What are some unique, undiscovered gems you’ve encountered recently?
I just got back from Australia from a two week trip and Australia continues to fascinate me. There are so many great value wines right now that have incredible freshness, balance and drinkability. The days of overly alcoholic and jammy wines are becoming less and less in Australia. Look for wines such as Head, Spinifex, Franklin Estate, Cullen and Brokenwood…and many others.  

When entertaining at home, what are two go-to bottles that you recommend for holiday entertaining? 
I am going to recommend something that you can buy in Watson’s or another well known wine store. These will be two wines you can walk in and buy for sure. They are both New Zealand: Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc and Felton Road Pinot Noir. Both producers make a number of wines but these are go to producers. Otherwise, buy Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. Yes. Cloudy Bay makes excellent pinot.  

Your last supper – what would be your final meal and what would the wine pairing be?
My last supper would kimchi rice with Bruno Giacosa Barolo. My wife is Korean and I love my kimchi! Bruno Giacosa is one of the greatest winemakers in the world. For more on fine wines and holiday entertaining at home, pick up our December issue of Home Journal.

Photo by King Fung

The post Wine Tips from James Suckling appeared first on Home Journal.