The ultimate conundrum for wine lovers, which wines shall we have for Christmas day? Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect vinous delights for your festive gathering.
Step 1
Firstly, you most definitely require some bubbles. Not necessarily to be paired with food but to go with the mood – festive, joyous and celebratory. Try our exclusive Jacques Boncoeur Brut Champagne NV, a pinot dominated celebration wine offering rich depth and structure alongside finely tuned finesse and elegance. (Also available in half bottles and Magnums).
Step 2
Perhaps you are having a starter before the main event, maybe smoked salmon, goats’ cheese or a prawn cocktail? My recommendation would be to pair any of these with the deliciously light, fresh, aromatic Paul Thomas Sancerre 2020 from the Loire Valley. Bright, forward nose of lemon, green apple with underlying gooseberry notes. Vibrant and energetic on the palate with racy acidity that gives focus and direction.
Step 3
If you are having Turkey with all the trimmings, I would always pair this with a classic White and/or Red Burgundy (Chardonnay or Pinot Noir). Turkey has a low-fat content, which is why it can dry out if not cooked carefully. So, your wine matches should ideally be either a full-bodied white wine or a medium-bodied red, with low or medium tannin and relatively high acidity. Try Patrick Javillier Meursault ‘Les Tillets’ 2018 with charming aromas of citrus fused with touches of hazelnut. Rich and rounded on the palate with a core of riper stone fruit and a mineral driven finish. Or Domaine Chanson Nuits-Saint-George 2015 which has a beautiful nose of black cherry and plum with gentle touches of vanilla spice. Ripe, round and elegant on the palate with impressive fruit and a silky-smooth finish.
If you’re feasting on Roast Beef for your Christmas dinner, enjoy with a beautiful red Bordeaux with a little bit of age on it. You can’t go wrong with our Boncoeur Classic Claret 2016 made by the team behind Ch Gloria with its perfumed nose, pure, concentrated ripe summer berry character, fused with cassis, plums and hints of dark chocolate and bramble fruit on the finish. If you would like to try something a little different, I would recommend the La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Rioja Reserva 2012, the flagship wine from La Rioja Alta who are one of the most iconic wineries in the region. Also named Decanter’s Spanish wine of the Year 2020!
Step 4
My favourite wine to have with Christmas pudding (or Christmas cake, mince pies or Yule log) is the legendary Campbell’s Rutherglen Muscat NV (half bottle). It actually tastes like Christmas in a bottle. Deliciously rich, raisined, nutty fortified wine from Australia. The spirit is superbly well integrated and the acidity perfectly balances the sweetness. The finish goes on and on.
Step 5: Before step 5, take a break, have a nap, cleanse your palate and then regroup for the Cheese board! Time to crack open the port (although I would recommend decanting your port before step 1). There will be a lot of flavours and textures on your cheese board so I would suggest the wonderful, multi-layered Quinta do Noval 20 Year Old Tawny or if you want a real showstopper, go for Fonseca Vintage Port 1985.
Note: Step 5 and Step 4 can be swapped around if you prefer you cheese course before your dessert. Step 1 can be repeated multiple times throughout the day.
If you would like further guidance on your Christmas wine, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
Merry Christmas!
