What has probably been the toughest year in our lifetime is nearing its end. In this unusual year we still have to look back and be proud of the unity and resilience that each of us has shown and we look forward with hope to brighter days as better people with many lessons learnt.
As per our traditions Christmas is the time when we sit around with our closest family and friends sharing memories, food and last but not least great wines.
A Christmas lunch or dinner is very traditional, each family having its own recipes and menu which doesn’t change much over the years. With not so much experimentation with the food, the wine selection makes it the perfect opportunity to experiment and make it more fun.
We recommend starting off with a Christmas lunch with a nice bottle of bubbles. A nice bottle of bubbles is a perfect start to a celebration, the sound of the cork popping with families and friends gather around is always a picture-perfect moment. It is also the perfect accompaniment for the pre-meal nibbles, such as salmon blinis, charcuterie and other warm canapes. You do not need to break the bank for a nice bottle of bottles. Our recommendation for a very good quality sparkling wine made in the traditional method (secondary fermentation in the bottles like Champagne) and cost half the price of a good Champagne is Domaines Albert Bichot Cremant de Bourgogne.
Nothing like a broth or soup to come next. warm us up. A nice crisp wine would be a Marco Bonfante Winery Gavi di Gavi.
A nice creamy baked pasta dish is what usually follows next. Whether it is a lasagne, cannelloni or a more traditional maltese mqarrun, the flavours are pretty similar. There is the ragout, the pasta and the creamy cheese in all of them. Quite a flavourful rich dish. Our favourite pairing is a nice Sangiovese from Tuscany, Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico.
For the traditional main course turkey is a wine that won best red wine of the year in 2019; Gérard Bertrand Hospitalitas. A blend of Syrah and Mourvedre from the south of France, a truly amazing wine.
A Maynard’s Tawny port with dessert for the Christmas pudding with custard.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
