Offer £14.50
If only this wine came with Pieter Walser to entertain the family! A fantastic white blend to represent South Africa and a great gateway wine to the Blank Bottle experience.
Because I cannot pronounce Valdobbiadene – Asolo, the other prestigious region within the greater region of Treviso, and Prosecco. A great prosecco with provenance and quality wine-making behind it. Pour it into a wine glass and dip in that nose; mind the bubbles! More serious than your everyday Glera, this is one to try with your Christmas nibbles and friends
Cortese Sabuci Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Sicily, Italy £20.50
know is it is a winner for dinner and an unsung gem of two very fashionable red grape varieties, noble to this stunning part of Italy! (Nerod’ Avola + Frappato)
Jordan Estate Cobblers Hill, Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa £31.95
Stellenbosch does Bordeaux Blends well... Jordan makes wine that will make you smile. Together you have a wine that will tickle the ears and excite the palate!
East London Liquor Co. Single Malt Whisky
London, England £64.95
An independent distillery in the East End of London, one that makes quality-focused, approachable spirits that have character and a sense of place... not easy to do when you are talking about London Whisky! This one’s made to be drunk any way you want to: neat, on the rocks, or slammed into your favourite cocktail.
Synthesis 'The Blend'
Finca Sophenia 2018
Mendoza, Argentina
A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with flavours of black fruits, tobacco, pepper and chocolate combine with vanilla and toast from 18 months in oak.
Altosur Malbec Finca Sophenia 2021
Mendoza, Argentina
Aromas of intense ripe fruit, cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and fresh plums, combined with spicy and floral hints. In the mouth the sweet and round tannins increase its fruit sensation and balance. A wine of good intensity, concentration and long after taste.
CHRIS RECOMMENDS
A La Volee Cremant de Limoux
Brut Nature
Limoux, France £19.95
BUY
Yes, Champagne is 100% for Christmas, but if you want something different, you can still celebrate in style minus the hefty price tag. It is made in the same method as Champagne but from the South of France near Carcassonne. Winemaker Pierre makes this wine in a natural style; the wine is also a ‘Brut Nature’, so zero dosage after disgorgement, leaving the wine with only 3 grams of natural residual sugar. So, not only does it taste amazing, but it will also help with the waistline! Utterly extraordinary champagne-method sparkling wine - all sensory indulgence for a fraction of the price- made by an ex Champagne producer. The perfect way to start the day!
X2 Blank Bottle Luuks Chardonnay
Stellenbosch, South Africa £24.50
BUY
We were delighted to have winemaker Pieter Wallser over to Jersey recently to host a tasting of his stunning wines. He was charming, down to earth and a great storyteller, much like his wine! My favourite wine that goes down a storm in the Rogers household when we have guests around is his first-ever Chardonnay! Plenty of toasty, mouth-filling new oak complexity to go with that classic Cape fruit.
X2 Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir
Waipara, New Zealand £33.95
Christmas dinner, Robust in flavour but light in weight. The wine is packed with red and dark fruit on the nose, with hints of pepper and spice. There are also savoury notes that speak of grilled game. The palate is satisfyingly concentrated with a fine mouth-feel, however, there is a refreshing minerality which ensures the wine remains tight and focused, with a lasting finish.
Barrel Aged Martinez
Love Wine, Jersey £39.95
The perfect complement to after-dinner Christmas games! My very own barrel-aged cocktail, the Martinez, is a gin-based cocktail with vermouth and apricot brandy. Well-balanced, you start with the sweetness of the Apricot on the tongue and immediately find botanicals and acidity in the middle; a refreshing juniper comes to the finish with a lingering smooth texture. Add 50ml of this blended mix to a glass full of ice, stir a few times and strain into a Martini-style glass. Take a pink grapefruit and zest the skin’s oils over the top of the cocktail! Enjoy, and let the games commence!
Subscription wine for the adventurous...
‘FOR THE FIRST BEER OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME, A TRIPLE-HOPPED HELLES FROM JERSEY… ‘
Whether it’s a gift for your true love, a festive thank you to Martin the plumber, or just making sure you’re fully stocked, we’ve got three cases to make selecting your 12 Beers of Christmas as easy as (mince) pie this year!
We’ve created three delicious cases for you to choose from, jam-packed with excellent beer!
• IPAs & Pales (no dark beers)
• Craft Beer Mix (including dark beers)
• Cloudwater case
The month of Christmas brings our Discovery Christmas cases. Whether it be pleasant drinking Cru style wines, or epic Grand Cru wines, we have options to suit every single household during this celebratory time. Our Discovery selection boxes are designed to help you taste new and interesting wines. Each case contains full information on all the producers, food matching suggestions and tasting notes, making the Love Wine
Christmas Discovery case a great way to taste and discover.
Like what you see? Why not sign up to our recurring membership, receive your monthly case and cancel at any time... it’s that simple. This month we are giving you an insight into our Christmas case. Your case will contain six incredible wines, red, white, something sparkling and possibly a tasty little port!
Christmas CRU Mixed
Bosman Loose Cannon Chenin Blanc Macon Lugny Domaine des Terres Gentilles Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc Sophenia Altosur Malbec Corryton Burge Cabernet Sauvignon Naciente Morande Pinot Noir
Christmas 1er CRU Mixed
Jansz Premium NV Cuvee
Blank Bottle Moment of Silence
Chateau Villa Bel Air Graves White
Bosman Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Saurus Patagonia Select Pinot Noir
Ken Forrester The Renegade
Christmas Grand CRU Mixed
Vazart Coquart Brut Reserve NV Domaine Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Les Femelottes 2020 Savage White
Lucien Muzard et Fils 1er Cru Santenay Gravieres Rouge 2019 Pantocrator Rioja The Gypsy 2016
NICO RECOMMENDS
Bollinger Special Cuvee
Champagne, France £49.95
Most people think that I drink Champagne daily… which may be a bit true. Funny enough, if I am drinking Champagne, it is to look more British than the most iconic MI6 secret agent. Bollinger is the official James Bond Champagne, and I think I have my chance to replace Daniel Craig in the next movie.
Thomson & Scott Noughty Organic Sparkling Non Alcohol Wine
Germany £9.50
The party might go on until the night’s end, but we will have to return home at some point. And at this period taxis are very busy. So, the best is to designate a driver, for them no alcohol.
Corryton Burge Cabernet Sauvignon
Barossa Valley, Australia £9.95
To make sure the party is going well. You don’t need anything too fancy, but you can still drink well. This Cab. Sauv from Australia is one of the best value wines I tried this year. It will please wine connoisseurs as a newbie.
Corryton Burge Chardonnay
Barossa Valley, Australia £9.95
To make your life easier, choose the pair! This chardonnay comes from the same producer as the red wine and stands out with the same quality. Please don’t mix them to do a rosé.
The Beach by Whispering Angel Provence,
France £15.95 - Offer £12.95
I am not really a rosé drinker; however, to please all my guests, I will choose the most popular. This is the new release of ‘Whispering Angel’ called ‘The Beach’. The juice is easy to drink and will remind you of the late summer night.
Batanga Tequila Reposado
£33.95
We all reach that point at least once! So make sure you have it ready. Tequila! And this is it; here you have the best mix case party you would need to enjoy your time with friends and family.
Shared Moments.
New Zealand Wine
Tohu Wines is the world's first Māori-owned wine company. Thoughtfulness, kindness and hospitality are central to our identity. Our wines are made to share. They honour people, culture and the land.
Celebrate this festive season with Tohu Wines. Gift to a loved one or enjoy with friends and family.
He mātāmua taketake
The first māori-owned wine business tohuwines.co.nz
KRISTINA RECOMMENDS
Bender Sect Riesling 2017
Mosel, Germany £23.95
Delicious traditional method sparkling wine from Germany made purely from Riesling grape. Rich and creamy, with citrus, honey, pastry and beautiful Mosel minerality.
Huber Gruner Veltliner Alte Setzen
Traisental, Austria £20.95 - Offer £17.95
This beautiful Gruner Veltliner from one of the leading Austrian win emakers shows delicate herbal spice, tobacco notes, and ripe fruit aromas; the palate is very concentrated, with a marvellous balance and ripe acidity.
Carl KochGewurztraminer 2020
Rheinhessen, Germany £18.50
If you like spicy food, this is a must, a perfect match. Sadly, gewurztraminer was one of the underrated grape varieties, apart from Alsace, which is recognised for producing outstanding wines in different styles, including age-worthy ones. This aromatic wine with flavours of apricots, white flowers, and fresh lychees with sweetness on the finish comes from Rheinhessen, a certified organic producer Carl Koch located near the town of Oppenheim, right by the region’s most famous vineyard location, the Oppenheimer Sackträger.
Domaine Breton Vouvray La Dilettante
Loire Valley, France £19.95
From family vineyards practising organic and biodynamic agriculture anchored in the Loire since 1886 this exceptional Chenin Blanc is a pure expression of terroir. The wine has a soft texture, a stroke of mineral, and notes of wildflowers. Straw yellow in the glass, with aromas of pear and melon developing into citrus and pineapple notes, with honeycomb and goats milk wrapped in a loving shroud of sweet blossom. It is a wine of true pleasure.
Cosme Palacio Blanco Reserva 2018
Rioja, Spain £21.95
Cosme Palacio enjoys excellent international recognition for being considered the bridge between the Classic Rioja style and the Modern Rioja. A must try. Creamy notes of butter and bakery with a very balanced acidity that gives it freshness and liveliness. Complex, smooth and elegant. Pleasure dressed in fresh fragrances.
Jordan Melifera Late Harvest Riesling
Stellenbosch, South Africa £19.50
Delicate and floral with a ripe apricot and spring blossom bouquet, and the well-balanced acidity adds elegance to the long, rich finish.
With guest contributors HAMMER + DASH
Back by popular demand and fresh off our Cherry Lambrini sales tour.
Dash and I have come up with three recipes that will be easy to gather, require very little equipment and are delicious.
Funnily enough all the alcohol can be purchased at lovewine.je. These cocktails can be used as a jumping off point, tweak them to your tastes and enjoy them over the festive period.
Hammer + Dash xEl Prosecco Ponche
Bringing the punch bowl back so you can impress, entertain AND enjoy your party
The Ingredients
•700ml Villa Sandi Prosecco Superiore
•500ml Corralejo Tequila Reposado
•350ml Cardomon & pepper syrup (See below)
•Orange & lime wheels
•Edible flowers or a pretty garnish
•Large lump of ice
The Method
Place a large lump of ice in a bowl. Gather the ingredients and mix gently in the bowl. Taste.
Garnish and ladle
Notes. Black Pepper + Cardamon Syrup. Crush 32 cardamon pods and 32 black peppercorns in a container and add 250ml boiling water.
Leave steep for 20 minutes up to an hour. Fine strain the liquid through a coffee filter. Measure the ml and add the exact same amount of Golden Syrup. Stir to incorporate. Put aside until you are ready to use.
This syrup recipe yields more than you will need so you can sweeten your punch to your tastesyour welcome. You can reduce the amount of tequila or add more Prosecco to make the punch lighter and longer. For a big lump of ice see our blog.
(This syrup recipe yields more than you will need so you can sweeten your punch to your tastes... your welcome).
Notes. Nutsssyrac. Crush 200g roasted and salted nuts and place in a microwaveable container with 700ml T’Air Doc Syrah. Cover the container with cling film and place in the microwave. Heat the mix for between 2-3 mins depending on the strength of Chef Mike. Strain through a coffee filter, put back into the wine bottle and chill until you are ready.
Developed, created and bottled in Jersey by your friendly neighbourhood bartenders, Hammer + Dash. BUY
WESLEY RECOMMENDS
Finca Museum – Museum
Cigales, Spain £17.99
One of my favourite Tempranillos, and it’s not Rioja for a change! Ruby-red coloured with dark garnet glints, this complex wine opens with delicate toasted notes and hints of liquorice, red fruit and wild berries along with balsamic and mineral nuances. The palate is full and supple with polished tannins and a smooth creaminess followed by a very long, persistent finish.
Yalumba - The Cigar Coonwara, Australia £23.95
If you love your Cabernets, then CHECK. THIS. OUT! Deep red to crimson in colour. A perfumed wine, displaying spice notes, lavender and violets, with fruit aromatics of warm strawberries, blackberries, and the quintessential note of sea-spray that the region is known for. Peppery, fresh and alive with youthful tannins, the moderate to long palate has intense red-purple cassis fruit. A delicious wine with all the hallmarks of Coonawarra Cabernet. Must try!
Blank Bottle - Master of None Western Cape – South Africa £18.95
I Would go down very well with your Christmas meal, whether you’re having Turkey or an alternative such as fish. Very juicy, very drinkable! Lots of strawberry juice, cherry and earthy notes too, blackcurrant leaf and pomegranate. It’s a fun little wine to not be taken too seriously. Like Pieter’s answer to a Beaujolais-villages and ultimate ‘vin de soif.’
Coste del Vivo Rosso No.1
Tuscany, Italy £19.95
Made from a Sangioveseled blend of 2015, 2016 and 2018 wines, it’s the third edition of Toby’s Rosso No 1 and continues in the same vein of the previous two stunners, combining complexity, structure and drinkability in a wine that sings ‘TUSCANNNYYYYYY!’ in a great Pavarottian vibrato.
Grey Glacier Pinot Noir
Leyda Valley – Chile £16.50 Offer - £13
An over-delivering Pinot Noir in my opinion. One of the more fuller, richer styles, with aromas of blueberries, plums and raspberries. On the palate it has juicy black fruit flavours and balanced acidity, together with soft, well-rounded tannins and soft French oaky notes.
Finca Dinamia
Buenalma Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina £20.50
Malbec on another level! Deep ruby in colour with a rustic nose of brambles, dried herbs and cloves, the palate is full bodied with concentrated black fruits, mocha, black olives and a slight spicy pepper note on the finish. The production of this wine uses a `hands off` approach, the fermentation starts naturally with wild yeasts and a gentle partial oak ageing imparts spice and complexity. You will find some sediment as it is unfiltered, so best to decant slowly if you can.