Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote Du Py 2011: Lovely Claret alternative

This a lovely Beaujolais wine, made from Gamay grapes. It reminds me of the Tracot I reviewed on here a while ago.

As a lighter alternative to claret yet with some similar characteristics (complexity, minerality) it's a good after dinner drink, when one might nibble on some Stilton whilst watching Boxing Day television.

Berry Brother's review says: "It has a tight, dense nose, with a waft of rich fruit coming through behind. The texture is silky but strong, supported by good acidity. An excellent cuvée."

That seems fair. It's also got a decent 30 second slightly acid finish.

Berry's has it for under £19, whilst the Wine Society has it at £12.50 a bottle.

A good claret alternative.

Northern Beaujolais: The Society's Exhibition Juliénas 2010

According to the Wine Society in the UK:

"Juliénas is one of the northernmost crus; some say this was where the first vines were planted in Beaujolais and the name harks back to Julius Caesar."

That's some history. I had a the privilege of sharing a bottle of this over Christmas, alonside some other northern Beaujolais wines.

This was one of the best I tasted and is a gem at the price (less than £9 a bottle)

Surprisingly robust, sappy, (a common and accurate term for wines of this area it seems) yet with a fragrant and complex nose, it went superbly with the leftover turkey and lashings of bubble and squeak. (Don't be fooled by the picture on Wikipedia: Done right, it's a superb dish)

Highly recommended. A subtle yet full tasting gem.