Anyone who has listened to my ramblings over the years will no doubt be aware of the number of failings I’ve had with my Christmas day wine selection. I had a run, over several years of oxidised white Burgundies (I’m sure we’ve all been there!), closed red Burgundies, corked bottles, tired bottles, under-achieving so called fancy bottles and a drunken mistake by myself in using a decanter which was not cleaned properly! To elaborate, I found a Game of Thrones style wine jug complete with decorative handle and extravagant stand at my parents-in-law. In the absence of a quality Riedel one I decided that the day needed a medieval banquet angle and proceeded to tip a whole bottle of Chateau Leoville Barton 2005 into said dirty decanter.
I’ve made all the Christmas related wine mistakes that are possible, so this year, I’m going for a joyous, tried and tested, fail-safe selection which I’ve tasted and re-tasted just to be sure. This lot won’t let you down, just remember to clean your decanter properly!
Henriot Brut Souverain NV
This is normally open by 10am. The kids are up at 5am, so technically this is lunchtime. A luxurious, rich and energetic style, so perfect for mid-morning.
Jean Dauvissat Chablis 'Les Terroirs de la Chapelle' 2022
I’ll need my tangy Chablis hit by early afternoon and this one made from a small parcel by Fabien at Jean Dauvissat has been the standout for me this year. This will see us into aperitif hour and if there is any left it will wash the turkey down quite nicely.
Ingrid Groiss Gruner Veltliner Reserve 'In der Schablau' 2023
I find amazing value in Ingrid’s wine and this one, which is aged for 10 months on its lees, is vibrant and textured which subtle, elegant flavours. It’s a sophisticated aperitif but also works perfectly with smoked salmon which is our traditional starter.
Bodegas Mengoba Mencia 2021
I’ll be honest with you; I have no idea what wine goes with turkey. As they’d say on MasterChef “There are a lot of elements on that plate!” Personally, I’d just call it a mess, but a mess that works, like that draw in your kitchen that has everything you need in it. To complicate matters we (Christine) normally cooks a beef and a ham along with the turkey, so the only solution is multiple wines on the table. Mencia, like Beaujolais, goes with everything so one of Gregory’s wines will be present.
Chateau Beau Site 2018
Next to the Mencia will be the marvellous Chateau Beau Site. It is a complex, classic wine with an abundance of ripe cassis fruit and well-integrated oak notes. Sensibly priced and never lets me down, which given my track record, is a blessing.
Barolo del Comune di la Morra Rocche Costamagna 2021
The last in our line-up will bring some freshness and elegance to proceedings. This Barolo drinks well in its youth and works with beef and turkey for me. An excellent and dependable choice.
