Christmas Staff Picks- Rachel

CHRISTMAS is for CLASSICS

I love the rituals of Christmas – what we have for Christmas lunch (turkey and all the trimmings, nothing can be missed!), presents, games, wines and the ensuing debates!  These have been in my family life for years and now passed through the generations.

Wine is, obviously, centre stage for us and with Christmas lunch/dinner (it stretches over the two!) we drink a red wine from one of my absolute favourite regions, Burgundy.  This year we’ll be drinking Domaine Francois Raquillet Mercurey VV.  This is a lovely family domaine that are recognised as one of the best in the region.  The wine comes from 3 parcels of 60 year old vines and is juicy and seductive.  Ripe red berry fruits, touch of plum and a gentle perfume results in a super delicious wine that accompanies the wealth of flavours that come with Christmas lunch perfectly.

CHEESE course is also important to us, non-negotiable!  Though other cheeses are present, Stilton is the king.  Wine matching options are many but, if we veered from the classic match, my family would be in uproar so Port is is (not that I have any problem with that),  Our favourite Port house is Quinta de la Rosa, a family quinta since 1906 and now run by the wonderful Sophia and her sons Kit and Mark.  This year we’ll be drinking 2012 Colheita, a gorgeous wine that combines the youthful vibrancy of a vintage port with aged notes found in a tawny.  A balance of dense, rich fruit and seductive nutty notes, truly distinctive!

By the time evening comes, games come out and conversation becomes more lively, a robust wine is in order.  Domaine de l’Espigouette Cotes du Rhone VV is always our go to.  Again a fabulous family estate that gives us a wine that hits the mark year after year.  Soft and velvety with luscious, ripe fruit enveloped in spice.

To us, the perfect essence of Christmas!