Category:Majestic Guides

What our Buying Team are drinking this Christmas

For those who are curious about what the experts are drinking this December, look no further than this guide of our Buyer’s favourites, spanning refreshing rosé, bold reds and complex whites. Everything you need to complement your celebratory table.

Although rosé may seem like a less likely choice for your Christmas table, it can be a wonderful way to start a meal or serve with lighter starters and appetisers. Our Rosé Buyer, Matthew Fowkes, suggests the Maison Saint Aix 'AIX' Rosé is not worth missing out on, saying “you may not jump straight to rosés for Winter, but some are a shame to overlook and this is one of those. Its elegant, peach flavours are a stunning match for salmon starters”. This much-loved rosé from perfectly ripened Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, blended at their state-of-the-art winery in Provence promises to create a wine that'll transport you straight to the Mediterranean, even in the middle of winter.

Maison Saint Aix 'AIX' Rosé, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence

If you’d prefer a white wine to start you off or are looking for something to pair with vegetarian dishes, fish or cheeses the Louis Violland Mercurey Blanc is a fantastic choice. This vineyard has roots in the mid-19th-century and the domaine’s winemaker, Marinette Garnier, produces bottles that reflect the clay and limestone terroir of the vineyards. This Chardonnay is strikingly complex and balanced – a fantastic indication of her expertise.

Alternatively, the Jean Vincent Pouilly-Fumé is also a wonderful option for salmon or fish appetisers or those opting for seafood and vegetarian mains. Pouilly-Fumé is known all over the world for its perfumed, flinty, mineral and distinctly smoky character. Some believe that the region’s unique soils are behind this phenomenon. Father-and-son team Jean and Vincent Chatelain are the 11th and 12th generations of their winemaking family here and you can taste their expertise.

https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/crozes-hermitage-les-moniers-06198

The stars of the show for a perfectly cosy Christmas table are of course the reds. For your mains, the M. Chapoutier 'Les Moniers' Crozes Hermitage is a perfect pairing for meat from roast beef to a classic festive turkey. The Northern reaches of the Rhône Valley are famed for hedonistic Syrah and the Crozes-Hermitage is a haven for great value. When combined with the expertise of Chapoutier, it means this ripe, red-fruit-packed red is sublime value.

Peter Lehmann 'The Barossan' Shiraz, Barossa

Alternatively our Buyer Jonathan Tiffany recommends the Peter Lehmann 'The Barossa' Shiraz, describing it as “A fantastic option to add to the festive menu pairings with rich foods and meat but equally great for a cosy fireside glass. It’s rich and bold with delicious licorice notes”

If you’re a fan of red fruit flavours, our Americas Buyer Jake Biggs suggests trying the Erath Pinot Noir. He says “it’s a great option to try with your Christmas roast, I love the cherry flavours and hint of spice in this fabulous Pinot”. Oregon offers the perfect conditions for growing the delicate grape, and this is made by the first person to plant vines in the now famous Dundee Hills. Today, the same volcanic soils produce some of the state's best Pinot, and Erath consider this one of their best.

Finally, for a delicious all rounder that pairs well with meat as well as roast vegetables and cheese platters, the Vina Pomal 106 Barricas is a great go to. Our Spain Buyer Jane Masters calls this exclusive and limited edition option a ‘must try’, elaborating that “the combination of Atlantic and Mediterranean climates around Haro, where the vineyards are based, helps the grapes develop strong, expressive aromas.” This Reserva wows the critics seemingly with every vintage.

Whether you’re planning an intimate family Christmas or taking charge of hosting festivities, we hope our award-winning Buyers can help you find something you love this festive season.