Sparkling wines can be just as perfect a pairing with food as still wines, and with our range of sparkling and still options available on the website, there is more choice than ever before to pair with your Christmas meal.
Ronan Sayburn MS, Head of Wine at 67 Pall Mall, has prepared a selection of indulgent festive menu pairings to inspire you.
A good aperitif-style wine, serve with a selection of cheese straws as canapés, perhaps anchovy as the salty flavour matches with the acidity in the wine and the lactic rich flavours of the cheese, preferably Emmental or Gruyère, will pair well. Overall, the warm pastry flavour and delicious aromas of the cheese straws will combine well with the autolytic brioche flavours of the 2016 vintage.
Another suggestion with festive canapés is Rosé with blinis topped with a small amount of sour cream and a slice of smoked salmon. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, top with a quarter teaspoon of caviar. Sparkling Rosé pairs well with salmon and the salty tang of the caviar will marry with the wine’s natural acidity.
I always think the natural freshness and elegance of Chardonnay goes very well with the clean, saline flavours of raw oysters - the fresh minerality and creaminess pairs well with a maturing Blanc de Blancs.
Richer and fuller flavours are found in Blanc de Noirs, so this can be served as a main course wine. For vegetarians, a nut roast of pine nuts and macadamias with a cream and mushroom sauce will work very well.
This is a good match for a Christmas bird, either a good quality chicken served with a cream and tarragon sauce or a traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings.
A Christmas bird with darker flesh provides a perfect match with the Pinot Noir. Think of duck or the traditional goose and serve with a fruit based sauce such as spiced cherry or orange citrus.
About Ronan Sayburn MS
Ronan was born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire and has been involved in the wine business for nearly 20 years.
His previous experience includes Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, Pied à Terre and wine merchant OW Loeb. He worked for the Gordon Ramsay group as Executive Head Sommelier for 8 years, mainly in the 3 Michelin star Royal Hospital Road. Ronan has also worked as the Head of Wine for the prestigious Dorchester Collection UK, which consists of the Dorchester (home to the 3 Michelin star Alain Ducasse restaurant), Coworth Park and 45 Park Lane (the London branch of Cut by Wolfgang Puck).
He is a Master Sommelier, previous winner of the UK Sommelier of the Year competition, and has represented the UK in the European Sommelier Competition twice. Ronan is also the COO for the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe.
If you're looking for a delectable assortment of goodies to enjoy this Christmas, Moor Hall have an incredible Christmas hamper, including a bottle of Gusbourne, available to order here.
Image kindly provided by Sorn Fine Goods.
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