Forget broken bottle in the boot of the car, struggles with a corkscrew and trips to the bottle bank. These eco-friendly wine pouches are the ideal solution The Arniston Bay 1.5 litre wine pouch is available in Chenin Blanc Chardonnay, Pinotage Rose and Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, while there are red, white and rose 2-litre Versus pouches on the market.
Wine society members share favourites
The Wine Society has been helping members match fine wines with holiday meals for nearly one hundred and forty years. Membership costs £40 and society members have access to quality wines ranging in price from £4 to £400 a bottle.
Sparkling red nose
Codorniu have launched a premium sparkling wine called Reina Maria Cristina – named after the Queen of the same name who in 1987 granted Codorniu the title of ‘purveyor to the Spanish Royal household’.
Gift boxes to thrill wine lovers
Vinopolis self-guided tours offer gift givers a sure-to-please package for the wine-lover on their Christmas list. Gift boxes range in price from £65 – £90 and each one includes tickets to wine or spirit tastings elegantly packaged with corkscrews, wine pourers, a wine pump and stoppers.
Make a wise investment this Christmas with Le Pigeonnier
Some investments are safer than others, like a rare bottle of Château Lagrézette’s 100% Malbec Le Pigeonnier. With over 500 years of experience with Malbec wine Château Lagrézette continues to produce pure indulgence in a glass.
Ramsay G&T Recipe
To celebrate the festive season, the makers of Gordon’s gin have teamed up with Gordon Ramsay to create The Ramsay G&T – a fresh twist on the classic gin and tonic featuring a dash of cranberry juice.
Jameson Mule recipe
With a winter chill in the air thoughts turn to the festive season, and this Christmas, Jameson Irish Whiskey is the spirit of choice for anyone looking for a more discerning drink.
Sweet port buys for credit crunched and fuller pockets
Taylor’s, Croft and Fonseca have created a list of ‘Credit Crunch Ports” to satisfy palates without breaking budgets. Priced under £10, both Croft Indulgence and Taylor’s First Estate are two fruity reserve ports that go well with cheese or dark chocolate.
Tokiwa Shochu available in the UK
Tokiwa, a premium rice Shochu from Akashi-Tai, is now available in the UK. The traditional Japanese distilled spirit originated over 500 years ago in Okinawa (Japan’s Southern Islands). The national spirit of Japan is either mixed with hot water, to release the aromas, or served neat over ice. It often accompanies typical Japanese cuisine, such as sushi and is certainly a better option than wine.
News from the cellars
The Cellars has just introduced a new Daily Roast menu. Offered Monday to Friday from Noon to 3pm, the roast and trimmings alternate daily and are served with a selection of seasonal vegetables. The Daily Roast is served and carved from the chef’s silver trolley at your table, priced at £16.95 per person.