The “What Food, What Wine?” awards were held last week with the most topical category being Christmas. The great thing about this competition is the under £10 option, so those on a budget don’t have to suffer.

 

A Luis Felipe Edwards Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011 came in as a match for the smoked salmon. Judges said it “dances with the rich oilness of the salmon. “ It is a tangy Chilean wine that can be found at Asda for £4.50.

Another South American white won with Turkey and Sage Stuffing. Chardonnay Reserva Vina Mar 2010, from the Casablanca region of Chile, got a five-star best match award with it’s tropical fruit flavours and hint of oak. Judges said “It adds a richness to the turkey, not overpowering the meat but adding a mouthwatering succulence to the food.” You can buy this wine direct from Corney & Barrow for £8.95. http://www.corneyandbarrow.com

 

I find Christmas pudding to be one of the hardest to match with wine. Especially if the pudding already has a rum sauce, then I choose a coffee or tea instead of the alcoholic option. However, the judges did find a tasty wine that doesn’t make you feel like your breath alone could power a petrol engine. Torres Moscatel Oro Floralis, Catalunya, Spain is a delicate wine with enough sweetness to match the dessert with out making it too heavy.  It’s £9.99 at http://www.majestic.co.uk

Unfortunately there was no under £10 option to match with Stilton. Judges chose a Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny NV from Australia. It has classic fruit flavours of a fortified wine with hints of marmalade.  “A perfect foil to the intense saltiness of the cheese.” But it is also your most expensive at £23.95 from Harrods.

 

• Don’t forget this Saturday, 8 Dec, 3 – 6pm
pop by the Oxford Wine Company on Botley Road for their Winter Spirits Fair. They will taste a range of spirits especially suited to the cold weather and dark nights! This is a free event with a 10 per cent discount on spirits and liqueurs purchased that day. For more information contact lee@oxfordwine.co.uk