LAST MINUTE WINE AND FOOD PAIRINGS FOR CHRISTMAS

It’s like BANG and we’re in the middle of the Festive Season, just like that! It kind of creeps up on you and even though you think you’re organised there’s always that last minute rush. So much so, that even the ‘last minute rush’ is becoming traditional!
I’m sure that by now most of you have sorted out your food shopping, but I bet wine is still on some kind of list. Why is this? I can think of a few reasons; 1) with quite a number of lavish meals coming up we like to spend time, which we have less of at this time of year, choosing something special; 2) our special wine choices also need to appeal to everyone’s taste so the indecisiveness prevents us from getting it done; or 3) (without offence!!) drink ordering tends to be left for the male members of the family to organise.
Whichever the reason, wine is definitely on the cards and we get there in the end. In case you’re at that last minute stage, here are some suggestions for a ‘merry’ Christmas.

APERITIF
Champagne is a great way to start a special celebration. St Reol Brut Grand Cru €24.99 is a perfect choice to get those spirits well high. Tweak it a little by adding a little Cassis for a Kir Royale.

PUCHERO (CLEAR CHICKEN SOUP)
This soup together with Drake & Friends Fino en Rama €12.99 really opens up those tastebuds.

ROAST HAM
The start of the roasts, because under our roof this is normally eaten on Christmas Eve and French is perfect. Henri Villamont Brouilly L’Erminette €11.50 or Olivier Leflaive Pommard €35.99

POACHED SALMON
In Spain they tend to have fish on Christmas Eve. Whether Christmas or New Year’s Eve, it’s bound to be on your menu. Elegant choices here with William Fevre Chablis €15.75, Henri Villamont Pouilly-Fuisse €18.99 or Mezzacorona Castel Firmian Pinot Grigio €9.99

TRADITIONAL ROAST TURKEY
As one gets older it’s no longer the gifts, but the turkey lunch with family which we look forward too. Can’t wait!! Dourthe St Emilion La Grande Cuvee €14.99, or Olivier LeFlaive Bourgogne €14.99 and white Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alex Chardonnay €16.99

GOOSE
Anyone? Wines from the Rhone Valley are terrific with goose. Domaine Grand Nicolet Rasteau Vieilles Vignes €14.50 or Montirius Gigondas Terres des Aines €21.99

ROAST PORK
For those willing to stomach New Year’s Day lunch after the night before! Succulent roast pork with Marques de Grinon Petit Verdot €24.99 or Cono Sur Pinot Noir Reserve €13.50

CHRISTMAS PUDDING, MINCE PIES & BRANDY BUTTER
No matter how full, there’s always a little pocket for Christmas pud and mince pies. A favourite is Madeira and we serve it with the stilton that follows too! Henriques & Henriques range at €29.99

STILTON
The marriage made in heaven, Port and Stilton, although as mentioned above, Madeira is also delicious as indeed Chateau Fontebride Sauternes €16.99. We have a wide range of Port including LBV and Vintage by Quinta de la Rosa, Ramos Pinto and Churchills. If serving an assorted cheese board, also serve some white for the softer cheeses.

LEFTOVERS
One of the things we love about Christmas Day is the relaxing evening enjoying a Christmas movie or comedy they tend to air with a sandwich of leftover turkey together with a glass of Champagne!! Perrier Jouet Brut €28.50, St Reol Brut Grand Cru €24.95, St Reol Millesime €29.50
Come January and still getting through the Stilton? An impressive and very easy mid-week supper is a Stilton soufflé with salad and a Bordeaux or Burgundy.

HAVE A FABULOUS CHRISTMAS AND EXCITING NEW YEAR AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE SHOP IN 2012.