There is no time of the year quite like Christmas, not many other days begin with Champagne breakfasts, followed by a steady march of food and booze throughout the day. There is much to consider when planning for the day; wether to go traditional with a 3 course turkey dinner or shake things up with something unorthodox, you may also have fussy grandchildren to think of and formidable in-laws to impress. 

All of this before even getting to the wine! Do not fear that is where we have you covered. Christmas can be a wine lovers nightmare, so many dishes and so many people to think of where do you even start?!

We are going to take you through a Christmas line up of incredible wines that pair perfectly with whatever festive feast you decide to present on the day, hopefully giving you more time to enjoy the holiday season.

First things first, Christmas Fizz Edouard Brun Cuvée Speciale Brut NV - Edouard Brun is a small, family-owned Champagne House in the revered Grand Cru village of Aÿ. Founded in 1898, the House has stepped out of the shadow of history in recent years, evolving from a very traditional approach to a modern and fruit-driven style. The wines are all the better for it. 

The surprising richness and depth of the Cuvée Speciale comes from the fact that it was partially fermented in old oak. The addition of the Pinot Noir gives the wine elegance and red fruit intensity, whereas the Pinot Meunier adds expressive, lively aromatics and interest to the blend.

If you would prefer to stay local we have a fantastic selection of Sussex sparkling wines including Everflyht Cuvee Brut NV

The Everflyht Brut NV reflects the current estates planting which combines Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier; Hand-picked from their single estate vineyard in Hassocks and created in a low intervention method while using steel, new and old oak to bring the best from each variety and block. Fresh and generous complexity in style, this traditional method wine has been aged for 20 months on the lees bringing a robust depth with a lasting elegance to the wine.

We think both of these would be an unforgettable way to kick off your festive day.

Now for the all important Christmas dinner - If you are going for a classic turkey dinner then you’ll want a classic pairing and there is not much better than a good quality Chardonnay.

Pouilly Fuisse Terroir Jean Pierre Seve 2020 - The Chardonnay grape variety, in this terroir vintage, reaches a pure and clear expression where in you may find the Solutré minerality all wrapped up in Pouilly's fatness. It’s colour offers some golden-yellow reflections. This wine expresses fresh acidity and zesty, ripe citrus flavours of lemon and lime, white flowers and pear sherbet on the palate. It is super juicy and round with subtle oak hints on the finish. Not too intense for a succulent turkey but with plenty of character for the sweeter, earthy veg elements on the plate.

If you prefer a bit more colour to your wine then Pinot Noir is the ultimate Christmas wine bright red fruit and subtle tannins, they pair wonderfully with a variety of food especially when made well with their iconic earthy mushroom elements..

Dog Point Pinot Noir 2019

One of the largest organic producers in New Zealand that also producers some of the best Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir. The owners have been making wine in the region for many years and James Healy, one of the founders, was pivotal in the progression of Cloudy bay. The similarities to Burgundy are uncanny, with a small portion of grapes going into whole bunch fermentation (25%) which spends a total of 18 months in oak (30% new). Burgundy with a new world touch, bright fruit, dried herbs and amazing texture, enough complexity to compliment the full line up on the plate.

Now if you’re going the unconventional route and preparing your food with a focus on vegetables with a more earthy and herbal palate we have that covered too.

Cotes du Rhone Domaine Lafond Roc Epine 2020 - Made from local grapes grenache and syrah the robust flavours of southern French reds work really well with the intensely savoury flavours of a nut roast or veggie focused dinners. From organic farming, this Côtes du Rhône red AOP 2020 from Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine comes from a stony and clay-limestone soil for one plot, sandy and rolled pebbles for the second. Domaine Lafond wants to bring freshness and good fruitiness to a powerful wine from the Rhône Valley.

Then finally to end the chaos with something silky, smooth and warming

Niepoort Ruby Dum - From Portuguese wine guru Dirk Niepoort, Ruby Dum is classically foot trodden and fermented in granite lagares, then aged in large old vats in the cool cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. Dominated by red cherries and plums with great freshness, serve it slightly chilled to keep things uplifted.  The perfect way to end your festive celebrations and a great pairing with a cacophony of cheeses or some Christmas pudding.

We hope this helps take some of the stress out of your day and allows you to relax and celebrate!

Merry Christmas from Team Butler!