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No-one knows wine better than the author and critic Simon Woods, a former editor of the Which Wine Guide and Financial Times wine columnist. Here he picks five of the very best Click to view Top 5 Wine.
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Most unusual (G Byass Amontillado del Duque) |
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 Unusual wines? What does that mean? Simply ones that are not conventionally attractive, but are none the less compelling – the Tilda Swintons and Harvey Keitels of the wine world. They are great wines for the adventurous and, for me, Gonzalez Byass Amontillado del Duque certainly tops the bill in this category. |
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There's a variety of wines that are seen as "unusual" and they won't suit everyone. Some people will love them, and others either won’t see what the fuss is about or, in extreme cases, will loathe them with a passion.
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 Foremost among these "oddities" is dry sherry. But forget maiden aunts, vicars and dusty bottles; sherry is one of the finest wines in the world. However, in it’s driest, most intense form - dry Oloroso or Amontillado - it can take some getting used to.
The Amontillado del Duque is an ancient, complex, massively concentrated sherry from an impeccable address. Impossible to ignore, it is one of a quartet of fine old sherries from Gonzalez Byass, makers of the renowned Tio Pepe.
Rich yet piercingly acidic, immensely nutty and raisinny, but without any sugar to soften the impact, it may be a shock to some systems, but is superb for sippingas a late-night treat or with nuts, cheeses, even with a morsel of Serrano ham.
It may be an acquired taste, but it's a taste worth acquiring.
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And For One With Sparkle ... |
 Not quite as extreme in flavour, but still capable of causing arguments are sparkling red wines.
You’ll find them in several countries, but it is the Australians who are masters of the style – it’s a popular tipple Down Under with the Christmas turkey.
Australian reds are known more for their power than their subtlety. Add some bubbles, and the combination – known to many Aussies as Sparkling Burgundy - can be almost too boisterous for its own good.
The best versions combine power with complexity, and age surprisingly well – I’ve had 50-year-old bottles that were still in fine fettle. The 2004 Majella Sparkling Shiraz, from Coonawarra, is one of the best, with blackberry and liquorice flavours tempered by a softer, creamy edge. And yes, it is great with turkey.
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TYPICAL PRICES -
Amontillado del Duque £11.99/$23.00 (per half)
Majella Sparkling Shiraz £11.99/$23.00
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