Top Christmas Wines Recommended by London Sommeliers

2

Discover what London's top sommeliers are drinking this Christmas, from aged Champagne to unique Sauternes and festive pairings.

Introduction

As the festive season approaches, wine lovers often wonder what to serve at their Christmas gatherings. For sommeliers, the selection process can be particularly challenging; they aim to impress guests while also providing crowd-pleasing options. In this article, we explore the favorite Christmas wines of several esteemed sommeliers in London, highlighting their personal choices and pairing suggestions that elevate holiday meals.

A Toast with Bubbles

One common thread among many sommeliers is the inclusion of Champagne at Christmas celebrations. Roxane Dupuy, a prominent sommelier who oversees wine lists at Jason Atherton’s restaurants, emphasizes the importance of starting the festivities with sparkling wine. This year, she has chosen a 1998 vintage Henriot Rosé, which she describes as having evolved beautifully since its disgorgement in 2004. With delightful notes of marzipan and dried roses, Dupuy plans to pair it with flambéed langoustines—a combination that promises to enhance the sweetness of the shellfish.

Dupuy states, "Bubbles are always present on my table at Christmas—it’s a tradition that keeps everyone in high spirits." This sentiment reflects a broader trend where sparkling wines play a crucial role in setting a celebratory mood during holiday dinners.

Decadent Starters and Unique Pairings

When it comes to starters, Dupuy opts for a classic French Sauternes—specifically the rare Château Pajot Enclave d’Yquem from 1955. Known for its rich and balanced profile with an enchanting bouquet, this wine pairs exquisitely with her best friend’s foie gras terrine. She notes that such unique bottles are hard to come by but worth every penny for their exceptional quality.

Dupuy expresses excitement over indulging in this exquisite wine: "I can already tell there won’t be enough bottles to keep the table well-hydrated, but that’s the price of such uniqueness—and I’m more than happy to pay it!" This highlights not only her passion for exceptional wines but also the joy of sharing these experiences with loved ones during special occasions.

Main Course Pairing Inspirations

Christmas dinners have diversified beyond traditional roast turkey. Many households now embrace various centerpieces like Beef Wellington or roasted turbot. Dupuy shares her choice for this year: roasted pork marinated in five spices served with a plum and whiskey sauce, alongside a squash and lardo risotto. To complement this dish, she plans to uncork a Miani Rosso 2005, which has been patiently waiting for a special occasion like Christmas.

Her enthusiasm is palpable as she anticipates tasting this well-aged Italian blend: "We’re definitely in for a treat." Such thoughtful pairing not only enhances flavors but also showcases how each sommelier brings their cultural influences into their holiday meals.

Exploring International Flavors

Giuseppe d’Aniello, director of wine at The London Edition and recognized as Best Sommelier in 2023 by the UK Sommelier Association, shares his selections as well. He begins with G.H. Mumm’s RSRV blanc de noirs before shifting gears to Italian wines. His choices include Cenatiempo’s 2020 Kalimera Biancolella from Ischia and Roagna’s Barolo La Pira from 2017—each reflecting his heritage while enhancing festive flavors on his table.

By choosing wines from his homeland, d’Aniello demonstrates how personal connections influence holiday selections among sommeliers while showcasing Italy’s rich vinous offerings.

Unique Choices for Festive Celebrations

For those seeking something outside traditional European selections, Jeffrey Koren from Canary Wharf’s Marceline suggests an intriguing South African option: Little William Syrah made by Pieter Walser. Koren appreciates its dark fruit profile combined with mineral elegance—perfect for winter festivities. He mentions enjoying the 2021 vintage this year and admires not only its flavor but also the story behind its hand-drawn label that adds personal touch to his Christmas experience.

Koren remarks on how important storytelling is when selecting wines: "Not everyone at the Christmas table will have the same appreciation (or taste) in wine, but everyone will be able to appreciate the story." This highlights how narratives around wines can enhance enjoyment during communal celebrations.

Conclusion: The Spirit of Sharing

Ultimately, both Dupuy and Koren echo sentiments about creating memorable experiences through shared bottles during holiday celebrations. For them, it’s not just about serving great wine; it’s about fostering connections and crafting lasting memories around each glass poured.

Dupuy sums it up nicely: "I believe the key to a truly successful vinous Christmas is the spirit of sharing… Opening a bottle of something special not only delights your own palate but also creates lasting memories." As you prepare for your own festive gathering this year, consider these sommelier recommendations as inspiration—whether you’re seeking classic pairings or exploring new horizons.

Photo by Zachary Kadolph on Unsplash