Though the name Smederevka may not exactly roll off the tongue, the flavours of this North Macedonian grape variety are a real treat for the palate.
Wine production in the Tikveš region of North Macedonia has a history going back some 4,000 years and the country is known for its high-quality wines from a range of indigenous grape varieties. The two main varieties for white wines are Žilavka and Smederevka, with Vranec, Stanušina and Kratosija the best-known varieties for red wines. I reviewed a red wine from the Kratosija grape from this region earlier in the year and recently tried the Smederevka wine from the same winery, the award-winning Tikveš winery. Here are my thoughts.
Tikveš Smederevka Belo 2019
This is a crisp, floral wine with aromas of jasmine and elderflower on the nose, and flavours of apple, lemon, stone fruit and honey on the palate. Well-balanced with medium acidity and a lingering finish, it’s a smooth, refreshing wine that is a perfect match for seafood, or can be drunk by itself as an aperitif. If you are looking for something a little different, why not give this a try?
Although this year you may not be having quite as many family and friends coming to visit over the Christmas period, you’ll still want to have a few choice wines to enjoy with your food as well as a few bottles to savour when you’re watching your Christmas favourites or simply chilling out.
If sherry is your pre-prandial tipple, the Don Gaspar Dry Amontillado Lustau from Waitrose (£11.99) has a pleasant nutty and dried fruit flavour on the palate with a hint of tanginess. Perfect with cured meats, manchego and olives.
Tesco’s Finest Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG is very good value at £10. Produced from grapes grown on the steep limestone hills northwest of Venice, this is a refreshing sparkling wine with flavours of apple, pear and peach, and a smooth, lively fizz.
The St Aubin Premier Cru Domaine Thomas 2018 white Burgundy is a very good wine with flavours of lemon, lime and peach, and buttery, toasty undertones. A well-balanced wine, it has a textual richness that will handle the multitude of flavours associated with a festive turkey (or other richly flavoured dishes) perfectly well if you prefer white wine with your main. Waitrose (£25.99).
Sainsbury’sTaste the Difference Marques de Almeida Albariño is a steal at £8.50. With fragrant fruity aromas and flavours of peach and tropical fruits, this is a dry, light and crisp wine that goes well with smoked salmon, and is perfectly fine by itself.
Red wines
With all the complex interplay of flavours associated with a traditional Christmas turkey lunch, a wine with lower tannins will cope better. The finely balanced tannin and acidity of the Mud House Pinot Noir 2019 from Central Otago in New Zealand has the fresh fruit flavours and dash of spice to be an excellent match for your turkey and trimmings. Majestic Wine (£13.99/ £10.99 Mix Six); Waitrose (£10.99)
A Beaujolais will go well with duck and this Fleurie Beaujolais 2018 Georges Duboeuf is tried and tested. A light, refreshing medium-bodied wine with medium acidity, the intense fruity flavours of raspberry and strawberry stand up well to the strong flavour of the meat. Majestic Wine (£12.99/ £10.99 Mix Six)
For something bolder, this Bardos Romantica Ribera del Duero 2017(Crianza) Spanish Tempranillo is a very good full-bodied wine with intense black fruit flavours and a hint of spice and vanilla from the barrel ageing. It will hold its own with roast beef or similar strong flavours. Majestic Wine (£14.99 / £11.99 Mix Six)
Dessert wines
Christmas, especially this Christmas, is a time for indulgence. And what nicer indulgence than a glass of port? Taylor’s 10-year old Tawny Port has a fruity, nutty flavour to be enjoyed with cheese, dessert or post-lunch while watching the Queen’s speech. Well, anytime really. Waitrose (£22.49)
Another treat isthe Hungarian Disznókö Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2017 from Waitrose (£19.99). This is a well-balanced, very good wine with flavours of peach, dried apricot, honey and orange peel. A perfect match for cheese or dessert.
Or perhaps a Sauternes? Les Garonelles, Sauternes 2017 is a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes. With flavours of passionfruit and apricot , it is an elegant, well-balanced wine which is a perfect pairing for dessert. Great Wine Co. (£11.50 half bottle).
Merry Christmas! Look out for more wine suggestions from around the world in 2021. Cheers!
