For a Christmas party
When the whole gang arrives for drinks, generosity is your motto. Our versatile Brut Reserve 2018 magnum looks the part, calling for a double-handed pour into outstretched glasses. You could happily serve almost any festive nibble alongside this mouth-watering sparkling wine – the weight of fruit, notes of brioche, apple tart and sweet spice will cheerfully balance rich pâté, smoked salmon, sausage rolls or nuts.
For Christmas Eve
The most magical night of the year deserves something special. Once the presents are wrapped, the final preparations are made and the guests are happily ensconced, ease into the evening with Blanc de Blancs 2018. Pure Chardonnay, elegantly fresh, zesty and mineral, our Blanc de Blancs is the classic match for seafood – ideal if you’re serving a fruits de mer platter, indulging in native oysters or serving a scene-stealing whole white fish such as brill or turbot.
For a mood-setting aperitif
Laura Rhys, Master Sommelier, says that no Christmas would be complete without a bottle or two of Gusbourne Rosé 2018 to kick off proceedings. “We have a bottle open in the kitchen while we’re preparing the lunch,” she says. “It’s a versatile match with all kinds of nibbles.” Plus this sparkling’s gorgeous, pale pink hue marks it out as something a little bit different at Christmas.
For delicate fish starters
Our beautifully balanced still white, Chardonnay Guinevere 2020, is an incredible food wine. Its notes of ripe citrus, green apple and toasted nuts come to life when partnered with delicate fish dishes such as lightly smoked salmon, pan-fried scallops or white fish cooked with butter. If you’re hosting a crowd, then why not opt for a magnum?
For turkey
Convention has it that Pinot Noir is an unbeatable match for the classic centrepiece of your Christmas feast. Certainly, our Pinot Noir 2020 has bright, lifted red-fruit flavours – along with a touch of smoke and spice – which make for a magnificent pairing with the gamey flavours of a free-range Bbronze turkey or goose. But for sparkling devotees, there’s another option: the rich, complex, brioche flavours of our lees-aged cuvée, Fifty One Degrees North 2014 would be a sensational, umami-rich pairing.
For the cheeseboard
Christmas comes with its own traditions – Port and cheese being amongst the finest. But don’t overlook the unbelievably delicious partnership of Blanc de Noirs 2018 served alongside a nutty, mature Comté; washed-rind cheeses such as Epoisses and Wigmore, or a ripe Vacherin Mont d’Or. This sensational pairing is nothing short of food and wine matching alchemy.
For Boxing Day
After an invigorating winter stroll, settle into the total relaxation of Boxing Day’s casual feasting. If you’ve gone to the trouble of baking a honey-and-clove studded ham for Christmas, then delight your guests with a bottle or two of Rosé 2021 to serve alongside. Its refreshing red-fruit and orange zest flavours complement the sweetness of the ham and gentle spice of Christmas chutneys. There’s a wonderful conviviality about rosé which naturally fits the mood of this “anything goes” day.
