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Intro: For those who are curious about what the experts are drinking this December, look no further than this guide of our Buyers’ favourites, spanning refreshing rosé, bold reds and complex whites. Everything you need to complement your celebratory table.
If you’re having seafood over the festive period or perhaps breaking up the heavy Christmas Day meal with something lighter, Matthew Fowkes, Head of Buying, recommends La Marée Bleue. An aromatic white blend from the south of France, it’s peachy, floral, and zesty with a hint of wild herbs. A total crowd-pleaser – especially with grilled prawns and goat’s cheese tarts.
For a slightly leaner, textured white, Buyer Zara Cassidy suggests Meera Gavi di Gavi Roberto Sarotto. Aged in new Slovenian oak for six to eight months, this is Gavi di Gavi with a modern edge. From the historic vineyards of Piedmont, this 100% Cortese wine has delicious notes of passionfruit, pineapple, and pear, with subtle touches of hazelnut and honey. A perfect match for creamy seafood, chicken, and pork dishes.
Continuing the theme of whites with a difference, Master of Wine Jane Masters recommends Abeille de Fieuzal Blanc from Bordeaux. Not only famous for its reds, Bordeaux makes some incredible, age-worthy whites using two main grapes, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Refined, elegant, and mineral, it’s bursting with flavours of white peach, blossom, pear, zesty lime, and blanched almonds. Ageing in a mix of oak barrels, concrete eggs, and stainless steel brings a lovely vanilla edge and texture that’s the perfect match with a wide range of dishes, from canapés to salmon en croûte.
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 Senior Buyer, Phil Edwards, suggests the Mariselle Côtes de Provence Saint Victoire. Remarkably elegant, it’s packed with lush notes of ripe red berries, juicy white peaches, and a whisper of aromatic lavender. Refreshingly balanced, it will transport you straight to the Mediterranean – even in the middle of winter.
If red is the star of the show in your house, Maison Les Alexandrins Côtes du Rhône is a wine that is both contemporary and timeless. Senior Buyer Karen O’Donoghue says it’s a beautiful deep ruby-red with purple undertones, and has a lush velvety texture. The ripe black fruit, and spicy hints are perfect for your mains, from roast beef to classic festive turkey.
Alternatively Academy Buyer Andy Bray recommends Marcelo Pelleriti ‘Signature’ Cabernet Franc. This complex and structured Cabernet Franc is so good, James Suckling scored it 94 points. Pelleriti seamlessly weaves Old World charm with bold New World flavours, resulting in wines with unforgettable character. If you’re having hearty red meats or blue cheese, the red fruit flavours of plum and currants layered with fresh herbs and a twist of tobacco and smoke make for a delicious pairing.
If you’re enjoying a lighter Christmas or perhaps someone in your family doesn’t drink alcohol, Junior Buyer James Cox recommends Saicho Jasmine Sparkling Tea. Crafted in Shropshire, with cold-brewed tea, local spring water, and a touch of white grape juice, it’s a refined alternative that’s delicious both alone and with food.
However you’re spending the festive period, we hope our award-winning Buyers can help you find something to bring extra sparkle to the season.
