Hannibal’s Newsletter – December 2022

HANNIBAL’S NEWS  –  DECEMBER 2022

After the excitement and celebrations of Hannibal’s 10^th anniversary last month – yup we hit 10 years to the day on 1^st November – it’s full speed ahead with the Christmas orders.  As I write this in late November, I cannot help wonder how Christmas 2022 will unfold and am of the belief that most of us will look back on 2022 with somewhat of an expression of ‘good riddance’!  So let’s together anticipate 2023 with welcome excitement and glee in our stride – as they say, “things can only get better”!

Hannibal Brown will be making a financial donation this Christmas to Sustainable Merton – a local charity addressing issues around air quality, energy, food insecurity, food growing and gardening and waste reduction.

This year, we have a capon (not a turkey) to look forward to on the festive table – or do we?  Yet another disaster faced, yet again, by our ever-challenged farmers as Bird ‘Flu takes a firm grip.  But let’s not fear, even if the bird doesn’t make it to the table, something equally festive will – and with it some perfect vinous accompaniments.  Here’s just a few suggestions for you to mull over (no pun intended). We’ll be delivering right up to Friday 23^rd December.

SIMON HACKETT’S ‘OLD VINE’ GRENACHE – £15.25

One of our favourites for the last ten years, Hackett doesn’t muck around – he selects the best fruit for his wines and this ripe Grenache sits comfortably with turkey.  (You can even serve it a touch cooler if you wish.)

CIELLO BIANCO, SICILY  –  £10.25

If there’s one great thing that came out of 2022, it’s the Ciello Bianco – a Sicilian organic wine from the Rallo cellars who in bygone years, were famed for the production of delicious Marsala.  This is an unfiltered dry white from the Cataratto – expect it to throw a sediment and present a tad cloudy.  Get over that and you’ll love every mouthful.

VILLA WOLF PINOT NOIR, GERMANY  –  £12.99

If you ask me, winemaker Ernst Loosen should be sainted for the exquisiteness of his Pinot Noir!  Not an understatement in the slightest – if you like delicate Pinots, then this is hard to beat.  Handles white meats perfectly, or just sit back, kick off the slippers and enjoy.

THE PENNY BLACK, POST HOUSE WINERY, STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – £23.75

We introduced this several months ago, showed it to a big wine society and have been bowled over by it ever since.  Yes is a bit meaty on price, but we think it is an absolute steal compared to other wines of this quality (think north of £100 for a good Bordeaux and you’ll understand why we are highlighting it).  If you’re going for a rib of beef over the festive season, then reach for this – you won’t be disappointed.

Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.  Here’s to 2023!

Cheers!

Hannibal Brown