A leading wine authority has revealed the perfect Christmas wine matches for Britain's favourite festive traditions, from present swapping to watching the King's Speech.
Jane Masters, Master of Wine at Majestic Wines, one of only 418 people worldwide to hold the prestigious title, shared her recommendations to help customers enhance their wine expertise before the holidays.
Her advice follows research from the wine retailer, which surveyed 2,000 adults and found that 29% find buying wine daunting. The study also revealed that 35% of festive hosts have felt pressure to serve the 'correct' wines.
Elevating Festive Moments
"The festive season is rich with aromas, flavours and traditions, and pairing the right wine can elevate those experiences and make them even more memorable," Jane explained.
"We believe Christmas is the ideal time to discover something a little different or return to nostalgic favourites, to surprise and delight your friends and family."
Expert Pairing Recommendations
For exchanging presents, Jane suggests Balfour's '1503' English sparkling rosé. Made using the same traditional method as Champagne, this English sparkling complements the occasion perfectly as "English bubbles are every bit as exciting as what's under the tree."
While decorating the Christmas tree, Vilarnau 'Gaudi' Organic Rosé Cava Brut Reserva makes a perfect choice with its bright, joyful character and beautifully designed bottle that mirrors the decorations you're hanging.
When watching the King's Speech, 'The King's Favour' Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand's Marlborough region is aptly named. With notes of guava, gooseberry and blackcurrant leaf, it's described as being "made by wine making royalty."
For the Christmas Day feast itself, a Pinot Noir red wine like Toast and Honey is recommended as it "offers rich, rounded flavours that bring out the best in all the traditional flavours of sage and pigs in blankets."
When dealing with Boxing Day leftovers, she suggests Rose & Rose Pinot Grigio, whose aromatic flavours pair well with the spices in turkey curry.
Secret Wines and Festive Traditions
For wrapping presents, Jane recommends Majestic's Parcel Series No. 85 Pinot Noir as "the perfect complementary companion." Since the producer remains unknown, "it makes it something of a 'secret' while you are wrapping surprises for others."
She explained that "Majestic's Parcel Series wines are released when top-tier wineries discreetly sell small parcels of exceptional wine to make room in their cellars. So while each bottle carries all the quality and character of a leading producer, the identity of the winemakers must remain a secret."
Keeping with tradition, a magnum of Bouvet Saphir vintage crémant is suggested for New Year's Eve celebrations. Crafted using the traditional Champagne method, it offers all the elegance at a fraction of Champagne's price.
Parcel Series No. 95 Late Bottled Vintage Port is ideal for carol services as it warms your vocal cords, while a Pouilly-Fumé white wine like Organic Domaine Tabordet or Barista Pinotage red works brilliantly when pulling Christmas crackers.
Jane added: "Buying wine doesn't have to be intimidating. Our 216 stores across the UK are staffed by passionate, highly trained experts who know what pairs well and offer exciting options for all occasions."
Majestic's Store Sommeliers are always available to help customers find perfect wines, and you can even try before you buy for free at their in-store tasting counters.
