ANDREA BRICARELLO
This Barolo from Aldo Conterno is an amazing expression of Monforte’s Nebbiolo; typical notes of ripe plums, dark cherries and undertones of roses and truffles. Earthy with firm tannins, it’s the perfect wine to celebrate the festive season.'
Andrea Bricarello, Head Sommelier, Galvin la Chapelle
ANDREA DOMENICUCCI
'The Asili vineyard in Barbaresco is known for the elegance, finesse and astonishing beauty of its wines. With time, the wines take on a rare personality and charm. This masterful example of Asili has been made by Bruno Giacosa since 1967.'
Andrea Domenicucci, Head Sommelier, Whatley Manor
BENOIT ALLAUZEN
'The festive season is synonymous with Champagne, and if I had to choose just one of them it would be the 2002 Brut by Artéis. The packaging is a classy black and gold. Disgorgement is quite recent so the wine is beautifully mature. Notes of dried figs, honey and biscuit; round and powerful; structured and elegant; long and lingering finish with plenty of nutty and buttery flavours. The perfect companion to wintery dishes and Christmas pudding - quite simply, a truly gastronomic Champagne.'
Benoit Allauzen, South Place Hotel
BRAD PACE
'I love the Domaine de la Cote wines. They bring Burgundy and California (my favourite regions) together is the most delicious way - smooth Pinot with velvety fruit and very well integrated oak. They are truly beautiful, well made wines - so much so that Bloom’s Field will be up there on my table with the turkey and pot of cranberry sauce this Christmas.'
Brad Pace, Sommelier, Purnell's
GUILLAUME KACZMAR
'Les Folatières is a 1er Cru of Puligny-Montrachet located on the same level of altitude and just a couple of hundred yards away from Montrachet Grand Cru. This very famous plot of mature vines gives Chardonnay of outstanding quality - elegant and generous. Domaine Chavy-Chouet's wine has delicious hints of honey and stone fruit, combined with a zesty, spicy touch - an elegant invitation to taste. It feels soft, with a creamy texture and a zesty finish, long, harmonious and lively. A real treat and a perfect pairing with the finest fish courses.'
Guillaume Kaczmar, Head Sommelier, L'Ortolan
LAURENT RICHET
'The wine I’ll be pouring on Christmas day is the Muscadet sur lie from Domaine des Cognettes. In France it is customary to enjoy platters of oysters at Christmas, and Muscadet is the perfect pairing. The intense minerality works magic with the seawater flavours, and the bracing acidity balances the acidity of the shallot and vinegar sauce we serve alongside it. This is what Christmas is all about for me – beautiful food and wine pairings shared with friends.'
Laurent Richet, Master Sommelier, Restaurant Sat Bains
PATRICK FRAWLEY
'One question all sommeliers are asked on a daily basis is 'what is your favourite wine?' which is somewhat like asking a parent which is their favourite child. This, however, is an easy question for me to answer: Champagne. I love Champagne. It is the great equaliser when it comes to the world of wine. You can know nothing about wine or be a Master Sommelier, but everyone enjoys a good glass of bubbles, and few make them better than Gosset. I love to start the Christmas celebration with good friends with a bottle of their NV Grande Réserve. Chardonnay leads the flavour profile, producing a full but rounded wine, perfect as an aperitif or to enjoy with canapés. Salmon roe bellinis are my favourite match. Enjoy.'
Patrick Frawley, Head Sommelier, Restaurant Story
SANDIA CHANG
'Egly-Ouriet’s Champagne always has the most elegant and expressive style, perfect for the festive season. The Tradition is a crowd-pleaser with its ripe baked fruit and nutty spiced ginger notes. It reminds me of warm waffles with yellow plum compote.'
Sandia Chang, Sommelier, Bubbledogs & Kitchen Table
TANGUY MARTIN
'Rich, mature, corpulent, and intense - Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a touch of Sauternes with your foie gras. Or with your dessert. Or even with your foie gras dessert. This 1989 Suduiraut offers great balance and exceptional sweetness.'
Tanguy Martin, Head Sommelier, La Trompette
