Christmas Day lunch is all about the traditional turkey and all the trimmings, but what wines do you choose to turn the food into a feast?
Wivenhoe House hotel’s wonderful sommelier Lionel Lachasseigne has some suggestions, whether you are joining us in the brasserie restaurant on 25 December or celebrating at home.
Perhaps surprisingly, Lionel is staying on British soil for his choice of bubbly to get the day off to a sparkling start: “I am really enjoying Chapel Down Three Graces 2011 from Kent, it’s a wonderful alternative to Champagne.
“This is a blend of the three great sparkling wine grapes, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier which blended together have produced a delicate array of flavours that cannot fail to impress your guests.”
Lionel heads over the Channel for his choice of wine for the main course. From the Loire Valley in France he picks Menetou-Salon, La Bardine.
“Here, the Sauvignon Blanc vines are planted on Kimmeridgian limestone soils, very similar to Chablis. The resulting wine gives you a clean fresh citrus fruit taste.”
If you enjoy red wine, whatever the occasion, Lionel dives into the heart of the Perigord region, famous for medieval castles, black truffles and of course fine wines. For this special day Lionel has chosen Chateau de Theniac.
He says: “The production methods used are the same as for the Bordelais Grand Crus, resulting in a very rich wine, giving you a taste of luxury for Christmas Day.”
If alcohol is not your tipple of choice, Lionel has created a special ‘Santa’s Hat’ mocktail.
“Mix a capful of raspberry syrup and almond syrup before pouring into a tall flute glass. Top up with lemonade and ice and sprinkle on some sliced raspberries.
“It looks like Christmas and tastes divine.”
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