Four Wines That Nearly Made My End-of-Year Selection
This week, I delve into four exceptional wines that fell just short of my end-of-year wine selection. Despite their close call, these wines certainly deserve a place in your collection, particularly the Bordeaux and Chianti Classico varieties. Read on to understand why they didn’t make the final cut and why they’re still worthy of your attention.
More Wine Recommendations from Winesdirect.ie
For those looking to explore new flavors, winesdirect.ie offers a range of standout wines. One notable option is the Nimbus Russus Xinomavro from Greece, priced at €28.75. This wine is exceptional for its intricate complexity. Another exciting find is their Vinmouth vermouth, priced at €59.25. This complex, premium vermouth is worth the investment.
Ardent Aldi Wine
Last week, I highlighted a Ribera del Duero wine from Lidl. This week, I bring you a similar but slightly better option from Aldi, priced €1 cheaper than the Lidl variety. The Château les Grands Vallons is a top contender among the best-value Bordeaux wines tasted this year. This wine’s balanced flavors and accessibility make it a standout choice.
Elegant Chianti Classico
Castello di Volpaia is renowned as one of the premier estates in Chianti Classico. Their wines typically feature an elegant and refined profile, making them splendid companions for food, especially dishes rich with meats or tomato-based sauces. The elegance and refinement of these wines elevate any meal they accompany, ensuring they are perfect for discerning palates.
Beaujolais from Côte de Puy
The Morgon from Côte de Puy, a highly regarded section within Beaujolais, is an excellent choice. Château des Jacques, one of the most well-known names in the wine industry, owns 69 hectares across the best crus in the region. This particular Morgon is a blend of concentrated dark cherry flavors with a subtle yet pleasing austerity from its tannic structure, and finishes with a lingering and pleasant aftertaste.
Specially Selected Ribera del Duero 2023
14%, €10.99
This sleek wine offers smooth, ripe plums and spice sensations, complemented by some dusty tannins on the finish. It pairs beautifully with lamb dishes or roast belly of pork, offering a delightful and satisfying wine experience for diners.
Available from Aldi.
Château les Grands Vallons 2020, Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux, Biodynamic
12%, €18.99
Enjoy smooth and ripe blackcurrant fruits, coupled with a slight earthiness and perfectly balanced light tannins. This Bordeaux wine provides excellent value and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roast lamb, beef, firm cheeses, and mushroom dishes.
Available from Baggot Street Wines; The Vintry, D6; The Wine Pair, D8; Grapevine, Dalkey; 64 Wine, Mount Merrion & Glasthule; D6 Harold’s Cross; Morton’s Galway.
Volpaia Chianti Classico 2021
13.5%, €34-35
This Chianti Classico is one of my favorites from the region. It features elegant, sweet-sour dark cherry flavors, a fine acidity, and subtle tannins. This wine is perfect with lasagne and other meaty or tomato-based pasta dishes, offering a和谐 blend of flavors that enhance each other’s complexity.
Available from Pinto Wines, D9; BaRossa Wines, Sandymount; Eleven Deli, Greystones; Browns Vineyard Portlaoise; Morton’s, Ranelagh; Dodi, Lahinch.
