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Four vegan and organic wines to have at Christmas, chosen by Rachel
Rachel Dare, head of Organico Cafe, talks us through her choice for the four vegan and organic wines to bring home this Christmas, and which foods to pair them with for truly memorable experiences.
1. Domaine de Brau ‘Pure’ Pinot Noir 2010
- Variety: Red
- Region: Languedoc, France
- Vintage: 2010
- Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir
- Alcohol Level: 13%
- Production Style: Organic, Vegan
- Closure: Natural Cork
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Tasting notes:
A medium-bodied unoaked Pinot Noir that allows the natural flavours of the grapes to shine. Black and red fruit aromas of plum, blackberry, morello cherry and a hint of wild herbs. Rich flavours and soft tannins. Produced with native yeasts which develop a complexity that suits the wine’s deep fruity attributes.
Rachel’s suggested pairings:
Organico’s housemade Chestnut Mushroom Nut Loaf or a traditional roast dinner. This wine pairs well with plant-based or meat mains.
2. Diwald Goldberg Grüner Veltliner 2013, Wagram, Austria
Updated Christmas 2020:
We no longer carry this wine, so why not try Neleman Viognier-Verdil or La Marouette Gewurztraminer 2016 instead? Both are organic vegan white wines and absolutely lovely.
- Variety: White
- Region: Wagram, Austria
- Vintage: 2013
- Grape Varieties: Grüner Veltliner
- Alcohol Level: 12.4%
- Production Style: Organic, Vegan
- Closure: Natural Cork
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Tasting notes:
A delightfully complex white wine with cutting minerality, zesty fresh lemon acidity, and a hint of liquorice and hazelnuts. As a ‘wild-fermented wine’, its production relies on the native yeasts that occur naturally on the fruit and in the vineyard. The extended ‘lees aging’, or contact with the spent yeast cells, gives the wine a richer flavour and creamier texture.
Rachel’s suggested pairing:
This white wine can hold its own when paired with richer flavours. For a lovely Christmas present, give a bottle with a small wheel of Milleens cheese to a food lover and watch as their face lights up.
3. La Marouette ‘Sans Sulfite’ Rouge Cabernet-Merlot VDP d’Oc 2016
- Variety: Red
- Region: Beziers, France
- Vintage: 2016
- Grape Varieties: Cabernet-Merlot
- Alcohol Level: 13%
- Production Style: Organic, Vegan, Sulfite-Free
- Closure: Natural Cork
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Tasting notes:
Juicy blackcurrants and soft, pleasant tannins make this an approachable, easy-drinking medium-bodied wine. It’s unusual for a wine to be sulfite-free—even with wines that have ‘no added sulphites’, sulphites often occur naturally during the fermentation process. To produce a wine with zero sulphites takes careful attention during the winemaking process.
Rachel’s suggested pairings:
This is a red that’s great for taking to a dinner party when you’re not sure what will be served as it pairs well with so many foods. Since it’s vegan, organic and sulfite-free, it ticks a lot of boxes for dietary preferences.
4. Fasoli Gino Corte del Pazzo Prosecco DOC 'Frizzante'
- Variety: Sparkling White
- Region: Veneto, Italy
- Vintage: 2015
- Grape Variety: Glera
- Alcohol Level: 11.5%
- Production Style: Organic, Vegan
- Closure: Screw top
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Tasting notes:
A lovely light and easy-drinking Prosecco with a slight initial sweetness that is balanced by a bright acidity and complemented by white floral aromas. Its refreshing flavour and delicate, fine bubbles make any moment feel like an occasion.
Rachel’s suggested pairings:
This sparkling wine goes so well with a bowl of salted popcorn. Also lovely to serve if you’re having a gathering over nibbles such as a cheeseboard, olives, breads and dips. Who couldn't do with a bottle of bubbles this time of year?
More to Taste
See all of our organic wines available online:
We hope this list helps you celebrate Christmas and treat yourselves and those around you to something special. Looking for more pairings advice? Get in touch (info@organico.ie or Facebook) and we’ll be happy to guide you through our favourites.
Happy Christmas!