Out Of The Bottle
With David Ellis
Christmas Food and Wine Preparation
Its that time of year when we decide what will be the feature of
this year’s Christmas table, and to help with your decision-making
about the wines to go with your choices, we asked our wine writer David
Ellis for his ideas as to just what goes best with what.
Christmas
Morning Brunch is becoming increasingly popular amongst Australians,
David says, and to match creamy scrambled eggs and smoked salmon try a
Handpicked Wines’ delightfully “spritzy” Moscato d’Asti from Italy
($25,) or a great Aussie-made Chandon Cuvee Riche bubbly at $39.95.
Pre-lunch
or dinner platters call for more bubblies, and great value is Eternity
Sparkling Dolcetto from Bill Calabria’s Westend Wines (just $10.95),
the always-rewarding Hardys Sir James Brut de Brut ($15) or a
cracker-jack House of Arras Brute Elite ($55.)
Turkey, whether
hot or as a cold salad, is always all the more enjoyable with a good
red: for a break from the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, try it this
year with an Aussie-made Pinot Noir – Lerida Estate’s “Cullerin” 2009
from the Canberra District at $35 is really beaut value; if you prefer
a white, don’t look past Hardys Oomoo Chardonnay ($18.50) while Chandon
Sparkling Pinot Shiraz ($29) is a delightfully rewarding “sparkling
red.”
Duck will be a tasty alternative to turkey for many, and
to match we suggest a choice red: try the exceptional Tim Adams 2006
The Fergus (Grenache) ($27,) or equally-rewarding Borrodell 2006 Pinot
Noir ($38.)
Seafood could soon be Australia’s No 1 Christmas
favourite and whites are the perfect match: we recommend Wicks 2011
Sauvignon Blanc ($18,) Climbing Pinot Gris 2011 at $21, or Leasingham
Classic Clare Riesling ($40.)
If a BBQ's your choice, match
sizzling beef or lamb with reds: try the more-ish Amberley Secret Lane
Cabernet Merlot ($19.99,) outstanding 2009 Limited Release Heathcote
Shiraz ($29.90) or exceptional Katnook Estate 2009 Merlot ($40.)
CHRISTMAS PUDD:
What else but Lillypilly Noble Blend 2008 “sticky” dessert wine
($22.50,) Westend 3 Bridges Golden Mist Botrytis ($22,) a pink
Ballabourneen 2011 Sparkling Moscato ($26) or Hardys Tall Ships Tawny
Port ($9.00?)
CHEESE PLATTERS: Bay of Fires Tasmanian Cuvee Brut ($31.50) or Brown Brothers 2006 Paticia Noble Riesling ($35.90)
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