We might be just getting over the staff Christmas parties and checking our gift lists but now it’s time to think about the big day: What to eat and what to drink. We can’t help with all the options for Christmas lunch or dinner – seafood or turkey and lots of vegies and salad for the protein averse. But we can help with a few suggestions for cracking open some Christmas Wine.
Here in the Southern hemisphere where Christmas Day temps might hover over 35 degrees, egg nog and hot toddies don’t hold a lot of appeal. Most of us love a drop of sparkling on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning while opening the pressies. Lunch or dinner calls for a good red or dry white. And next there’s a lazy day watching the Boxing Day test. Or channelling Steve Smith and hitting a few tennis balls around the back yard or at the beach.
Here are a few excellent drops to have on hand for quaffing or matching to your Grannie’s famous Christmas pud.
And it’s always a good idea to have a variety of Christmas Wine tipples in the fridge just in case a few forgetful friends unexpectedly drop by without bringing their own.
When it comes to sparklers and Champagne there are so many choices – Prosecco, sparkling Shiraz or a serious Champagne to toast Christmas or welcome in the New Year. Nothing sounds more like a party than the popping of corks!
Porta Dante NV Prosecco is a surprise from start to finish. An excellent drop for the price with a fine bead of tiny bubbles and subtle apple and summer stone fruit notes. One to get the party started and good enough for the entire turkey, ham, seafood extravaganza.
You can plan your whole Christmas decorating theme around the Victoire Gold Vintage 2008 Champagne. It looks a million dollars in its distinctive gold bottle and will grab all the attention at the festive table. With a score of 93 from the respected Decanter magazine this Pinot Noir Chardonnay blend is not only food friendly it’s perfect for making a big impression.
Aussies are taking to Rosé as they learn that it doesn’t have to cloying and sweet. The French still lead the charge with their excellent pale pink wines and the La Planchiere NV Sparkling Rosé is no exception. Dry enough as an aperitif or as an addition at dessert time to cut back on all the sweetness of pudding or trifle. Would be lovely on the back deck with a few chilled cherries and a few chilled friends.
Sauvignon Blanc divides wine drinkers more than perhaps any other varietal. Some of us love it and others not so much. The 2016 Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc will win over all the non-believers. It’s complex without being over the top.
This classic Kiwi hails from Marlborough and is the best Sauvignon Blanc we’ve tried all year.
The 2015 Frontera Pinot Noir will make the red drinkers happy, as it will be even better with 10 minutes in the fridge as the mercury soars. Pinot Noir is such a versatile varietal to match with food and this will work with the whole Christmas menu.
The 2015 Cat Amongst the Pigeons Fat Cat Shiraz makes shopping a little easier in its own presentation gift box. With more than a hint of spice and lots of plum and blackberry aromas this will be just the present for the red drinker in your life.
All wines are available at Dan Murphy’s www.danmurphys.com.au and BWS www.bws.com.au
Disclaimer: These Christmas Wine were gifted to ThisMagnificentLife for review.
