Mark’s Christmas Feast of Food & Wine

I shall start my day with my wife and two children (both in their twenties) all on the same bed opening our stocking presents before enjoying Inverawe smoked trout and scrambled eggs – alongside my favourite Piacenza Italian coffee that we have been serving in the small coffee area that we have created in our Overton shop. After a small glass of Valdespino 1842 Oloroso Sherry (£42/£24 bottle/half) we shall head down to Winchester Cathedral for their main Christmas service, and enjoy the beautifully sung carols in quite the finest Hampshire setting.

Lunch will be a light picnic affair with more smoked trout alongside our favourite Camille Saves Carte Blanche 1er Cru Champagne (£30/bottle) that my son and I discovered travelling through the region six years ago. After a couple of card games of ‘sevens’ we shall listen to the Queen’s speech before heading over to my parents nearby with other members of my family.

My wine eyes have been set on some bottles that we have just acquired of an amazing rich sweet and complex Vouvray Moelleux Moriette Pichot 1990 (£40). We have 6 bottles in each of our two shops – and I know this wine will be totally amazing alongside a small dollop of foie gras or rich smoked game. I like to drink both red and white with the turkey – and it is almost impossible to improve on Domaine Cheveau Pouilly-Fuissé Les Trois Terrois 2015 (£22), an unctuous white Burgundy from a faultless vintage. For the red I like a big Pinot Noir for Christmas – and our customers are really enjoying Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2013 (£26) from Waipara, New Zealand. Dark and concentrated with berries, mocha and spice on the palate. I very much doubt there will be any left in our shops for me. At a more restrained budget you have to try Miroglio Soli Pinot Noir 2014 (£11.95) from Thracia Valley, Bulgaria. It tastes like a decent £20 Burgundy.

Something sweet with the pudding? Sauternes if you must, of which we have plenty, but why not simply chill a bottle of 20 Year Old Krohn Tawny Port (£34). It is quite compelling with layers of salted almonds, raisins, liquorice and spice. It will leave an indelible memory on your Christmas Day and ensure that your conversation for the remainder of the day will be of little interest to your loved ones around the table.

Mark Bedford

All these wines can still be bought from our two shops until close of play Christmas Eve (4pm Overton / 1pm Newlyns).

Happy Christmas from us all at Caviste. Thank you for making our 2016 such a fun and successful year.


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