Christmas Staff Picks – Sam M

Sam M 

Champagne Bernard Robert NV (£35) – Gone are the days that I wake up excitedly for Christmas morning, checking for signs of Santa and ripping presents open in a frenzy! Nowadays, I’m glad of the lie-in and will just about be coaxed out of bed for an early-morning tipple…And what better way to kick-start the festivities than with a freshly-popped Bernie Bob! I refer of course to the affectionate nickname for my favourite champers but with round, red berry notes and a rich, biscuity finish, I’ve converted even the non-Champagne drinkers in my life (yes, they do exist!) to this beaut of a drop! It’ll pair perfectly with the classic smoked salmon brekkie if you’re that way inclined but for this simple soul, it will be with warm croissants and a little moment of peace before the manic day ahead…

Tenuta Serranova Appasimento (£15.50) – Whilst sitting like the Grinch on Boxing Day, decked out in new PJs and stuffed from all the pigs in blankets consumed thus far, I will be opening this rich, velvety red to accompany the cheese board I just about manage to indulge in; whilst the Taskmaster Festive Special blares out from the telly box and the cat looks on in disgust! Its plump and appealing palate, with layers of ripe black cherry, bramble, dried fruit and coffee works perfectly with a range of cheeses, even those riper blue numbers due to its slightly higher residual sugar level.

And as if that wasn’t enough cheese, I’ll be taking home the Bret’s Fromage du Jura crisps to (possibly) share with the fam! Happy Holidays Drinkers!