Whether your celebration is Christmas, Hanukkah, summer holidays or raising a glass to the end of 2020, it's a special time worthy of a dive into the cellar to dust off the 'good' stuff. Drinks Trade Online spoke to Australia and New Zealand's top winemakers to reveal what the experts will crack open this festive season.
Katherine Brown, Brown Family Wine Group
This Christmas I am drinking light and fresh style reds, think a young Nero d'Avola, Gamay or a slightly chilled Pinot Noir. These wines that have not seen time in oak, are full of red berry and fruit freshness, perfect match with our family tradition of duck confit on Christmas eve. My wine of choice: Innocent Bystander 2020 Nero d'Avola.
Richard Mattner, Pepperjack Wines
We'll start Christmas Day with a Pepperjack Sparkling Shiraz with brunch (pancakes with fresh fruit and cream), then with the main meal - roast turkey with roast potato and veggies – we'll open an old Wolf Blass Black label from the cellar and Pepperjack Grenache. Homemade apple crumble for dessert with a Wynns Pedro or a glass of Mr Pickwick Tawny, delicious!
Steph Dutton, Penfolds Wines
Spending time with friends and family will be appreciated that little bit more this year as the festive season rolls around, and RWT is often shared due to its opulence and aromatic allure. Memories are made, occasions are marked, and generosity is plentiful.
Sue Hodder, Wynns Wines
I look forward to enjoying one of my favourite pairings this Christmas – our 2018 Wynns Black Label Shiraz with BBQ prawns and a chilli ginger sauce.
Spring Timlin, Squealing Pig
For Christmas lunch, we'll be sharing New Zealand Paua, thinly sliced and flash-fried with butter, served with fresh rocket and a squeeze of lemon. This wine matches perfectly with the Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc, with its bright citrus characters, and balanced acidity – delightfully refreshing on a summer's day!
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