Let The Jockey Club’s resident Wine and Hospitality expert guide you through the nuances of your white, red and rosé Christmas wine choices, as well as offer tips for fortified wines like sherry and port.
With the countdown to Christmas well underway, remember not to leave your drink choices to the last minute so you have the wines to go with the dishes and occasions you have planned. Most of us will have decided by now what we are going to cook and which light bites we are going to nibble on over Yuletide. The big question is: which wines to pair with the festive fare? Fizz has got you covered for the initial celebrations and later for New Year’s Eve , but you’ll probably need to have a well-stocked wine rack to enjoy the festive period in style if you’re anything like The Wine Tipster.
Turkey
Remember that with Christmas Day turkey it is all about big roasted flavours, rich side dishes and full-flavoured sauces so you need a red with good structure but not overpowering.
Try the fantastic value St. Hallett ‘Faith’ Shiraz 2018, Barossa Valley, Australia £16.99 and £14.99 mixed case of six from Majestic, or this fabulous Bordeaux from a brilliant vintage Château Peyrabon, Haut-Médoc 2009, Cru Bourgeois, France £22. Stockist: www.thewinesociety.com
Other wines like a Rioja Reserva or a Rhône red all work too. When it comes to cold turkey on Boxing Day, The Wine Tipster recommends a good Beaujolais cru like a Fleurie or Morgon, with their soft red fruit flavours and supple tannins they make a great match.
