Tipples to enjoy this festive season

15th December 2022

Stuart Bond, restaurant manager and sommelier of more than 25 years at The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow, shares his favourite tipples to enjoy this festive season.

A SHOP SIP TO SAVOUR

PUIATTINO PINOT GRIGIO DOC 2021, 12.5% ABV
£10. tesco.com

From the motherland of pinot grigio, the Isonzo territory is an open window to the Mediterranean and continental winds. The result is a unique microclimate that provides balanced grapes rich in flavour and aroma. This wine is fresh, and steely with a touch of honeyed richness, making it a wonderful aperitif or perfect for Boxing Day cold cuts.

Works well with: Boxing Day cold cuts. Think charcuterie, a creamy cheese or poached salmon.
Serving temperature: 7-10°C

HIGH STREET TIPPLE

RIDGEWAY CAVENDISH BRUT ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE NV, 12% ABV
£30. marksandspencer.com

With England’s cool climate and northern latitude, Ridgeway’s is a long growing season which results in grapes with immense purity. The pinot dominance brings depth and complexity, whilst the chardonnay adds finesse and freshness. A rich golden colour with exceptionally fine bubbles and aromas and
flavours of red apple, brioche and redcurrant.
Works well with: An aperitif with canapés or with rich duck dishes or smoked fish.
Serving temperature: 6-10°C

PERFECTLY PAIRED - A TRADITIONAL ROAST TURKEY

The current traditional roast turkey dish on the Gallery Restaurant Menu at the Cavendish Hotel, created by executive chef Adam Harper, accompanied with pigs in blankets, fondant potato, seasonal vegetables and cranberry stuffing.

When pairing wines with turkey, remember, it is not a powerful meat. Turkey is a white meat and
has a low-fat content, which is why it can dry out if not cooked carefully.
A roast turkey dinner is often bursting with flavours and complexity - sides such as cranberry, bacon, parsnips, stuffing and Brussels sprouts are just some of the dishes vying for attention.
A white or red wine with medium to high levels of acidity should be able to cope with these
myriad flavours.

WINE MERCHANT'S CHOICE

CLINE LATE HARVEST MOURVÈDRE 2017, 14.5% ABV,
£18.50. hattersleywines.com

A family-owned winery in California’s Sonoma Heartland, this historic ranch overlooks
spring-fed ponds, and has breath-taking views over San Pablo Bay. Luxuriously sweet with layers of coffee, chocolate, blackberries and prunes which are beautifully balanced by a firm structure of acid and silky smooth tannins.
Works well with: A festive dessert like a traditional Christmas Pudding, richly chocolatey desserts or cheese.
Serving temperature: 13°C, slightly chilled to allow the aromas and flavours to open up.

THE CAVENDISH'S BEST

BIRD IN HAND NEST EGG CHARDONNAY 2017, 13% ABV
£85, cavendishbaslow.co.uk

Bird in Hand is a family-owned, world-renowned producer cultivating cool-climate artisan wines in South Australia. Each bottle from the Nest Egg range is individually numbered - only 3,648 bottles were produced. Balanced French oak has developed an impeccable depth and complexity. White nectarine,
pink grapefruit and white florals work together with cashew and vanilla bean with an acidity
giving freshness to the wine.
Works well with: Poultry dishes, like our traditional roast turkey dish, or beef.
Serving temperature: lightly chilled, 10-13°C.

How about joining us for dinner? Book a table at The Gallery Restaurant