I'm a big believer in wine being a superb digestive aid, so it's inconceivable that I'd be without a glass of something at dinnertime whether I'm having fish and chips or feta-filled figs.
Christmas is no exception. Problem is, there are so many different dishes and flavours going on that it's hard to settle on one wine to suit the occasion. But if you want your guests to get the best they can from your feast, here are some winning combinations.
So what to have on arrival?
I'm bored senseless by that whole "waiting for a special occasion" concept. I think the birth of Christ counts as a bit of an occasion, don't you? Don't let money get in the way of treating yourself to something sensational - affordable fizz does exist.
Champagne Lanvin & Fils Epernay Brut NV, $40:
This fine fizz has aromas of roast nuts and rising dough with subtle lime and biscuit notes. Tiny, prickling beads and a delicate mousse lead to lovely rich flavours and zingy fresh acidity
Morton Estate IQ3, $27:
A special limited release bubbly which has spent three years maturing on its yeast lees which has given it a heavenly, biscuity, brulee-like character and excellent persistence of flavour. (ph 0800 MORTON)
Jacobs Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut, $13:
I love Christmas because inevitably this fantastic sparkler ends up on special pretty much everywhere and it's fantastic. Aromas of scone dough, almonds and lifted lemon lead to a delicate bead, soft minerality and a lovely, yeasty character. Clean, crisp and utterly brilliant value for money.
If turkey or roast chicken arrives on the table then you'll want a wine that works with all that rich, white flesh, buttery new potatoes, baby peas, green beans and fatty gravy. So I'd go chardonnay all the way - but not some unwooded example. I'd opt for a big, ripe, fruit-laden, oaky, creamy one.
The Dog Point Marlborough Chardonnay 2008, $34, has gorgeous brulee and stonefruit aromas and pungent grapefruit and gunsmoke complexity in the mouth, which makes it the perfect partner here. For stockists near you visit www.dogpoint.co.nz
The Mission Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2009, $26, is so clean, elegant and downright juicy. Grapefruit, rich, tropical notes and toasty oak combine to create greatness. Available at supermarkets, wine stores and from www.missionestate.co.nz
Tradition has it there'll be a ham, and it will be studded with cloves, covered in orange zest and glazed with all sorts of cellulite-inducing sweeties such as marmalade, brown sugar and brandy. Choosing an appropriate wine for salty meat with a candied/savoury element to it wasn't the easiest job, but after a dozen or so bottles (and one very seedy morning later) I think I cracked it. Viognier.
This white wine sits somewhere between the peachy, creamy, tropical characters of chardonnay and the spicy citrus you'll find in pinot gris. The perfect wine for this season's ham.
Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Viognier 2009, $17:
This gorgeous little wine has spicy, mandarin-peel, jasmine and apricot kernel characters abound. Tangy and dry, it's an absolute winner.
Selaks Winemakers Favourite Hawke's Bay Viognier 2009, $24:
I love the subtle white peach, almond and apricot aromas of this viognier, and its crisp, textural, flavoursome mandarin-like finish makes it a winner with the Christmas ham and one I'll definitely be buying again. Widely available.
Up next, the obligatory pavlova. Fingers crossed your pav will turn out light, fluffy and deliciously sweet - so toast your success with something equally decadent such as a honeyed, marmalade, toffee-like dessert wine to cut through that sweet meringue and complement the fruity toppings and cream.
Any of these stickies will please the crowds: Brown Brothers Patricia Late Harvested Noble Riesling 2006, 375ml $30; Hawke's Ridge Late Harvest Viognier 2009, $20; or the Te Awa Noble Chardonnay 2009, 375ml $20.
But what about the fruit-heavy, nutty, boozy Christmas puddings, mince pies and Christmas cake?
There are some intense flavour combinations like brandy and butter-soaked raisins, currants with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, mixed peel, nuts, almond icing, sweet pastry and sugar here, so I think the best option is a soothing stout.
Try the Townshend Brewery Number 9, 500ml $6.50. It's a deliciously dark, velvety brew that will work well with all of the above and best of all it will settle your digestion a treat.
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