Why not indulge in a truly British Christmas this year? Stocking up is all part of the seasonal experience, but knowing what to pair can be tricky. Amy McCudden matches some of the most well-loved bottles with some festive treats.
What English Sparkling is best for Christmas?
Tanners English Sparkling Brut, Traditional Method, 12%
Pair with: Party food galore! From crispy halloumi bites to flaky sausage rolls and much more, Christmas is full of tempting bite-sized treats.
Launched this year, the Tanners English Sparkling has wowed customers and critics – it’s a 5-star sparkling!
Sprinkled with notes of gooey honey, almonds and toasted brioche, the crisp and clean acidity will cut through rich, beige festive feasts!
What Whisky is best for Christmas?
Tomatin 12 Year Old, Highland Single Malt Whisky, 43% vol
Pair with: Boxing Day feasts
Part of Tomatin’s core range, their 12 year old unpeated single malt is a treasure trove of flavours and is a delicious dram showcasing the power and influence of Sherry casks. With a fruit-filled nose followed by a buttery palate and flavours of green apple, juicy pear and soft spice, it will delight all dram lovers and impress those who are exploring the wonderful world of Whisky.
Or, for something smoky, try:
Tanners Peaty Creag, 8 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Pair with: Smoked salmon
A true stalwart of the Tanner Own Label range since the mid-90s, it's a crafted masterpiece by Ian Macleod distillers and is a truly exceptional example of a blended Scotch which has a higher proportion of malt than wider commercial blends.
The distinct Island-influenced peaty character is wrapped up with aromas of smooth toffee and molten caramel, which lead to a sprinkle of peppery spice on the palate.
What beers are great for Christmas entertaining?
Pair with: A glazed Christmas ham
Highlighting the best of Shropshire brewing, this best-seller will delight any craft ale fan this Christmas. It’s a superb mix for entertaining a thirsty crowd or giving as a thoughtful gift.
Perfect for meals in the sleepy time between Christmas Day and New Year, a glazed ham is delicious for lunch, evening feasts or even door-stop style sandwiches.
The malty notes will complement the sweet and salty ham.
What other drinks are great for Christmas presents and parties?
Pair with: An assorted cheeseboard
A favourite for post-dinner indulgence, there’s always room for cheese and biscuits!
The Marches Cider case is bursting with a selection of styles, all with a delicious orchard fruit-filled aromas and flavours. Some recommended cheese pairings include:
- Aged Cheddar (for dry cider)
- Brie or Camembert (for medium cider)
- Stilton or Shropshire Blue (for sweet cider)
- Add sliced apple, local chutneys and pickles for a mouth-watering feast
What Rosé should I buy this Christmas?
Also available in a magnum
Pair with: Turkey and stuffing sandwiches
Crisp, fresh and undeniably delicious, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Folc rosé was from Provence. But Folc is, in fact, a true English gem. Bursting with ripe strawberries, tangy cranberries and delicate florals, this delicious rosé is incredibly fresh and oh-so moreish – it’s a superb example of an all-year rosé (not just for Christmas!).
With delicate red fruit aromas and flavours, it’s the perfect match for leftovers, especially a turkey and stuffing sandwich.
What can I pair with Christmas puddings & sweet treats?
Rowton Late Harvest Solaris 2022 - half
Pair with: Christmas pudding or sticky toffee pudding
A warming bowl of traditional Christmas pudding or a freshly baked sticky toffee pudding lathered in sweet toffee sauce deserves an equally decadent tipple to pair with it.
Whilst an English sweet wine may not be your first bottle of choice, the delicious Late Harvest Solaris will certainly become a new firm favourite if you haven’t tried it already.
With luscious toffee notes infused with ripe stone-fruit flavours, it’s a superb bottle to impress guests with and will make for a delicious centrepiece bottle to spark some conversation around this British gem.
Whether you’re choosing a quiet Christmas or entertaining a house-full, introduce them to some top-quality wines made a little closer to home. Cheers!