We’re kicking things off with Champagne, as its just made for celebrations. Champagne is one of the most complex and interesting sparkling wines in the world for a reason. The biscuity flavours come from the secondary fermentation in bottle, known as the “traditional method” of making a sparkling wine. This time-consuming process does make it more expensive, but there are plenty of good value options out there, particularly if you avoid the Grand Marques. Smaller grower champagnes and supermarket own brands can provide a good alternative. The key to the style of Champagne is the acidity, which is what makes it taste so mouth-wateringly fresh. It’s perfect as an aperitif or for quaffing at parties, but its also a wonderful partner with food. Perhaps one to try for Christmas morning breakfast, with some eggs benedict or smoked salmon.
A lot of wine lovers switch to red wine in the colder months but if you’re looking for a winter white, look no further than Chardonnay. It may seem like a controversial choice to some who remember the heavily oaked styles of the 90s, but Chardonnay these days is a lot more subtle (apart from my recommendation this month, which is not subtle in the slightest but very delicious all the same!) Chardonnay is a very dependable grape which is grown all over the world. It has different flavour profiles depending on where it is grown, from fresh lemon and apple in Burgundy to peach and pineapple in wines from the New World. When oak aged, with a hint of butter and vanilla, these wines really come alive with food. I wouldn’t necessarily drink them on their own. If you prefer white wine, then it’s the perfect pairing for your roast turkey dinner on the big day or with a creamy risotto.
Pinot Noir is also a fantastic match for roast turkey with all the trimmings but for the ultimate Christmas red, you can’t get much more classic than a claret! Bordeaux wines have perhaps fallen out of favour somewhat as many people now enjoy the fruit-forwardness of new world wines but can be a real treat with their smoky, cigar box notes. Red wines from the famous French region are mostly a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, two grapes which work harmoniously together to balance the wine. With red and black fruit flavours and plenty of tannins, it has enough structure to stand up to a beef wellington. For veggies, it goes just as well with a nut roast or think slow-cooked, rich flavours such as roasted root veg and lentil dishes.
And finally…with flavours of fig and prune and a touch of butterscotch and chocolate, Tawny Port is one of my favourites for the season. Beware the cheaper “tawny ports” which just have either white port or colouring added to them to get the signature brown colour. Look for tawnies with an age indication, such as 10, 20, 30 or event 40 years average ageing. Best served lightly chilled with either a cheese board or Christmas pudding (or with a box of chocolates on the sofa!)
Wishing you a very merry and wine-filled Christmas!
Four of my festive favourites...
Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne, £23, Tesco
Supermarket own brands are often a great value alternative to the big brand names. This Champagne comes exclusively from the higher quality premier cru vineyards within the region and has a lovely complexity balanced with freshness.
Bread & Butter Chardonnay, £10.99 (mix six price), Majestic
This is not a shy wine in any way. It’s packed full of flavour and as the name might suggest, has flavours of bread and butter, as well as vanilla, citrus and toasty notes. Perfect with roast turkey!
La Raison du Chateau des Fougeres, £16, Tesco
This 2012 vintage wine has so much going on. It has a velvety texture with plenty of fruit to balance out the structure from the tannins.
Taylor’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port, £16, Morrisons
A rich and elegant tawny port with beautiful aromas of ripe dark berry fruits, a delicate nuttiness and mellow notes of chocolate and butterscotch.
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