FOOD + DRINK
A PERFECT MATCH ! CONT .
Exquisite matches for Christmas Day lunch and dinner
Owner of Yotes Court ( www . yotescourt . co . uk ) Susannah Ricci , recommends the Maidstone-based vineyard ’ s On the Nod Bacchus 2020 as a Christmas meal wine . ‘ It is such a versatile crisp , dry , white wine and therefore ideal to serve with your Christmas dinner , whatever your food of choice might be ,’ she says . ‘ The citrus zestiness is a sensational companion for a starter of smoked salmon , cuts through the richness of the main course and adores the saltiness of Kentish blue cheese to end the meal .’
Only made when the finest parcels of pinot noir deliver the fruit that gives it its richly intense depth of flavour , Gusbourne Vineyard ’ s Blanc de Noirs 2018 ( www . gusbourne . com / wines / blanc-de-noirs ) is a stunning match with robust , umami flavours and therefore perfect to serve up with Christmas Day roast turkey with all the trimmings , or roast guinea fowl .
Head development chef , Simon Howlett at Faversham-based brewery Shepherd Neame also gave us his Christmas Day recommendation : ‘ Our Christmas Ale is the perfect tipple for the festive season . Able to accompany Christmas meals of all kinds , its rich , smooth taste complements turkey , pigs in blankets , and plant-based alternatives . Made from a trio of Kentish hops combined to offer a fragrant hoppy aroma and fruity palate , this full-bodied ale can also be paired with Christmas treats such as rich chocolate desserts , and cheeseboards at the end of the meal .’
Victoria Aldwinckle from Kent Wine School ( www . kentwineschool . com ) recommended Chartham Vineyard ’ s ( www . charthamvineyard . co . uk ) Pinot Noir 2018 as a light alternative to a heavy red wine with your Christmas dinner . This wine pairs beautifully with charcuterie , roasted duck breast and pork . It ’ s also a stunning wine with cheese as the acidity and lightness of the wine cuts through the creaminess of soft cheeses really well . The Cheese Shop Tunbridge Wells ( www . thecheeseshoptw . co . uk ) Tunworth or Baron Bigod would be delicious with a glass .’
Boxing Day bliss and leftovers heaven
Gusbourne Rosé 2017 ( www . gusbourne . com / wines / rose ), with its palate of bright red fruits and a creamy rounded finish , is an elegant wine that would pair wonderfully with a vegan Boxing Day coconut curry of roasted parsnips and butternut squash . Gusbourne ’ s Chardonnay Guinevere 2019 ( www . gusbourne . com / wines / chardonnayguinevere ) with notes of ripe citrus , green apple and lemon balm also makes a sublime match with comforting Boxing Day dishes like kedgeree or salmon fishcakes .
Turners Medium-Dry Cider ( www . turnerscider . co . uk ) is a beautifully balanced , crisp , wine-like cider . Turners say : ‘ the complex fruit flavours are flawlessly balanced , and it has a delicate light sparkle that brings joy to the tastebuds . Pairing perfectly therefore with spicy food , it is a supreme accompaniment to your Boxing Day curry .’
Maidstone-based Musket Brewery ’ s ( www . musketbrewery . co . uk ) Trigger Pale Ale is another great match to a spicy curry . For a punchier , aromatic pairing , swap for Musket ’ s seasonal Flash in the Pan green-hop beer .
New Year ’ s Eve delights - start the year right !
Canterbury-based Simpsons Wine ( www . simpsonswine . com ) suggested that their Flint Fields Blanc de Noirs 2017 : ‘ Exemplifies English finesse , working as the ultimate decadent drop to toast your yuletide soirées . With a golden hue and a fine , persistent bead , this wine has a luxurious vanilla and fine pastry nose . On the palate it is elegant and poised , with poached pear and generous red fruit flavours harmoniously married with hints of almond croissant and wonderful savoury nuances . It is bone dry and has a smooth , elegant finish .’ A superb Christmas showstopper , this would be a delectable accompaniment to canapés and hors-d ’ oeuvre to welcome the new year in .
Made in Faversham , Kent Cider Company ’ s Spiced Cider ( www . kentcider . co . uk / product / spiced ) is ideal for party guests with a sweet tooth . ‘ Lightly infused with warming spices of fresh ginger , cinnamon , star anise and cloves , our Spiced Cider is beautifully balanced and can be enjoyed in so many ways . Try it warmed gently in the pan and then add a shot of dark rum or pour over ice with slices of fresh orange .’
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