Tis the season for perfect pairings
The festive season is all about indulgence, in good wine and good food. So we thought we would share some of our top picks for food and wine pairings, perfect for celebrating and sharing with friends.
Whether it’s a full Christmas dinner, leftover turkey curry, or simply a mince pie by the fire – we have the perfect pairing for you.
To Start
Of course there is no better place to start than with Champagne. For me there is nothing better than cracking a bottle mid-Christmas morning, kicking off the celebrations and making the perfect aperitif. Now there are plenty of options for the perfect glass of fizz, but personally I would recommend Gamet, a fantastic small-grower producer of complex and exciting Champagnes.
The Turkey
Moving to what is arguably the most important part of every Christmas dinner: the turkey. With turkey being a mid-weight, mild meat, you should choose a wine which matches this weight. The ideal match being Burgundy, so a full bodied white, or medium bodied red. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir lend themselves perfectly to the flavour and intensity of turkey.
For red, why not try a wine from Emma & Christine Sorine, who are renowned for elegant, silky Pinot Noir. The red fruit flavours of Pinot Noir also pair nicely with cranberry sauce!
For white, I would recommend Domaine Andre Moingeon et Fils for their spectacular Puligny-Montrachet. The smooth, rounded texture is ideal when pairing with moderate meat.
Shop Emma & Christian Sorine here
Shop Domaine Andre Moingeon here
Alternatively, if you prefer a new world style, USA Pinot Noir or Chardonnay do the job equally well. I would suggest Au Bon Climat, for their incredible elegant and smooth style.
Roast Beef
If you opt for beef with your Christmas dinner, we also have the perfect suggestion for that. I am a firm believer that nothing goes better with a rich roast beef, than a bold Argentinian red, it is such a classic pairing for a reason. Why not try the Cadus Single Vineyard Malbec from Lujan de Cuyo. It is weighty on the palate, with lots of dark fruit – this balances the rich flavours of any beef dish.
Mushroom Wellington
For those who opt for a vegetarian centrepiece to their meal, a veggie Wellington is packed full of rich flavour, herbs and spices. This dish is well-structured and has great flavour concentration, so don’t be afraid to pair it with a bold red. Chianti works well with this dish, and any wine from the Mazzei family would work well as they are elegant, yet intense.
Shop Mazzei Chianti Classico 2018 here
Pigs in Blankets
I recently tried pairing pigs in blankets with a Rioja Crianza- the richness of this dish requires a wine which matches it. The dark fruit profile and subtle spice in the wine compliment the flavours perfectly. I would recommend trying it with a wine from Lopez de Heredia, one of Riojas most renowned producers.
Figgy Pudding
As for Christmas pudding, nothing works better that Pedro Ximénez. The rich, nutty flavour of the pudding is balanced by the equally rich style of Pedro Ximénez. The palate will be filled with dried-fruit, nutmeg and a luscious sweetness. We have a great selection of PX, a classic wine from Jerez, as well as New World Aussie style, Turkey Flat. Both of these have flavours reminiscent of Christmas spices, making them ideal for pairing with your Christmas pudding.
Shop Turkey Flat Pedro Ximenez
Yule Log
For those, like myself, who do not enjoy the traditional Christmas pudding, and instead opt for chocolate yule log, why not try it with a glass of Port.
The sweet finish perfectly balances the rich chocolate flavours.
Cheese Board
For those who enjoy a cheese course, there is nothing better than tucking into a seasonal selection of artisanal cheese with a glass of Sauternes in hand. The sweetness of the Sauternes compliments the saltiness of the cheese. Why not try the Carmes de Rieussec, the honeyed character and high acidity compliments the style of any rich cheese, Stilton or Gouda. The perfect way to conclude your Christmas dinner.
Turkey Curry
Of course the celebrations don’t end here, we still have some suggestions for your Boxing Day celebrations. So when you prepare to utilise your leftovers for turkey curry, be sure to try it with a refreshing glass of Gewürztraminer. The off-dry style of the wine, and intense flavours match well with the subtle spice of a turkey curry.
Mince Pie
And finally, for when you get the opportunity to relax by the fire and enjoy a mince pie, try it with a glass of Madeira. Your palate will be consumed with dried fruit, almonds and seasonal spices. What could be more indulgent?