STARTERS
Our Wine Suggestions
The Classic Prawn Cocktail
Fresh prawns in a Marie Rose sauce, served on a bed of lettuce leaves.
For this we would suggest a light, crisp, dry white or even a fresh dry Rosé
Pate and toast
Duck, or Ardennes Pate served with wholemeal toast and a festive Chutney
For this, we would suggest a Rosè or even a Valpolicella Classico red. The mild acidity from these wines would cut through the strong and rich Pate and work well with the fruity chutney.
Smoked Salmon
Scottish smoked Salmon, served simply with lemon wedges and garnish.
A dry white wine, or semi sparkling white wine would be perfect for this ever popular starter. The wine needs to be delicate enough to not overpower the subtle fish, but also strong enough to cut through the smokeyness.
MAINS
Traditional Turkey Roast Dinner
Roast Turkey, Roast Potatoes, Sprouts, Pigs in Blankets, Mashed Carrots, Roast Parsnips, Rich Port Gravy.
Although Turkey is a white meat, it can taste more gamey than chicken, and with all the other strong flavours around the side dishes, we would recommend a bold red wine to accompany this dish, probably a Valpolicella Ripasso, which is medium to full bodied, with a hint of acidity.
Beef Wellington
Succulent Fillet of Beef, wrapped in Mushrooms and Puff Pastry, served with Roast Potatoes, Celeriac mash and Rich Red Wine gravy.
This red meat centrepiece dish calls for a bold Red wine and what better than the king of Italian Wines, the Amarone Della Valpolicella. Full bodied, bursting with fruit and the ability to cut through and compliment some of the big flavours from the steak and mushrooms.
Festive nut roast
Bold tasting, Vegan friendly option. Nut roast, served with roast potatoes, Christmas spiced red cabbage, honey roast carrots, sprouts with chestnuts and vegetable gravy.
Strong flavours are dominating in this vegan friendly option, so a medium to full bodied Red wine is perfect here. We think a Valpolicella Ripasso or a Merlot would be perfect.
DESSERTS
Traditional Christmas Pudding
Luxury Fruitcake with luxurious brandy butter.
For this we suggest either a Sparkling white wine, either sweet or dry, with some acidity to help with the richness of the cream and the boldness of the fruitcake.
Cheese and Biscuits
A selection of strong British Cheeses. Blue Stilton, extra Mature Cheddar, Red Leicester served with Apple, Grapes and Festive Chutney.
The perfect accompaniment to this favourite would be a Recioto dessert Red Wine, which has bold fruit flavour and sweetness to offset the strong cheeses.
Christmas Trifle
A traditional British Favourite dessert. Luxury Jelly, Fruit, sponge and Fresh Cream, with a hint of Sherry or even Brandy.
A dessert white wine is perfect here, to compliment the large mix of flavours going on with this dish, whilst not taking over.
