Turkey Tips for Christmas

We are often asked for suggestions on matching wines for various food dishes and I thought I would post some suggestions for the Christmas Turkey meal.


The good (and bad) thing about the traditional Christmas Turkey roast is that it comes in so many variations that we can really select from a range of wines. Turkey itself can be quite bland but by the time we add stuffing, gravy, cranberry or mint sauce we start to get all sorts of dominant flavours. My guess is that you know what you like with your Turkey so select a wine style that you like to go with it.


I asked our Sales Manager, Lee Watson, to share his suggestions for the dinner table this Christmas and here is what he recommends.

White Wine
A good dry white wine with fuller body and good fruit will compliment the turkey roast nicely. My first choice would be a good Chardonnay like the Antonin Rodet, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru, Cave Privee 2006 from Burgundy (HK$725).

For something in a more moderate price range I would suggest something from the Rhone Valley like Domaine La Roquete, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2008 (HK$300) or Chateau des Tours, Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2005 (HK$220).

If you like a bit of extra cranberry sauce on the side then you will like an Alsace wine with lots of fruit like Domaine Marcel Deiss' Pinot Blanc 2004 (HK$210).




Red Wine
The obvious choice is something that is not going to dominate the meal but still has nice fruit and balance. Head straight to Burgundy for a Pinot Noir like the Beaune 1er Cru, Les Champs Pimont 2006 from Domaine Jacques Prieur (HK$405).


An alternative choice can add a bit of excitement to the meal like a New Zealand Forrest Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2006 (HK$210).




Champagne
There are very few occasions or meals that can't benefit from a great glass of bubbles. Christmas is a time to dig into the pocket and spoil yourself with something special. Try Krug's Grand Cuvee NV (HK$1,030) or a nice vintage Dom Perignon 2000 (HK$950).



Impress your family and friends at Christmas with the perfect wine for your gathering.


Dean Aslin
Marketing Manager

(For more wine information and a full list of Christmas Specials go to http://www.saveurs.com.hk/)