4. Betsy Haynes from Northeast Wines & Spirits
Betsy is the current Managing Director of Hong Kong-based Northeast Wines & Spirits with more than 20 years experience in the hospitality trade between the UK and Hong Kong.
For this year’s Christmas, she is sharing a magnum of David & Nadia Elpidios 2019 over Christmas lunch. Coming from Swartland, South Africa, the wine is a rare red blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsaut and Pinotage. In terms of its taste, it is described by Jancis Robinson as“Quite ethereal although the palate is initially marked by the sweetness of Grenache.”
Betsy would also pop open a bottle of N.V. Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Blancs and “let the celebrations continue into the new year with this fresh flinty bubbly”. The festive bubble is a frequent winner among world’s competitions and awards.
According to the winery’s introduction, the Champagne is a 100% Chardonnay with “notes of raisins, mirabelle plums and peers” and subtle touch of iodine and peppery notes.
