We asked this question to wine expert James MacNay, of Cuculo Cheese and Wine in Heathfield, and he gave us lots of helpful advice and ideas for festive drinks. “Choosing the right wine can be tricky, especially as turkey has both light meat and the darker more flavoursome leg and thigh meat, and breaking with tradition modern Christmas meals can include anything from beef, lamb, and goose through to fish and vegetarian options. There is also cheese and pudding to consider not to mention drinks before the meal!” explained James.
Cinzia’s legendary Truffle Brie de Meaux with a selection of Italian and Sussex wines
Cuculo stock mainly single estate Italian Wines, but they are also a big supporter of the local Sussex Vineyards : Off the Line, Hidden Spring and Beacon Down, all of which can be found just a stones throw from Heathfield. You can track many of these suggestions down in your local supermarket, or wine shop or James at Cuculo is always happy to help advise you. Local vineyards can be visited and wine purchased from the cellar door or Cuculo.
Wine Pairing Suggestions for Christmas
Turkey or goose and duck – Can be difficult because the light and dark meats have two distinctive flavours, a Chianti with earthy and spicy notes is a good choice for red, for a white Vernacchia has body and minerality or Soave a creamy and nutty finish. Why not make a departure and try a rosé like Dog Rosé from Off the Line Vineyard in Hellingly, their wine is the perfect partner to all Christmas poultry with its red berry fruits on the nose and fruits of the forest on the palate.
Beef – Red wine and beef are perfect partners, try a Valpollicella Classico which is light and fresh and easy on the pocket or go for a heavier Barbera with its plummy notes, if you really want to push the boat out then go for a Barolo with full bodied elegance and that hint of tar and roses.
Lamb – The Classic Italian choice for lamb would be Chianti Classico Reserva, look for the Black Cockerel on the label or go for a softer more mineral Carminera.
Fish – Gavi is a good choice with its dry and mineral character, Pigato from Liguria is another good one from Italy, but for a choice of wines nearer home you might enjoy Hidden Spring’s 2017 Bacchus with its freshing citrus with a hint of elderflower and lime or Beacon Down’s Pinot Gris with spice and tropical fruit.
Cheese – If you are going to be sampling Cinzia’s Truffle Brie this Christmas, then Barola or Nebbiolo d’Alba (lower price tag) are the perfect bedfellows, but they will go equally with most cheeses. You could choose a Rosé such Dancing Dog which works well with cheese, as it is bold in style and expressive of the Regent grape which dominates the blend; white wine can also complement cheese, try a Lugana with its full bodied style as it pairs well with soft cheeses.
Puddings – Go for Christmas Pudding and Vin Santo and you can’t go wrong; if you want to spend quite a bit more then Passito di Pantelleria is divine as it is made from dried grapes so quite viscous, with a sugary apricot flavour and a top note of pepper – a real treat. Birbet sweet wine, is cherry red with an aromatic fragrance and violet highlights and matches well with chocolate. Finally, if you are going for a lighter option Prosecco is ideal with fruit.
Lastly, if you are looking for some ideas to kick start the party then the Cuculo Negroni cocktail could be it: 1/3 Gin,1/3 red Vermouth 1/3 Amaro
Other ideas: Bellini – creme de peche and prosecco, Kir Royale – creme de cassis and fizz, or Vermouth with its herbaceous overtones neat with ice or a mixer of your choice – tipped to be the next hot thing!
If you want to avoid or reduce your alcohol intake, then there are so many alternatives like Crodino the Italian bitter drink combined with lemonade which makes a great Aperol alternative, Seedlip the non drinkers spirit which combines with tonic to make a delicious GnT, it’s easy to make elderflower fizz or choose a fruit or ginger based drink pepped up with some fresh lime juice to give it a more grown up feel.
Whatever you choose, remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the festive period.