And the countdown to Christmas party season begins…

Unless you are very keen and have already been counting down since January this year! We all have different moments that we choose to start the festive season, for some it is the beginning of December and for others it can be as soon as October - we have all seen Mince Pies at eye level for some time now. There are studies to say that those who choose to decorate and get festive earlier feel happier for it, so we're not going to stop them!

Whenever you choose to start, some forward planning is needed for the bit we ALL love: food and drinks! Whether this is for all the crazy parties that only happen once a year or for the cozy-keep-to-yourself-party, there are wines to pair. So here are some of my personal recommendations with the soundtrack I would pick.

The crowd pleasers… the 80s Christmas Mix – Paul McCartney, Wham!, Shakin Stevens, Band Aid and Elton John

For those classic parties with the party food we all love, that seems to consist of the unusual, yet necessary combination of; the best bits of Christmas dinner, Asian cuisine, and hot cheese. To put it in the most unromantic way, questions should be raised as to why this has become the popular go-to party foods so often stacked in supermarket shelves at this time of year. 

But which wines to go for?

My personal go-to will be the Italian Winter Warmers that come in a box! These clever bag in box containers from Cantina Orsogna are great for having more juice for parties, without waste. These are great options that you can literally have on tap, so you can enjoy when opened and the wine will remain in condition for a few months. The Vola Vole boxes have the appealing hexagonal shape inspired by beehives, as the wines are dedicated to the protection of bees – a great party conversation starter! The Passerina is a great crowd pleaser White, with lovely notes of peach, citrus fruit and floral notes such as honeysuckle and blossom. The Red is a Montepulciano, also from the Abruzzo region, with ripe juicy characteristics and plenty of delicious red fruit and spice.

Sparkle and shine… The super stars Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, Frank Sinatra…

Well, there will inevitably need to be bubbles! I love to go for an easy to please Prosecco, especially if you can get in a magnum, such as our Azzillo Prosecco with its lovely notes of peach, green apple with a lively fizz. Or for a step up the Bortolotti Valdobbiadene (sounds like Chardonnay) is truly superb – with a creamy mousse and bright white fruit with apple and blossom. Perfect for when guests arrive or for a general sense of celebration!

Many may alternatively prefer Champagne, my personal go to would be the Champagne AR Lenoble Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, made with 100% Chardonnay for an outstanding wine with a delicate mousse and elegant notes of white fruit and flowers, with a long buttery and nutty finish. I also love an English Sparkling Wine as an alternative, these can be just as good as Champagne. A firm favourite is the Chapel Down Brut, made with a blend of red and white grapes, allowing for a great intensity of red apple and strawberry, with lemongrass and quince, in a persistent complex glass of bubbles.

For something a bit different, why not go along the citrus theme with the Chandon Garden Spritz? Moet’s Argentine sparkling, using bitter liqueur made with natural orange peel and spices for a wonderfully fresh citrus fizz. Typically, a summer spritz with a sprig of rosemary, but the citrus characters fit so well with the winter season too! Why not garnish with a stick of cinnamon?

Expect the unexpected… Unpopular opinion > Earth Wind and Fire, Jose Feliciano, Jackson 5…

I like to push the boat out with some winter alternatives that are certain to impress your friends. My go-to for conversation starters would be as follows… 

For bubbles the Pétillant Naturel from Grande Courtade is a delightful fresh and characterful glass of fizz. Made with natural yeast and second fermentation in the bottle, the wine is slightly opaque in appearance, with delightful notes of elderflower, crunchy green apple and almonds, balanced by fresh acidity and a fine mousse. For white, well I wouldn't opt for it - instead I would actually go for an orange wine, a great compliment to Christmas spices, the extra skin contact gives a lovely orange colour, and the Verdejo from Parra Jimenez is a great example, with notes of peach and orange complimented by a peppery spice. And for red, a new favourite for me is a lovely Grenache Syrah blend called Tranquille Pinard (aptly named as a relaxing, easy-drinking wine), a great option to serve chilled, due to its fresh acidity and smooth body, revealing juicy red cherry and raspberry, a true winner!

Feeling fine… old school mix - Andy Williams, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt, Doris Day and Bing Crosby…

Now, for when I am feeling like enjoying something special, usually with those I know will truly appreciate it, I will be enjoying a wine that will take me to the romantic hills of the Veneto, the Famiglia Olivini Lugana. It goes through partial malolactic fermentation and ageing on lees for 6 months, which gives it a wonderful opulent texture and ripe fruit character of peach, juicy tangerine with a crisp freshness. 

For a red to impress I would choose an all-time favourite, another Italian, the Brunello di Montalcino, rolls off the tongue like the Tuscan hills it came from. Perfect to enjoy with some Dean Martin in the background, a beautifully complex glass of wine showing notes of cherry, black pepper and tobacco with a rich structure – a powerful and imposing wine showing ultimate class and quality. Setting the highest standards for wine in Tuscany it is a name known for its quality use of Sangiovese. But it is too tough to pick one so I might be cheeky and have another red ready to go and it has to be a lovely Rhone red. Now I do love Northern Rhone, but I have recently discovered the wonders the South has to offer, with the likes of our new Domaine des Nymphes, the Beaumes de Venise. A village better known for its dessert wines made from Muscat, this quality red is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, and is another bountiful wine with a nose of dark chocolate, blackberry and earthy tones and flavours of black fruit, pepper and tapenade. All resulting from the layered details of quality that have gone into making the wine, such as use of natural yeasts and the amphorae vessel.

Whether you care to share or are looking for great wines to enjoy for a cosy night at home, I hope this offers some inspiration. As I am sure you can tell, I will have a big shopping list planned for this season!

By Molly Newport