If you haven’t yet started your Christmas shopping, well you’re far braver than I. I’m almost finished. Like many, just waiting on a final payday before I get the last bits, those that I don’t have to rely on the post to deliver.
But I’m still looking at gifts for deliveries, or for those December and January birthdays I have. In total, there are some 6 December birthdays, and 2 in January, meaning that even when Christmas is finished, there are still gifts to think of.
No matter the occasion, I’m still looking at those items you can get delivered in time, or indeed delivered direct. Much like yesterday’s hip flask, which you can get delivered direct to it’s new owner, you can do the same with this, the Bellini Case from the Wine Society. And I for one would be more than happy to have it land in time for Christmas day.
As you’d expect from The Wine Society, the box and it’s contents scream quality, without fuss. The contents are delicious (tasting notes below) but again, as they use a co-operative model, the money doesn’t go up to the shareholders. What they offer is quality, flavour and price that is sustainable, and products that tell the stories of their producers. It’s no wonder they’ve been going for quite as long as they have.
As you’d expect then their Bellini Case is no different. Inside the box you’ll find a box of their Prosecco (definitely good enough to be drunk alone), along with a bottle of peach nectar, and for those of us that like something a little more tart, a bottle of rhubarb nectar.
As mentioned, the Prosecco is crisp, gently dry, with zesty notes, and absolutely delicious on it’s own, but lends itself well to playing with.
The rhubarb isn’t the sweet cloying stuff from many liqueurs, this is both sharp and sweet, very much more of the fruit itself, and makes it an ideal aperitif, one to get the taste buds awake and paying attention! That said, if you did want a little more sweetness, a drop or two of the syrup from a jar of stem ginger would work really well.
The White Peach Nectar is exactly what you’d expect. Soft, sweet, the texture is testament to the real fruit it contains. It’s summer in a glass, and what could be more decadent in winter, than hints of a soft sweet summer?
And if you happen to have a guest who can’t indulge in the fizz, the nectars are both alcohol free and would be great with a little soda water or lemonade instead.
Overall, this is a great little gift, or treat for yourself and at £22.50 isn’t scary on the pocket either. Now if you’ll excuse me, I may need a refill!