Gifts For Wine Lovers UK...

Wine – where does one start a brief introduction to a subject which has been the subject of thousands of books over thousands of years. I don’t really qualify as an “Oenologist” – an expert in the field of winemaking from harvesting the grape to bottling the wine - but I do enjoy a glass of wine (and sometimes a bottle) especially when it is great value i.e. very enjoyable to drink at an affordable price. Thankfully understanding the wine making process isn’t necessary when it comes to enjoying a glass of wine. All that’s really needs to be understood is that different grape varieties can produce significantly different flavours in the finished bottle.

Value has always been important to me, and I think it’s true to say that wine has never been such good value with a whole range of really nice wines available at very reasonable prices. Even with UK taxes, the price is reasonable although I have to admit to hopping across to France from time to time to stock up with even better value bottles. But there is plenty of choice in the UK starting at under £5 so rest assured that you are not going to have to pay £10 for something nice to drink.
 
I believe personal preference should always be the first consideration when choosing wine. If I find a wine at a rock bottom price which I really enjoy then I like to share my discovery with friends, not be too embarrassed to tell them it’s a real bargain. But like all products there is a certain “snob value” in wine selection and some people will refuse to believe that nice wine can be found at rock bottom prices.

Where to start? If you’re not a frequent wine drinker, or are a hosting a get together for friends including those who don’t often drink wine, the “easy” reds would usually include Merlot or Pinot Noir. And for dry white wine, what about Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc? If in doubt ask for help at a knowledgeable wine merchant, or have a word with the departmental manager, at your local supermarket. Sometimes I look for gaps on the supermarket shelf caused by wines that are selling well. It’s often a good sign that the wine is popular or has recently been recommended by a magazine, and sales have therefore increased dramatically.

I am reluctant to suggest wines to accompany different foods because I am a strong believer in personal preference. That said, it’s difficult to get away from heavier (red) wines with hearty heavy meals, and lighter (white) wines with lighter summer food and snacks. But I emphasise that personal preference is most important – don’t get persuaded into drinking something you don’t really enjoy because an “expert” says it’s what right for a certain food.

Here are a few suggestions, but they are just that. It’s more important to drink what you like.

What about?

Muscadet or Chablis with seafood
Champagne and smoked salmon
Beaujolais with smoked meats
Chardonnay with garlic mushrooms
Red Bordeaux with roast beef
Red burgundy with game
Rioja with lamb
White Burgundy with plain fish
Sweet Vouvray with apple pie
Claret with a hard cheese
Cabernet Sauvignon with Stilton cheese

But, I say again, personal preference rules when choosing wine!

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