Christmas is creeping up on us – I’ve already spotted a few houses with their festive lights up – so it’s time to think about cosy nights in, gifts for loved ones and maybe a treat or two for ourselves.

Hampers

Everyone loves a hamper and thanks to the Fine Food Specialist, we’ve found the most luxurious hampers around.

The Ultimate Truffle Cheese Board is a stunning cheese board sure to make any truffle lover’s Christmas complete, with a handpicked selection of the best truffle cheeses around. The luxurious board contains:

• Tomme de Vache with Truffles, +/-300g
• Moliterno with Truffle, +/-700g
• Brie with Truffle, Quarter Wheel, +/-350g
• Acacia Honey With Black Truffles, 110g
• Miller’s Damsels Charcoal Wafers, 125g
• Olive Wood Cheese Board, 30cm
• Laguiole Cheese Knife, White

The Ultimate Christmas Hamper is a mouthwatering gourmet hamper loaded with a specially curated selection of the finest festive delicacies to feast on throughout the Christmas period. From festive ham to smoked duck breast, potted stilton to the finest smoked salmon, this hamper is sure to bring a touch of decadence and elevate the Christmas experience. The hamper contains:

• Smoked Duck Breast Magret, +/-400g
• Tsar Nikolai Smoked Salmon Fillet, +/-400g
• Comte AOP 15 Months +/-1kg
• Heritage Selection Biscuits for Cheese, 45g
• Vacherin Mont Dor, 400g
• Cropwell Bishop potted stilton 200g
• White Truffle Honey 260g
• Traditional Festive Glazed Ham 2.5kg
• Handmade Terrine of Duck Foie Gras, 100g
• All Butter Brioche Loaf
• Sweet Wine Jelly, 45g
• 40-52 Month 100% Iberico Bellota Ham 80g
• Perello Gordal Olives
• Valencia chocolate almonds 200g
• Christmas Pudding with Brandy & Guinness, 450g
• Fig Puree, 113g
• Salami with Truffle, 200g
• Limoncello Liqueur
• Magnum of Prosecco
• Fine Tawny Port 75c

Redbreast Pedro Ximenéz Edition

Redbreast Irish Whiskey has announced the Iberian Series – a brand-new range inspired by the Iberian Peninsula.

The delicious range kicks off with Redbreast Pedro Ximenéz Edition – a single pot still Irish whiskey, triple distilled and initially matured in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, before being re-casked into delectable Pedro Ximénez hogsheads from the southern tip of Spain for a minimum of 12 months. The perfect tipple for any special occasion this Autumn!

Nose: Hints of fruit, spices and toasted nuts combine with the subtly sweet aroma of Pedro Ximénez sherry seasoned casks.

Taste: A zesty, syrupy mouthful with the perfect balance of fruit, spice and toasted notes.

Finish: Satisfyingly rich and long, sweet flavours linger on the palate.

To get your hands on the hottest luxury whiskey on the scene, head to The Whisky Exchange, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, House of Malt, Master of Malt and Hard to Find Whiskies – RRP £72.

Graffigna Malbec

As the seasons change from long summer evenings to darker and more chilly nights, it’s time to start thinking about what autumnal reds to stock up on.

Bold, reliable and full of character, Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina is a classic red wine and a go-to favourite for drinkers in the UK. Graffigna’s Genuine Collection Malbec is a quaffable crowd-pleaser to suit every occasion. It’s both delicious and affordable.

Founded in 1870 by Santiago Graffigna, a passionate Italian whose vision and entrepreneurial spirit led him to found what is now the third most historic winery in Argentina, it has retained its unique winemaking philosophy, crafting bold wines that convey a 150-year history of excellence.

Known for being self-assured, persistent and inspiring, this innovative brand is perfect to drink on its own or with a hearty mid-week meal.

Graffigna Genuine Collection Malbec is a well-rounded, characterful wine with pleasant oak.

The 2019 Graffigna Genuine Collection Malbec is now available from Sainsbury’s priced £9 per single bottle.