Festive Wine Pairings & Tasting Notes

The perfect pairings for your Christmas table.

In conjunction with Pippa Sedgwick we have the perfect wine for every meal during the festive period, packed with so many award winning wines it’s difficult to list them all.

Here’s our top picks this year.

THE PIONEER CELLAR SELECTION

– EASY DRINKING –

WHITE

Colombard – Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine Guillaman, IPG Côtes-de-Gascogne. France.

75cl | ABV 11.5%

Light and refreshing, with aromas of citrus fruits leading to a lively finish.

Food Pairing: Shellfish, poultry, spicy food, white fish, cured meat or goats’ cheese.

Un-oaked Chardonnay, Domaine Guillaman, IPG Côtes-de-Gascogne. France.

75cl | ABV 12.5%

Refreshing, with aromas of apple and lemon, the palate is round and medium bodied.

Food Pairing: Poultry, grilled white meats, crab, Solway shrimps or salmon.

Moscato, Santa Alba, Viña Alto Roble, Itata Valley, Chile.

75cl | ABV 12.5%

Off-dry, with appealing exotic fruit aromas, light-bodied and citrussy fresh on the palate.

Food Pairing: Thai or Indian cuisine, goats’ cheese or blue cheese.

Un-oaked Chardonnay, Finca Traversa, Montevideo, Uruguay.

75cl | 14%

Ripe and fruity, with aromas of apples and buttery notes, the palate is lovely and round.

Food Pairing: Great with seafood.

Maris Casse-Croûte Blanc, Languedoc Roussillon, Vin de France.

75cl | 12.5%

Fruity blend of Grenache & Chardonnay. Fresh apple and pear aromas, balanced refreshing finish.

Food Pairing: Great with a selection of cheeses.

ROSÈ

Rosé de Pressée, Domaine Guillaman, IPG Côtes-de-Gascogne. France.

75cl | ABV 12.5%

Fruity and fresh, with aromas of crushed red berries, the palate is lovely and round.

Food Pairing: Cured meats, pâté or cheeses.

RED

Santa Alba Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Vina Alto Roble, Curicó Valley. Chile.

75cl | ABV 13.5%

Fruity and rich, full of autumn fruit aromas leading to a big generous finish.

Food Pairing: Lamb, steak burgers, mushrooms or cheeses.

Santa Alba Carménère, Vina Alto Roble, Curicó Valley. Chile.

75cl | ABV 13%

Medium bodied, rich blackberry fruit aromas with a hint of spice, the palate is lovely and smooth.

Food Pairing: Pork, steak, lamb, spicy sauces.

Santa Alba Reserve Pinot Noir, Vina Alto Roble, Curicó Valley. Chile.

75cl | ABV 13%

Medium bodied, inviting and alluring, aromas of black cherries, cinnamon, with a rewarding finish.

Food Pairing: Lamb, sausages or beef.

Maris Casse-Croûte Rouge, Languedoc Roussillon, Vin de France.

75cl | ABV 13.5%

Fruity blend of Syrah and Merlot. With aromas of ripe cherries, the wine is soft, round and fruity.

Food Pairing: Perfect with grilled meats or Cumberland sausage.

– CELLAR SECRETS –

WINES PAIRED WITH

Seafood, Meat, Cheese, Vegetables, Pizza, Pasta, Spices and our 1878 Kitchen Range.

WHITE

Muscadet Sur Lie, Les Trois Terroirs, Loire Valley. France.

75cl | ABV 12%

Elegant and minerally fresh with a slight spritz, crisp with white stone fruit and citrus flavours.

Food Pairing: Perfect with Oysters or shellfish.

The Holy Snail’ Sauvignon Blanc IGP Val de Loire Thierry Delaunay, France.

75cl | ABV 12%

Delightfully fresh, with citrus and tropical fruit aromas, well balanced with a lovely long crisp finish.

Food Pairing: Fresh crab, grilled fish, smoked salmon, goats’ cheese, fresh herbs and tomatoes.

Raza Branco, Quinta da Raza, Minho, Portugal.

75cl | ABV 11.5%

Brilliant classic spritzy Vinho Verde. Fruity and crisp, well balanced, leading to a refreshing finish.

Food pairing: Great with shellfish, fish or light dishes.

THE DOT PEPPER Grüner Veltliner, Weingut R&A Pfaffl. Austria.

75cl | ABV 12.5%

Super fresh, lovely lime and pepper aromas, creamy on the palate with a long tingly finish.

Food Pairing: Asian dishes, pork, chicken, fish and seafood.

Sauvignon Blanc, Durvillea, Astrolabe, Marlborough, New Zealand.

75cl | ABV 13%

Lip smacking, gooseberry fresh fruit and citrus lime aromas, lovely minerally long finish.

Food Pairing: Oysters, seafood, smoked salmon, spiced dishes, chicken, goats’ cheese.

Alpha Zeta, `P` Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy.

75cl | ABV 12.5%

Fruity and refreshing, aromas of ripe peach and pear, rich and well balanced on the palate.

Food Pairing: Delicious with seafood, roast chicken, risotto and vegetable dishes.

Viña Salort Albariño, Familia Traversa, Montevideo, Uruguay.

75cl | ABV 13%

Refreshing, classic stone fruit aromas, the palate is lovely, round, balanced with a long finish.

Food Pairing: White fish, tacos, ceviche, grilled vegetables, goats’ cheese.

Los Haroldos Chardonnay, Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.

75cl | ABV 13%

Exotic fruit with a hint of oak, the palate is creamy and well balanced, fresh with a lifting finish,

Food Pairing: Seafood or Roast chicken.

Branco, Lavradores de Feitoria, Douro Valley, Portugal.

75cl | ABV 12.5%

Expressive, fruity and elegant, revealing tropical fruit yet wonderfully fresh with hint of minerality.

Food Pairing: Great with white meats or fish.

ROSÈ

Raza Rose, Quinta da Raza, Minho, Portugal.

75cl | ABV 11.5%

Vibrant and fruity, bursting with red berry aromas, slight spritz, refreshing and delicious.

Food Pairing: Perfect with light dishes, salads, shellfish or fish.

Château Maris Rosé de Nymphe Emue, Languedoc Roussillon. France.

75cl | 12.5%

Perfect rosé to sip all year. Crisp and juicy with summer fruit aromas, lovely and long on the finish.

Food Pairing: Grilled fish, seafood, roast chicken and turkey.

RED

Château Maris Le Zulu, Languedoc Roussillon, France.

75cl | ABV 14%

No added sulphites. Lively, fruity, and deliciously juicy, balanced acidity and a good long finish.

Food Pairing: Goes well with pizza, pasta or grilled red meats.

Château Bellecroix, Bordeaux Supérieur, France.

75cl | ABV 13%

A superb Claret, 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Silky-textured and delicately balanced.

Food Pairing: Great with game, beef, chicken and pork.

Merlot Château Haut-Blanville, Pays d’Oc, France.

75cl | ABV 13%

Fruity and easy going, soft plum ripe fruit, juicy, well balanced and very smooth.

Food Pairing: Perfect with red meat or poultry, or simply as an aperitif with charcuterie.

Primitivo del Salento, Cantele, Puglia., Italy.

75cl | ABV 14%

Juicy rich and smooth, with aromas of black cherries and spice. The finish is lovely and long.

Food Pairing: Red meats and pizza of-course!

THE DOT CHERRY Zweigelt, Weingut R&A Pfaffl. Austria.

75cl | ABV 13.5%

Super drinkable, with dark cherry aromas, crunchy freshness and smooth flavoursome finish.

Food Pairing: Cumberland Sausage!

Correio Tinto, Quinta dos Roques, Dão, Portugal.

75cl | ABV 13%

Fun and immensely drinkable. Herb fruited, supple, soft with a lovely finish.

Food Pairing: Great with beef, pork or lamb.

Vina Eguia Tempranillo, Bodegas Muriel, Rioja. Spain.

75cl | ABV 14%

Juicy, velvety smooth with a hint of oak., vibrant and savoury with a long finish

Food Pairing: Delicious with lamb, beef, poultry, mature Cheddar and Manchego.

Dehesa La Granja Cosecha, Zamora, Spain.

75cl | ABV 14.5%

Smooth and mellow, rich, luscious with red fruits and hints of vanilla from aging in American oak.

Food Pairing: Perfect with lamb, beef and a selection of cheese.

Malbicho Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina.

75cl | ABV 14.5%

A soft juicy Malbec with delicious dark berry fruit aromas, well balanced and full bodied.

Food Pairing: Perfect with grilled and roast beef and blue cheese.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Just because once in a while we deserve a treat!

Chablis Domaine de la Genillotte, Domaine Sourice Depuydt, Burgundy, France.

Classic Chablis, crisp and citrussy with lovely minerality, leading to a long refreshing finish.

Food Pairing: Turkey, roast chicken, fish and chips, shellfish, fish dishes, charcuterie and cheese.

Bourgogne Chardonnay, Jean Baptiste Jessiaume, Burgundy, France.

A gem of wine from this boutique Burgundy producer, aromas of apple, peach and a hint of spice. The palate is creamy and citrusy, classic Chardonnay from Burgundy!

Food Pairing: Roast chicken or rich seafood like lobster, scallops.

Astrolabe Sauvignon, Marlborough, New Zealand.

Vibrant and minerally Marlborough Sauvignon, expressive, elegant well-balanced with a fine finish

Food Pairing: Seafood, roast chicken and turkey, goats’ cheese and vegetarian dishes.

Domaine de la Creuze Noir ‘Les Champs de Voisin’ Côteaux Bourguignons, France.

A lovely Gamay. Voluptuous, soft and elegant. Extremely good-value.

Food Pairing: Perfect with soft cheeses, red meats, Cumberland sausage or warming coq au vin!

Domaine de la Creuze Noir ‘Les Champs de Voisin’ Côteaux Bourguignons, France.

A lovely Gamay. Voluptuous, soft and elegant. Extremely good-value.

Food Pairing: Perfect with soft cheeses, red meats, Cumberland sausage or warming coq au vin!

Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Jean Baptiste Jessiaume, Burgundy, France.

Fine aromas of black cherries, blackberries and violet. The palate is balanced, soft yet refreshing all the way through to the long finish. Delicious!

Food Pairing: Roast, grilled meats or cheese.

Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge, Ch. de Beaucastel, Rhône Valley, France.

From one of the best Chateauneuf- du-Pape producers. Rich, rewarding, alluring and seductive, enjoy!

Food Pairing: Delicious with game, beef or lamb.

2017 Esprit de Pavie Bordeaux, Château Pavie, St Emilion, Bordeaux, France.

A full-bodied wine produced by Château Pavie in the St Emilion. Esprit de Pavie is the third wine of the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé St-Émilion property.

A savoury blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, with fine tannins well balanced leading to a long refreshing finish.

Food Pairing: Beef, lamb, pork, chicken, duck, or mushrooms. Will cope with Asian cuisine too.

Toro de Piedra Gran Reserva, Petit Verdot-Cabernet Sauvignon, Maule Valley, Chile.

Soft fruity and seductive, blackberry fruit, spice and a hint of vanilla, leading to a long juicy finish.

Food Pairing: Beef or lamb.

2017 Amarone, Musella, Veneto, Italy.

Intense concentrated aromas of sweet cherries, plums and spicy cinnamon subtext. The palate is opulent, harmonious and seductive leading to a very long finish.

Food Pairing: Perfect with game or aged cheeses.

Barolo Bussia, Giacomo Fenocchio, Piemonte, Italy.

Extremely enjoyable, well balanced with elegance leading to a rich and rewarding finish.

Food Pairing: Game, red meats and aged hard cheeses

Morellino di Scansano DOCG Fattoria Le Pupille, Tuscany, Italy.

Silky Sangiovese, lovely dark fruit aromas, the palate rich with an elegant with a long finish.

Food Pairing: Pasta-based courses, red meat or game, as well as with aged cheeses.

FORTIFIED WINES

White Rabbit (dry white port) Niepoort, Douro Valley, Portugal.

37.5cl | ABV 19.5%

Lovely aromas of nuts and almonds, the palate is concentrated and fresh with a hint of sweetness. Served chilled with ice and a slice, delicious!

Food Pairing: Canapés, cheese, pâté and crusty bread.

Tawny Dee (tawny port) Niepoort, Douro Valley, Portugal.

37.5cl | ABV 19.5%

Delicate nutty aromas with a hint of dried fruits, enjoy the luscious youthful character.

Food Pairing: Pâté and crusty bread, Christmas pudding, mince pies and a good cheeseboard.

Ruby Dum (ruby port) Niepoort, Douro Valley, Portugal.

37.5cl | ABV 19.5%

Fresh vibrant fruity style, well balanced through to the long finish. Very drinkable indeed!

Food Pairing: Dark chocolate or a good cheeseboard.

Meandro Finest Reserve, Quinta do Vale Meão, Douro Valley, Portugal.

75cl | ABV 20%

A fantastic example of single estate port wine. Dark, concentrated, hint of spice, yet fresh with a lovely velvety texture.

Food Pairing: Delicious with cheese.

Deliciosa Manzanilla ‘Pago de Miraflores’ Valdespino, Jerez, Spain.

37.5cl | ABV 15%

Nutty, fresh and delicious!

Food Pairing: A great aperitif with salted almonds and really should be tried with smoked fish.

Inocente Fino ‘Pago De Macharnudo’ Valdespino, Jerez, Spain.

37.5cl | ABV 15%

Textbook Fino. Full and aromatic, beautifully balanced

Food Pairing: A great aperitif with olives and charcuterie.

Pedro Ximenez El Candado, Valdespino, Jerez, Spain.

37.5cl | ABV 17%

The finest, darkest, sweetest, most intoxicating PX ever!

Food Pairing: Best poured over the finest vanilla ice cream Heaven!

Atlantic Rainwater, Barbeito Madeira Camara de Lobos, Portugal.

50cl | ABV 18%

Beautifully developed citrus and dried fruit flavours with a savoury salinity. Delicious.

Food Pairing: Excellent as an aperitif, or with seafood.