1. TARRAWARRA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2011
$40, from www.winedirections.com
This rounded Australian white wine carries the flavours of stone fruit with a light woody accent. It drinks well on its own, but also goes beautifully with smoked salmon and creamy pastas.
2. MATAHIWI ESTATE RESERVE HOLLY PINOT NOIR 2009
$45, from www.winedirections.com
A red wine from New Zealand with dark cherries on the palate and notes of coffee and oak – the best accompaniment to a non-spicy Chinese zi char feast.
3. SIMONSIG CHENIN BLANC 2014
$41.50, from www.thewinecompany.com.sg
Hailing from South Africa, this sweet, fruity white wine is fragrant with ripe pear and honey. Drink it with grilled or baked seafood, like lobster thermidor with a buttery sauce.
4. LIS NERIS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011
$56, from www.ewineasia.com
It boasts the classic fresh herbs and grassy notes of a Sauvignon Blanc, and it’s impossible to stop at just one glass of this refreshing Italian white wine. Serve it with a cold platter of fresh prawns and mussels.
5. ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2009
$119, from www.ewineasia.com
This dense Italian red wine is absolutely delicious, with the acidity of black cherry and rhubarb entangled with notes of cocoa. If you can bear to share it, have it alongside steak.
6. EMILIO MORO 2011
$60, from www.ewineasia.com
A Spanish red wine that surprises with a burst of umami and mineral flavours – it washes down best with salty jamon (cured ham).
7. NICOLIS AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOC CLASSICO 2008
$116, from www.monopole.com.sg
Touted as the “wine of love”, this captivating Italian red wine made from semi-dried grapes has a concentrated flavour tinged with the sweetness of ripe fruit and the smokiness of tobacco, walnut and cocoa. Recommended with red meats and strong cheeses.
8. GABA DO XIL GODELLO 2009
$45, from www.monopole.com.sg
This Spanish white wine is honeyed, with spicy notes and a zesty acidity that go perfectly with fresh seafood.
9. PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2013
$43, from www.ewineasia.com
This Italian white wine first charms with fruity-floral notes of apple, pear, lemon and verbena before tapering off with the nuttiness of almonds. Drink it with grilled fish and antipasti.
10. TORZI MATTHEWS FROST DODGER SHIRAZ 2010
$54, from www.winedirections.com
Particularly apt for Christmas festivities is this Australian red wine, velvety and luxe with the flavours of dark forest berries, chocolate and oak. Drink it on its own or savour it with grilled beef and hard cheeses.
11. AUZELLS 2013
$51, from www.winestudio.com.sg
Comprising five white wines – Macabeo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Albarino – this fruity medley yields the flavours of apple, pear, pineapple, mango, apricot, peach and orange blossom in every sip. Best with fried finger food and grilled prawns.
12. JOSEPH DROUHIN COTE DE BEAUNE ROUGE 2011
$76, from www.monopole.com.sg
This red wine from one of the most reputable wineries in Burgundy, France, is seductive with hints of mulberry, dark cherries and fine-grained tannins. Best with roast duck.
This article was originally published in Simply Her December 2014.
All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine's publication. We advise readers to check with the stores for the latest availability and pricing information.