Local wine shops share their top picks for perfect festive pairings...
SGP
For Turkey
Leeuwin Estate, Prelude Vineyards, Chardonnay 2020
“From one of the most iconic producers in the Margaret River, this top-quality Australian wine is a perfect splurge for Christmas day. Roast turkey works beautifully with a more full-bodied wine, and this fits the bill – with a nod to white Burgundy, this wine has lovely toasty notes and a creamy texture.”
Tilly Walters of Wine at Heart, an online wine merchant based in Sheen.
£28, wineatheart.co.uk
Les Quartenons, Loire Valley
“Nicholas de Bourgueil in the Loire Valley produces particularly delicate, aromatic wines. This beautiful biodynamic red cabernet franc pairs very well with turkey thanks to its delicate freshness, light red fruit flavours and peppery notes. A delicious earthiness mingles with soft cherry, black fruits and a touch of herbaceousness.” Rodrigo Vilas of Taylor’s in Kingston.
Grand Regnard Chablis 2023
“Turkey simply can’t be served in our house without this wine, and as it’s Christmas, we’ll have a magnum! Made from some of the best vineyards in Chablis, this Chardonnay’s citrus freshness is a foil to the richness on the plate. The bottle is also a showstopper on the table.”
Rupert Pritchett of Taurus Wines in the Surrey Hills.
£44.99 (magnum £99.99, half bottle £24.99), tauruswines.co.uk
Walgate Chardonnay
“This is an amazing English Chardonnay from the terroir-driven, low-intervention wine maker Ben Walgate. The wine has both freshness and fruit with notes of quince, peach, green almond and beeswax. Then there is texture and complexity from lees ageing and oak, giving the body and depth to stand alongside any amount of gravy and stuffing.”
Hamish Denny at The Shambles in Windsor.
£39, theshamblesbar.co.uk
SGP
With Cheese
Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV
“Made from a blend of classic champagne varieties using the traditional method and aged for a minimum of three years, this award-winning English sparkling wine is beautifully balanced with delicate aromas of lemon, apple and brioche, and a crisp, refreshing finish that cuts through the creaminess of cheese and preps the palate for the next bite.”
Monta at Wine Direct, an online wine merchant based in Twickenham.
£31, winedirect.co.uk
Rolly Gassmann Riesling
“Having stocked it for 25 years, this wine has a special place in our hearts. Its vibrant acidity cuts through orchard fruits to keep you going back for more. Taking a sip in combination with the rich, buttery texture of cheese, especially a blue, transforms this wine into pure magic. It’s available to drink in our bar or take home.”
James Halliday of The Wine Room, a wine bar and shop in East Molesey.
£27, thewineroomkt8.co.uk
Juan Gil Yellow Label Organic Monastrell Jumilla 2023
“From one of the most beautiful parts of Spain this has long been one of our bestselling wines. It has all the weight and fruit you need to go with hard cheeses such as Manchego or Cheddar. Hand harvested from old bush vines growing 700 metres above sea level.”
John Hodges, Wine Unlimited at The Vineyard in Dorking.
£11.99, wineunlimited.co.uk
Efrosini Liatiko
With pudding
Efrosini Ipomoni Liatiko ‘Patience’
“Handcrafted by the small Efrosini family winery on Crete, this beautifully golden dessert wine is made from sun-dried Liatiko grapes and aged slowly for richness and depth. With flavours of honeyed fruit, figs and warm spice, it’s a perfect pudding partner, especially with crumble or sticky toffee.”
Michael Stead of Amathus in East Sheen.
£37 (50cl), amathusdrinks.com
SGP
Drinks to try
Gigondas ‘La Gille’ 2022 Famille Perrin
“For five generations, the Perrin family of legendary Château de Beaucastel have produced quality wines in the Southern Rhône. Rich and full bodied on the palate, it offers a silky texture, soft and delicate tannins and intense notes of raspberry and blackberry. It goes brilliantly with hearty, rustic fare such as braised beef, a pot roast or lamb in red wine.”
Sam of Grape Expectations in Marlow.
£27.99, grape-expectations.co.uk
Lucie Thieblemont Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Zero
“A bright, minerally blanc de noir from Lucie Thieblemont who has brought her expertise from Champagne to Chablis. It has notes of white flowers, rhubarb, and a balancing hint of stoniness – a super bubbly that gives Champers a run for its money.”
Tatra Blewett-Mundy of The Good Wine Shop, which has shops in Kew, Richmond Hill, St Margarets, Teddington.
£29 (£26 mixed case and online), thegoodwineshop.co.uk
2021 BRAO Vinyes Velles Nobles Acústic Celler
“This organic Spanish wine is ‘twinkle in the eye’ inducing, and it tastes like Christmas in a bottle. Dark fruits, cooked plums, and warm autumn spices permeate, and the depth of flavour is phenomenal. Best served within the company of people who bring good cheer.”
Graeme Brandham at Lea & Sandeman, which has shops in Barnes, Chiswick and beyond.
£30.50 (case of 12 price £ 26.95), leaandsandeman.co.uk
