As children, we were heady with excitement in anticipation of the Christmas Tree.
This began with a rigorous selection process. My mother was very specific about the proportions of The Tree. It was not just a question of its height and breadth, but the structure and positioning of branches and their relative ‘springiness’, not to mention the pine needles – were they ‘abundant’ enough? And did The Tree have the requisite scent?
All were assessed in goldilocks fashion, until a tree was found that was ‘just right’ – a tree with the soaring shape and dimension of a child’s imagination, that would shortly hold countless glass baubles, twinkling fairy lights, and finally, the Christmas fairy, curiously furnished with a tiny wand.
I sometimes think back to The Tree, when I am in some distant French region, working with winemakers on C&B own-label wines. We will spend hours creating a single blend, adjusting the proportion of grape varieties, the percentage of this vat versus that barrel; endlessly re-evaluating the aromatic profile and intensity of flavour, the texture and balance, the depth and length, until we all know the wine is ‘just right’.
Christmas Tales by Rebecca Palmer – Associate Director and Buyer at Corney & Barrow
Christmas Own-Label Mixed Case (£136.00)
Everyone needs a case of Corney & Barrow own-labels at home, Christmas or not! Deliciously approachable in style and price, these are benchmark classics, perfect to crack open at a moment’s notice – because life is occasion enough! Made to our exclusive recipe in partnership with some of Europe’s finest estates and winemakers.
Save 10% on our mixed case (RRP £136.00 / Worth £151.30)
Explore our Christmas Corney & Barrow Own-Labels selection: