Thursday, December 6, 2018

PLANNING FOR CHRISTMAS CHEER

Christmas and New Year are no longer the events for the bacchanalian bashes that we used to indulge in.




Nowadays we are certainly more circumspect and this year, as I'm being a bit more careful of what I imbibe, I will drink a little less.

This won't mean an adoption of prim sherry drinking though.



No, Her Indoors is in charge of buying the Champagne and, as we are drinking less but of better quality this will a decent vintage or two from Glengarry in Auckland.

I'm leaving this purchase to her as in Whangarei the supermarkets and wine shops hardly ever have decent vintage Champagne for sale and certainly not of the marques we prefer like Roederer, Taittinger, Charles Heidsieck or Pol Roger especially the Rose variants.



If they did it's likely that they will only have shelf stock and none securely stored out the back. This is important when buying Champagne or indeed any sparkling wine and beer as when the product is put on the shelf and exposed to light - especially fluorescent light - the life of the product is severely diminished after a couple of weeks and its freshness and flavour declines. I always ask for a bottle to be taken out of a sealed carton or, if they only have shelf stock, select one that is in an individual bottle box.



When you are spending over $100 for a bottle it's important to ensure you are getting one that's in good condition.


I have some good Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the cellar so we'll be OK there and Her Indoors can select what Pinot Gris she wants to buy (I'm forever buying the wrong ones for her as I don't drink the muck stuff).

I will look out for a decent (and fresh) advocaat and if none is available will buy a bottle of a cream liqueur like Baileys or Carolans.

2 comments:

Richard (of RBB) said...

Gosh, buying piss is complicated for you!

THE CURMUDGEON said...

No more complicated than you buying 'pizz' strings.