Top tipples to suit your festive feast

WILL the economic climate have a bearing on your choice of wines this festive period? Let’s face it, we all like to ‘push the boat out’ at Christmas with a special wines to match those beautifully-prepared dishes, but do we stay with the tried and tested, or plump for something a little different?

I’m guessing your traditional starter might include smoked salmon, or seafood or vegetarian tapas – so which wine to choose? Take smoked fish. Why not attempt a twice baked smoked fish souffle and match with a refreshing Picpoul de Pinet – Sel et de Sable (£12.60)? This is an ancient appellation from the Mediterranean. Its fresh style is a great match for many dishes and will satisfy the ‘I only drink white wine’ brigade a treat.

Moving onto the next course… ham, turkey, or perhaps a roasted vegetable tarte-tatin, or a funky nut roast – all can have plenty of flavour so a white or red will fit the bill. My choice would be a pair of English wines – Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve White (£12.59) or Lyme Bay Pinot Noir (£26.99) – both have enough ‘oomph’ to be a great match.

Cheese or pudding next? I always think ‘pudding first’ on Christmas Day, but with careful planning similar wines can suit both the sweet and the cheese.

I recommend a dessert wine from Hungary, an ancient wine-making country specialising in top-notch dessert styles. The region of Tokaji boasts lighter late harvest styles from the Mad region – or there’s the full-on marmalade richness of the unctuous honey-scented elixir from Chateau Pajzos (£35.99).

These wines also go brilliantly with English blue cheese, so do give them a try.

Alternatively a glass of port is always a treat, especially with traditional blue cheese. My choice is a chilled 10-year-old Tawny Port from the historic Krohn (£20), a great fortified wine that always delivers rich toffee, nuttiness and a brandy scent.

So, me hearties, I hope my suggestions will inspire you to think a tad differently this Christmas, without losing the wonderful traditions it always brings.