While we all know that wines grow in the most beautiful countryside, and visiting the cellars is infinitely more fun than going down mines are looking at production facilities in provincial China, there comes a time when you have to think of getting the wines to come to you, rather than the other way around.
Pragmatism comes at a price of course. I have recently returned from a few days spent in Spanish Galicia – home to the world's best albarinhos (where vineyards dating back to the 18th century can still be found) – Rioja and Ribera del Duero. North Eastern Spain is a veritable treasure trove, extensive tracts of old vines, craft-oriented winemakers, focused quality at sometimes ludicrously low prices. Taste the wines now, but resolve to visit these appellations, as well as Jerez (where I was privileged to taste a sherry produced in the mid-19th century and still in perfect condition) before you are much older.
While you're at it, add some Riesling to your wish list, and here you can choose to visit the Mosel, source of the fabulous wines from Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, or Alsace, from whence come the famous single vineyard Grand Cru wines from the Schlumberger domaines. The former come in a range of styles, appellations and levels of sweetness, the latter from single sites each of which imparts its own particularities to the wine. Despite the weak Rand and the tiny production potential of some of these vineyards, there are enough examples which are eminently affordable.
This festive season, which is bound to be warm and summery at home (and way better than the winter the Northern Hemisphere is in for) get the best international wines. Delivered to your doorstep.
