Which wines will you be serving?

We spend a lot of time preparing for Christmas lunch or dinner. Here are some Christmas wine pairing suggestions for the Christmas celebrations to save you time wondering which wines to serve.

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Aperitif

Pol Roger Brut Champagne NV
£39.00

Champagne or Sparkling Wine is a very accommodating wine and can be served as an aperitif or with any course of your menu.

The Brut Réserve is a blend in equal parts of the three champenois grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Served at Prince William and Prince Harry's weddings, Pol Roger is very reasonably priced at £39 per bottle. Available in a gift box.

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Turkey

GlenWood Grand Duc Chardonnay 2015
£40.00

Beautifully crafted with pure and precise flavours of yellow stone fruit, dried mango, nuts and vanilla. A crisp elegant structure with a long lingering soft finish. Full oaking but integrated perfectly.

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Gammon

Larry Cherubino Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir 2016
£17.99

A light Pinot with sweet clove and black cherry aromas. Sweet spice, smoky, leather and black plum flavours on the palate, all beautifully balanced.

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Fish

Orange River Chenin Blanc 2018
£7.49

A pale yellow hue with a subtle green tinge. Dry white offering delicious flavours of pear, litchi and guava. Very easy drinking and smooth.

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Dessert

Chateau Filhot Grand Cru Classe Sauternes 2009 (375ml)
£23.50

A luxurious Sauternes from Bordeaux with a silky mouthfeel, slightly sticky, apricots and peaches, lychee and hints of eucalyptus.

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Mixed case

Luxury Christmas Selection (6 bottles)
£245.00

Six bottles are included in this luxury selection of Christmas wines:
Pol Roger Brut Champagne NV
Giles Morat Sur La Roche Pouilly Fuisse 2016
Glenwood Grand Duc Chardonnay 2015
Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Caro Baron de Rothschild 2014
Chateau Filhot Grand Cru Classe Sauternes 2009 (375ml)

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If you want to select only one or two wines for your Christmas celebration, we recommend a Pinot Noir and a Sparkling wine. Overall, Pinot Noir pairs well with most light and dark meats and a variety of dishes. And of course, who can enjoy a celebratory meal without Sparkling wine!

Pinot Noir is the second-most-planted grape variety in New Zealand. The cool New Zealand climate and intense UV ray exposure (due to the hole in the ozone layer in that region) result in complex, fruit-driven wines with silky texture and tannins.

We stock some excellent New Zealand Pinot Noir. Read further to learn more about their origins and profiles.

Martinborough
Martinborough is a small town in the South Wairarapa District, an hour's drive north of Wellington. Soil conditions in Wairarapa closely resemble those of Burgundy. Wines are complex and earthy with dark plummy and savoury aromas and are rich in structure.

We recommend Te Hera's Pinot Noir if you would like to sample wines from this region.

Central Otago
New Zealand’s southernmost wine region has vineyards carved into hills, next to gorges and on slopes surrounded by mountain peaks. A short growing season with hot days and cool nights ensures fruit-driven wines with cherry and plum flavours.

Our recommendations for Central Otago wines are by Remarkable and Bannock Brae.

Marlborough
Best known as New Zealand's biggest producer of incredible Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough produces some very good quality Pinot Noir as a result of the hillsides and cool southern valleys.

Fresh with bright red fruit flavours, we would recommend wines by Bladen and The Crossings.

To see which amazing New Zealand Pinot Noir wines Hard to Find Wines has available, read on!

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Te Hera

Te Hera is one of a small number of wineries around Martinborough and produces, in our opinion, the best Pinot Noir in the area.

Te Hera Kiritea Pinot Noir 2012

Redcurrant with a hint of strawberries and eucalyptus on the nose. Smooth with vibrant fruit on the palate, layers of dark cherry and tobacco. Fine and elegant with just enough acidity and tannins to provide balance.
Was £16.99
Now £11.89

Te Hera Reserve Pinot Noir 2014

A refined ruby colour, gentle warmth on the nose coupled with blackcurrants and brambles. Cherries and plums initially on the palate opening to sweeter redcurrant fruit. Drinking now but will improve over the next ten years.
£23.99

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Remarkable Wines

Remarkable Wines produces strikingly fragrant, fruit-driven Pinot Noir from organic vineyards located at Bannockburn and the Gibbston Valley.

Remarkable Gibbston Pinot Noir 2007

Damson, plum and cherry on the nose, with some herbal notes. The palate is ripe but fresh with cherry and plum fruits, meaty spicy notes and good acidity.
£32.00

Remarkable Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2008

Aroma of black currants and cherries with dark berry fruit flavours overlaid with mild oak and soft tannin. Matured for 12 months in French oak barrels.
£21.99

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Bannock Brae

Catherine and Crawford Brown, owners of Bannock Brae, pursue the highest quality wines and over just ten vintages have become New Zealand's most-awarded Pinot Noir producing vineyard.

Bannock Brae Estate Goldfields Pinot Noir 2008

A rich plummy red. Flavours of plums, cherries, and berries, with a background of liquorice, mushrooms and spice. Silky, velvety tannins round this wine off nicely.
£30.00

Bannock Brae Estate Barrell Selection Pinot Noir 2008

A rich plummy red, with flavours similar to that of the Goldfields: plums, cherries, berries, liquorice, mushrooms and spice. Colour and palate are slightly more intense than its brother.
£32.00

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Bladen Wines

Dave and Christine Macdonald, owners of Bladen Vineyard, are well-known for their friendly cellar door welcome. Their focus on handcrafting ensures consistent, excellent quality.

Bladen Pinot Rose 2017

Salmon-blush with a pink hue. Lifted red fresh fruit notes of strawberry and raspberry on the nose with fresh herbs adding to the complexity. Juicy watermelon and fresh summer fruits on the palate, with a hint of creaming soda.
£13.99

Bladen Pinot Noir 2015

Deep-ruby colour. Red cherries and plum, a delicate aniseed and cinnamon note on the nose. Medium-bodied with red fruit flavours, spicy oak and savoury complexity. Gentle tannins and lingering acidity give velvet-like texture and a fine finish.
£19.99

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The Crossings

Located in the Awatere Valley, the vineyard has been part of the Yealands Family wine group since 2011 and is part of the New Zealand sustainable wine-growing programme.

The Crossings Pinot Noir Awatere Valley 2013

Balanced Pinot from Marlborough's Awatere Valley. Light in style with fragrant red fruit.
£16.99

The Crossings Pinot Noir Awatere Valley 2014

A mid-weight Pinot Noir. Succulent red fruits and supple tannin structure. Ready to be enjoyed.
£14.99

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Visit our website now to purchase your New Zealand Pinot Noir today!

Ask us who produces the most exquisite Pinot Noir in the Martinborough region of New Zealand and we would have to say Te Herā!

Te Herā is a family business producing a small range of handcrafted wines.

Thirteen acres of vines were originally planted at Te Herā in 1996. The unique soil structure with underlying gravel deposits together with the cooling winds, low rainfall and long dry Autumns of Martinborough's microclimate, allow Te Herā to grow premium quality grapes. The fruit is then expertly handcrafted to produce their Kiritea and Reserve Pinot Noir.

Te Herā uses organic management practices and has designed its vineyard practices to have minimal impact on the environment and to ensure the sustainability of their crops.

The estate has been fully certified organic by Biogro NZ since their 2010 vintage and the wines have been fully certified since 2013.

We have now discounted our Te Herā Wines for a short time! Take a look below and make sure you don't miss out!

Te Herā
Kiritea Pinot Noir
2012

Was £14.99 - Now £9.99
Redcurrant with a hint of ripened strawberries and eucalyptus on the nose. Deliciously smooth with vibrant fruit on the palate followed by layers of dark cherry and tobacco. Fine, elegant and with just enough acidity and tannins to balance against the berry flavours.

Te Herā
Reserve Pinot Noir
2014

Was £23.99 - Now £19.99
A refined ruby colouration, gentle warmth on the nose coupled with blackcurrants and brambles. Cherries and plums initially on the palate opening to sweeter redcurrant fruit. The 16 months in French oak barrels adds a textured feel to the wine without overpowering. Drinking now but will improve over the next ten years.

Order yours by 11.59pm on Sunday, 14 October to take advantage of this special offer.

Iona Wines, owned by Andrew and Roxy Gunn, is situated at 420m above sea-level in the Elgin Valley in South Africa and is proud to be the coolest vineyard in South Africa.

Planting began in 1998, with Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot the first vines planted. These were followed by Chardonnay, Semillon and Pinot Noir. Shortly after Iona's first vintage in 2001, they became one of South Africa’s top producers of Sauvignon Blanc.

Iona’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the prevailing southerly winds result in their grapes ripening up to two months later than other Cape vineyards.

 

Andrew says, "Wines are made in the vineyard, and the best wines come from cool to moderate temperature climes, with low summer rainfall and low potential soils."

Sustainable Practices

To ensure the wines they produce are lively, Iona uses no synthetic fertilisers, snail pellets or insecticides in their vineyards. All compost is created using biodynamic methods and preparations, including manure produced by Iona's five cows!

Winter cover crops of legumes, oats and clovers grow between the vineyard rows. These are used to nourish and mulch the vineyards in turn.

Philosophy

Owners Andrew and Rozy put all their focus and passion into Iona. Everything is done in-house as a result.

The team at Iona strives to make wine that "expresses the soils and climate as closely as possible, making use of sustainable farming methods and to maximise the use of natural products in farming and winemaking."

Wines

Iona Wines
One Man Band 2011
£24.99

Elegant with ripe, juicy red and black fruit. Lovely white pepper and sweet, exotic spice on the nose. The entry is intense, with underlying cedar wood, followed by a long savoury, earthy finish with fine-grained tannins.
Shiraz 57%, Merlot 15%, Cabernet Sauvignon 9%, Petit Verdot 9%, Mataro 7%, Viognier 3%.

Iona Wines
Sauvignon Blanc 2017
£12.99

Beautiful purity of limes and ripe gooseberry, with tropical, floral and fine herbal notes, ruby grapefruit and white pear drop on the finish. This cool climate Sauvignon blanc is vibrant, mineral, elegant, balanced and delicate, with a long, layered and complex length.

Iona Wines
Chardonnay 2017
£19.99

Stylish and Burgundian with lime and lemon undertones.
Bright citrus, oyster shell minerality, and a hint of almonds and biscuit brioche on the finish.
Beautiful floral notes and bright fresh acidity persist.

Iona Wines
Pinot Noir 2014
£21.99

Succulent black cherry aroma, bright but delicate and hints of forest floor, with underlying floral and spicy notes. On the palate, the wine is powerful, with silk-textured length.

Iona Wines
Solace 2015
£21.99

Red berry fruit, spiced with white pepper and floral notes. Supple, intense palate with fine matched by fruit depth.

To celebrate summer, we are giving away a selection of some of the best sparkling wines South Africa has to offer!

All six bottles are produced using the Methode Cap Classique process used in producing Champagne. The result is top quality Sparkling Wines with a fine mousse and lots of flavour.

Enter by clicking here.

 

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The six bottle mixed case includes:

- Pierre Jourdan Brut
- Klein Constantia Brut
- Le Lude Brut
- Lanzerac Blanc de Blancs
- Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose
- Stony Brook Bailey Rose

Enter our South African Sparkling Wine Competition now to stand a chance to win this case of excellent SA Sparkling Wines!

Click here to enter online.

If you can't wait for the competition to end, you can purchase your own case here for a discounted price of £100!

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Competition is open to UK residents only. You must be over 18 to enter. No purchase necessary. Competition closes 31 August 2018. See full Terms and Conditions when you enter.

Hard To Find Wines is delighted to announce the arrival of new wines from Domaines Vinsmoselle in Luxembourg!

Domaines Vinsmoselle is a co-operative of wineries founded in 1921, situated in the Moselle Valley in Luxembourg.

Although less well known than other European winemaking regions, Luxembourg produces high-quality, Alsatian-style wines. Primarily white grape varietals are grown, such as Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Auxerrois. However, Pinot Noir is also grown to produce supple, fruity red wines and some sparkling wine blends.

The rising star amongst Luxembourg wines is Cremant de Luxembourg, a sparkling wine produced using traditional methods. Only grapes grown in Luxembourg are allowed to bear this designation.

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Save 10% on your order of any of our Domaines Vinsmoselle wines!

Place your order by Sunday, 2 September and received a 10% discount.

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Poll Fabaire Cuvee Schengen Brut
£14.41
Was £15.99

The label "Cremant de Luxembourg" was introduced in 1991. The appellation "Cremant" refers to bottle-fermented sparkling wines made from grapes grown in certain French wine-producing areas that are not in the Champagne region. The grapes for the Poll Fabraire Brut come from the Schengen region and have gone through the traditional double fermentation process to produce a wonderful sparkling wine with lively bubbles and a crisp dry finish.

Edmond de la Fontaine Pinot Noir 2016
£16.21
Was £17.99

A brilliant ruby red in the glass. Its nose is spicy with notes of sour cherry and wild berries, coupled with hints of chocolate and vanilla. On the palate, this wine is full, warm and fruity. Its balanced structure and well wrapped-up tannins give it its distinctive personality.

Elbling Rose 2017
£9.00
Was £9.99

A fresh and lively, beautifully light rose with only 10.5% alcohol. Cherry and strawberry aromas, hints of grenadine in the nose characterize this salmon-coloured rose. Cherry aromas remain present on the palate. An easy-drinking rose that goes well with every occasion.

Pinot Gris Premier Cru 2017
£12.60
Was £13.99

A typical Pinot Gris, full-bodied, concentrated and aromatic with aromas of smoke, spice, honey, and leather. A full-bodied, complex palate.

Rivaner 2017
£9.00
Was £9.99

A delicate palate of green apple and ripened melon. Refreshing and light, this white wine is perfect when paired with salads and fish dishes.

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Save 10% on your order of any of our Domaines Vinsmoselle wines!

Place your order by Sunday, 2 September and received a 10% discount.

Haute Cabriere's 2017 vintage of their very popular Chardonnay Pinot Noir has just arrived at Hard To Find Wines!

"The 2017 vintage yielded grapes of outstanding quality, resulting in a beautiful balance of fruit and acidity." says Cellar Master Takuan von Arnim.

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Cellar Master's Reflections

The two noble Burgundian cultivars of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir form the cornerstone of Haute Cabrière’s wine culture.

Haute Cabrière, situated on the foot of the Franschhoek Pass, was the first winery in South Africa to produce a still wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - a blend traditionally used exclusively for Méthode Cap Classique and Champagne. Chardonnay contributes elegance, and Pinot Noir intensity and richness.

This blend consists of predominantly unwooded Chardonnay, rounded off with Pinot Noir. Combined in perfect proportions, resulting in a white blend with an abundance of fruit on the nose and a slight creaminess on the palate.

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Haute Cabriere
Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2017
From £9.99

John Platter - 4 stars

This enticing blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir shows elegant fruit and acidity, creating the perfect balance. You will find an abundance of zesty fruit - most notably white peach, pineapple, lime, followed by subtle red berry fruit - with a delectable full mouthfeel.

Click here to order your bottles today!

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"This latest 2017 vintage has achieved one of its highest ratings in recent years and is a favourite at Hard to Find Wines HQ!

An iconic wine from the Franschhoek valley, this unique blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir was pioneered by the estate in the early 90's. This vintage shows an incredible freshness yet maintains its signature balance of white stone fruit, peaches and lychee ending on a beautiful berry finish.

A most versatile wine which can be enjoyed as much on its own as with food pairings."

- Mark Davies, Hard to Find Wines

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Recommended pairings

Seafood and chicken dishes as well as Mediterranean flavours.

Click here to order your bottles today!

A big favourite at Hard to Find Wines HQ is Haute Cabrière’s Chardonnay Pinot Noir. Whilst it’s a perfect wine to drink on its own, Chardonnay Pinot Noir works very well with seafood.

Here is the perfect complimentary recipe created by Haute Cabrière’s chefs Nic van Wyk and Westley Muller.

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Grilled line fish with sauce vierge paired with Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir

 

Ingredients
Serves 4

Fish

4x200g fish fillets, we use hake most of the time or any Sassi green listed fish
16 baby Nicola or red skin or fir potatoes (4 per person)
*4 artichoke hearts cut in half

Sauce Vierge

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup canola oil
80ml Raspberry vinegar
Juice of one lemon
1/2 red onion, chopped
2 Tomatoes skinned and deseeded
1 Tbs toasted crushed coriander seeds
1 Tbs toasted crushed fennel seeds
100g chopped parsley
100g chopped basil
100g spring onions
Salt and pepper

Method

For the sauce

Toast the spices and crush. Add the red onion and hot toasted spices to the vinegar and lemon juice. Bring to the boil, and infuse for 30 min. Strain the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Finely dice the skinned tomato and chop the herbs. Whisk all the oil and vinegar mixture together, add the fresh herbs and tomato and season.

For the rest of the dish

Cook the baby potatoes with the skin on, in salted water till soft, remove and drain, cut in rounds and dress with some sauce vierge set aside.

Grill the artichoke hearts on a griddle pan until nice and charred on the edges, set aside. Both these items are served at room temperature.

For the fish

Grill the fish until nice and brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side and finish in a hot oven if need be for 3 minutes.  Spoon some of the sauce verge on a room temperature plate and place the potatoes in the middle, place the fish on top of the potatoes and finish with the grilled artichokes make sure you have enough sauce on the plate, each bite should be able to soak up a good amount of sauce.

*Seasonal. You can use good quality bottled artichokes. The ones in oil are best. Asparagus also works well as pictured.

Dave and Christine Macdonald own and run Bladen Wines, situated in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. Bladen is named after the Macdonald's children, Blair and Deni, who were toddlers when the vineyard was founded.

In 1989, Dave and Chris left the city behind to chase their dream of establishing a vineyard and winery. The family embarked on a national tour to find the ideal winegrowing region in New Zealand and the perfect vineyard location. Dave and Chris are amongst the pioneers of the Marlborough winegrowing region where they ultimately settled, with only eight wineries in the district when Bladen started.

Dave and Chris have developed a reputation for creating cool climate wines of exceptional quality. Only 8 hectares of vines have been planted by hand at Bladen. All other grapes used to produce their wines are sourced from tiny vineyard blocks owned by friends. Almost every grape is checked before marking it into the final wine production which adds to the real handcrafted essence of the wines.

RECENT AWARDS

This has been a great year for Bladen with many award successes.

Cellar Door of the Year
In November, Bladen was awarded the Trophy for Wine Marlborough's "Cellar Door of the Year" for 2017, jointly shared with Hunters Wines. On the same evening, Dave was awarded the Trophy for Wine Marlborough's "Cellar Door Personality of the Year" for 2017 shared, with Kimberly Matthews from Brancott Estate.

New Zealand International Wine Competition 2017
Gewurztraminer 2017 - Gold
Pinot Gris 2016 - Gold
Pinot Rose 2017 - Silver
Riesling 2017 - Silver

Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2017
Gewurztraminer 2017 - Gold

Marlborough Wine Show 2017
Gewurztraminer 2017 - Silver

Canterbury A&P Show New Zealand Aromatic Wine Competition 2017
Pinot Gris 2016 - Gold
Pinot Rose 2017 - Silver

Royal Easter Show Wine Awards
Pinot Gris 2016 - Gold

WINES

Sauvignon Blanc 2017
£13.99

Light-straw with a green hue and a bright clarity. Lifted aromas of grapefruit and lemon zest, with subtle notes of stone fruit, mown grass and red capsicum. Layers of citrus and passionfruit on the palate with an underlying core of wet rock minerality. This wine has a fine texture, with a long refreshing finish.

Bladen's Sauvignon Blanc is an accurate reflection of a true Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc but remains incredible value for money.

Pinot Gris 2016
£15.99
Currently out of stock

Light-straw in colour. A medium bodied wine with complex aromas of spiced pear, nougat, toasted almonds and quince aromas, a creamy texture and plenty of ripe fruit flavours which persist on a long, full finish.

Pinot Noir 2015
£19.99

Deep-ruby colour, on the nose lifted red cherries and plum with a delicate aniseed and cinnamon note. A medium bodied wine with prominent red fruit flavour’s, spicy oak and savoury complexity. Gentle tannins and lingering acidity give velvet like texture with a fine finish.

Pinot Rose 2017
£13.99

Salmon-blush with a pink hue. Lifted red fresh fruit notes, such as strawberry and raspberry on the nose with a touch of thyme and fresh herbs adding to the complexity. Juicy watermelon and fresh summer fruits on the palate, with a hint of creaming soda. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with a dry finish.

Gewurztraminer 2015
£15.99

A bright straw colouration leading to a nose of rose petals and Turkish delight. A full mouth feel with a rich texture and palate of lychee and gentle citrus. A balanced sweetness and floral tones.

Riesling 2016
£13.99

Light-straw in colour with a green hue and a bright clarity. Aromatic notes of lemon, lime and apple on the nose with intriguing ginger and nutmeg spice notes. Medium bodied with layers of citrus fruit, zest and spice overtones.

Little Angel Sauvignon Blanc 2016
£12.99

Zingy tropical fruit flavours with a long finish. Fresh scented gooseberry nose with hints of lemon zest. Medium bodied and not overpowering, lively acidity and fresh fruit flavours.

Little Angel Pinot Gris 2016
£12.99

Soft and silky Pinot Gris with a well balanced palate, easy drinking, showing luscious peach and apricot tones. Creamy with hints of nutmeg.

Visit our website to order your Bladen wines today. Don't delay - we often find our stock of Bladen Wines runs out!

A wonderful wine choice for the spring season is Haute Cabriere Pierre Jourdan Tranquille. Here is a beautiful, well-designed spring starter created by Haute Cabriere's chefs Nic van Wyk and Westley Muller that pairs well with this wine.

"Beetroot and goat’s cheese is a classic combination. We added a playful element with the kataifi pastry making it perfect to use for home entertaining," says Nic van Wyk.

Kataifi wrapped goats’ cheese with baby beets and honey vinaigrette paired with Haute Cabrière Pierre Jourdan Tranquille

Ingredients
Serves 4

2x 100g plain goats’ cheese
250 g kataifi pastry
12 baby red beetroot
2 candy beetroot
100 g baby salad leaves
50 ml honey (and a little extra)
50 ml white balsamic vinegar
100 ml good olive oil
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying

Method
For the goats’ cheese, cut the logs each into 4. Wrap the quarters in kataifi pastry by winding a 1cm diameter bunch around the goat’s cheese, ensuring all the cheese is covered. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

To make the vinaigrette, warm the honey then add the balsamic vinegar and take off the heat, add the olive oil a little at a time while whisking, once emulsified, season with salt and pepper.

For the beetroot, boil the red beetroot in salted water until soft.  While warm remove the skin and cut in quarters, work fast so the beetroot stays warm when adding the vinaigrette. Dress with the vinaigrette and leave to stand for at least 30 minutes.

Fry the wrapped goats’ cheese balls until golden brown, add a small squeeze of honey on each one and leave on kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. Work quickly to slice the candy beetroot as thin as possible on a mandolin or slicer, leave some aside to garnish, add to the baby leaves and add some vinaigrette, toss. To plate, place the salad down, put the goats’ cheese on top, and place the red beetroot around, along with some of sliced candy beetroot.