98 FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE
CHRISTMAS WINE
Berry Bros . & Rudd experts introduce top picks and special format wines for Christmas
London fine wine and spirits merchant , Berry Bros . & Rudd , is the favourite destination for a memorable bottle for gifting or enjoying during the Christmas season . The festive period is the perfect time to drink something special , and Berry Bros . & Rudd ’ s fine wine experts are on hand to suggest the best wine matches , introduce special format wines and recommend pairings for these celebratory moments .
Champagne : Leclerc Briant
Davy Zyw , Senior Fine Wine Buyer says : “ Leclerc Briant make some of the most sought after , and most characterful Champagnes . Made from organic vineyards , using the houses ’ pioneering biodynamic practices , their flagship Brut Reserve is full of texture , layered with flavour and woven with the finest mousse . This jeroboam will bring theatre , and a sprinkle of magic to Christmas Day .”
Leclerc Briant are one of Champagne ’ s most innovative producers . Organic and biodynamic , they are “ trailblazers through and through ,”, says Zyw .
The Réserve Brut is a blend of 40 % Pinot Noir , 40 % Pinot Meunier and 20 % Chardonnay , selected from Premier and Grand Cru villages . It has delicious notes of citrus , green apple , apricot and almond , with a hint of salinity .
Double Magnum / Jeroboam ( 300cl ): £ 250
Champagne : Berry Bros . & Rudd Champagne by Mailly , Grand Cru , Brut
Davy Zyw , Senior Fine Wine Buyer says : “ Our beloved ‘ United Kingdom Cuvée ’ has been the centrepiece of our Champagne range and our dining tables for decades . A delicious blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the north-facing Grand Cru vineyards in the village of Mailly , this Champagne foams white gold in the glass , the palate is wrapped in white stone fruit and toasted brioche notes and will inject delight to any festive occasion .”
Sourced from the prestigious Grand Cru village of Mailly and benefiting from more than three years of ageing , our Own Selection Champagne is a classic blend of 75 % Pinot Noir and 25 % Chardonnay . There is brioche and flowers on the nose , and an elegant palate that marries notes of lemongrass , gingerbread and honeysuckle .
Bottle ( 75cl ): £ 32 , Magnum ( 150cl ): £ 70
White : 2018 Bourgogne Blanc , Clos-du- Château , Domaine de Montille
Adam Bruntlett , Senior Buyer says : “ For me , nothing says Christmas like white Burgundy . This is one of the best examples , coming from a vineyard planted in the grounds of Château de Puligny-Montrachet . Mineral and fresh but with lovely ripe peach fruit , this is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed throughout the meal alongside smoked salmon , ham , turkey and even a cheeseboard . Personally , I would enjoy a glass or two on its own on Christmas Eve .”
This comes from the five hectares immediately in front of the château , a park until it was planted in 1986 . It ’ s classically Puligny in style , with flinty reduction and a pure , floral , citrus profile . Drink 2021-2026 .
Bottle ( 75cl ): £ 29.95
THE ART OF LUXURY Issue 55 2022