Festive food pairing

Christmas is approaching increasingly rapidly, so we thought we'd give you a head start with our series of Christmas wine blogs! From gift ideas to pairings for the big day, we've got you covered. Today, we're kicking things off with pairings for Christmas dinner seafood starters!

There are countless options to choose from, but white and sparkling wines are particularly well-suited to complement the delicate flavours of a lot of seafood. In this article, we will explore three outstanding choices: adventurous Assyrtiko, classic Chablis, and iconic Champagne.

Adventurous

For those seeking an exotic and different pairing, our Château Oumsiyat 'Cuvée Membliarus' Assyrtico is the perfect choice. Although the grape variety hails from Santorini in Greece, this wine is produced in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Its subtle aromas of white fruit and flinty mineral tones are framed by a delicate floral character. Linear on the palate with crisp acidity and citrus notes and a wonderfully mouthwatering finish. Matched with seafood starters such as oysters or grilled prawns, it will add a refreshing zing to enhance the delicate flavours of the dish. The mineral, saline undertones gracefully complement the brininess of the seafood, creating a match made in heaven.

Classic

If you prefer a more classic and timeless option, look no further than Domaine Jean Goulley & Fils 'Montmains' Chablis 1er Cru. This masterpiece from the famous Chablis district of Burgundy exudes elegance with its lean profile and complex minerality. Its vibrant acidity and flavours of green apple and citrus fruit pair harmoniously with seafood such as smoked salmon or scallops. It is beautifully balanced, pure and round, crisp enough to cut through any richness in the seafood, cleansing the palate and leaving a salivating, lingering finish.

Iconic

We cannot discuss wine and seafood without mentioning the iconic option of Champagne, as exemplified by both the Saffron Grange Classic Cuvée from Essex, and the Collet 'Art Deco' 1er Cru Brut NV. Synonymous with celebration and luxury, these effervescent delights combine elegance and liveliness in each sip. The fine bubbles, toasty notes and gentle fruit notes of floral citrus and baked apple match divinely with seafood options such as shrimp cocktail or crab cakes. The creamy textures of these starters are beautifully balanced by the wines' acidity, fizz and refined complexity, resulting in a pairing that is both indulgent and uplifting.

Whatever you choose, these wines are worth experimenting with to find the perfect match for your taste preferences, and will elevate your seafood starters to new heights with a touch of class. Cheers to a merrily delectable Christmas!