What British Produce is in Season in December?

Your Christmas meal is likely to be one of the most local, sustainable and delicious meals you’ll have all year. British seasonal produce such as sprouts, cauliflower and potatoes are in their prime and your turkey Christmas dinner at the gastro pub might really be made from locally sourced ingredients.

There’s plenty of superb home grown meat available and apples, which are still relatively fresh from an autumn harvest are delicious baked or stewed.  Your cheese plate will naturally have British classics like Stilton, the smoked salmon may well be Scottish and the fizz at the party could just as easily be English Sparkling Wine as Champagne.  This is a time to celebrate December seasonal British produce so peel back the lid on the cream, leave the skin on the goose and drizzle the honey. Too indulgent? Offset the calories with a raw shredded sprout salad (California style).

Does Pinot Noir go with Turkey?

English Pinot Noir and turkey are great companions. Wines from the warmer 2018, 2020 and 2022 vintages will likely be fuller bodied and maybe have a little more oak.  Try Artelium 2022 Pinot Noir. This style of wine will stand up well to a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.  Pinot from the cooler years, such as 2019 and 2021 will be a little more delicate and could be overpowered by all the flavours on your plate. But … they will be a superb match for next day left overs, especially if you serve cold turkey with fruity chutney. Try Lyme Bay 2021 Pinot Noir.

What’s the best English white wine with Turkey?

Turkey is a lean meat, but it is often served with plenty of other rich ingredients so it needs a medium bodied white and in England that will mean Chardonnay, probably from the warmer 2018, 2020 or 2022 vintages.  Or from Essex, which is fast becoming recognised as the best county for ripe, fuller bodied wines.  The oaky notes of these wines are a superb match with bread sauce, buttery fried sprouts and creamy sauces.  Try Oastbrook 2022 Chardonnay or Missing Gate 2021 Pinot Blanc.

Best Christmas breakfast and English wine pairing

For a stand out Christmas breakfast go for eggs benedict and a glass of English Sparkling Wine. The combination of the two creates an “umami synergy” that really makes the flavours sing.  If you don’t fancy cooking again but want a similar taste vibe, crack open a bottle of fizz (especially one with a little more residual sugar) and serve with marmite on toast. See our full range of English Sparkling Wine. Still not sure? Try Greyfriars NV Cuvee, it’s the best value English Sparkling Wine in the country.