I’LL DRINK TO
WHATGOES WITH...?
It’swellworthputtingsomethoughtinto
choosingtherightwinestoshowoffyour
bestChristmascooking.Youmightprefer
a tried-and-testedclassicmatchforyour
dishesortostrikeoutwithsomethinga bit
different.Eitherway,you’llfindsuggestions
here.Perhapsyou’llwanttogoforquality
overquantityatthisyear’ssmaller
gatherings,soI’vesplashedouta biton
somespeciallabelshereandthere.Cheers!CLASSIC MATCH
The Best Côtes du Rhône
Villages 2019, France 14.5%
(£8.25, Morrisons)
A mellow Rhône red
blend of grenache and
syrah is the best bet
for roast ham – this is
a well priced, smooth
example with a heart
of ripe blackberries
and a peppery twist.
Decant it to bring out
the lovely aroma.CLASSIC MATCH
Jean-Marc Brocard Vignobles
Sainte Claire Chablis Vieilles
Vignes 2019, Burgundy,
France 13.5% (£18,
thewinesociety.com*)
You can’t argue with
a fine, slightly buttery
chablis to go with the
Christmas turkey.
This one is beautifully
well balanced, deep
golden and unoaked.
Chill it just lightly.CLASSIC MATCH
Vasse Felix Classic Semillon
Sauvignon Blanc 2020,
Margaret River,
Australia 13%
(£12, Tesco)
A blend of crisp, fresh
sauv blanc with riper,
softer sémillon is a
traditional one, here
delivering a balanced,
zesty Aussie white
with richer, more
creamy depths.CLASSIC MATCH
Berry Bros & Rudd Sauternes
2017, Bordeaux, France 14%
(£14.95/375ml,
bbr.com)
Made by the renowned
Château Climens, this
luscious traditional
Bordeaux has hints of
candied citrus peel,
honey and pineapple,
lifted by grapefruit.
Fabulous with apple
desserts in particular.CLASSICMATCH
Irresistible PX Pedro Ximénez
Sherry, Spain 17%
(£6/375ml, The Co-op)
Oh my, the intense
raisin, fig and mocha
flavours in this
mahogany-hued sweet
sherry are divine with
the dried fruit and
spices in classic
Christmas treats. A
little goes a long way
as this is veeerrry rich.ADVENTUROUS PAIRING
Reyneke Organic Chenin
Blanc 2019, Western Cape,
South Africa 13.5%
(£10.99, Waitrose)
You don’t have to go
with red – ham pairs
up nicely with the
apple and orange
flavours of South
African chenin
blanc. Here’s an
impressive organic
Cape version.ADVENTUROUSPAIRING
Berry Bros & Rudd New
Zealand Pinot Noir 2018,
Canterbury 13.5%
(£18.95, bbr.com)
Pinot noir is fresh and
soft enough not to
overpower turkey, and
its juicy fruit matches
festive sides, sauces
and gravies. Here’s
a vibrant cherry and
raspberry-packed one
from the South Island.ADVENTUROUS PAIRING
Chapel Down Flint Dry 2019,
Kent, England 12% (£13, down
to £9.75 until 2 Dec,
Waitrose)
An unusual and
enticing, aromatic
English white made
from a blend of
different grapes
including chardonnay
and bacchus. It’s fresh,
zippy and dry, but ripe
enough for the fish.ADVENTUROUSPAIRING
The Ned Noble Sauvignon
Blanc 2018, Waihopi River,
Marlborough, New
Zealand 10.5% (£14.99/
375ml – £9.99 from 1-25
December as part of
a mixed six – Majestic;
£12.99, Ocado)
Citrus-zest crispness
works wonders with
fruity and lighter
creamy puds – or a
slice of blue cheese.ADVENTUROUSPAIRING
Finest Dessert Semillon,
Riverina, Australia 10%
(£6/375ml, Tesco)
A gorgeous Aussie
‘sticky’ made by the
renowned De Bortoli
winery for Tesco,
this oozes orange
marmalade and ripe
apricot with a nutty
hint, just right for the
sweet mincemeat in the
pudding, cake and pies.ROAST HAM ROAST TURKEY & SIDE DISHES
SMOKED SALMON
FRUITY & CREAMY DESSERTS MINCE PIES & CHRISTMAS CAKE
136 deliciousmagazine.co.uk