As everyone knows, ♫ Bird, Bird, Bird… Bird is the word! ♫
If you’re of a certain age and disposition, you’ll recognise the above line from a well-known song that’s (sung by ‘Peter G’) on a much-loved, hilarious, US TV show. If you don’t, then you’ve really missed out… check it out on YouTube… (You have heard of YouTube?)
2020 - It’s been a very long year and, now that December is here, the festivities are drawing near.
Most people will be thinking about whether it’ll be turkey again this year, or whether to go for a duck or goose. Personally, for me, it’s just got to be a traditional turkey dinner and all the trimmings. I don’t mind the “tiers” of a full roast on Christmas Day, followed by a second helping on Boxing Day, then moving to a turkey curry and, finally, turkey sandwiches at the end of the week. Anything leftover can always be frozen for further enjoyment in the New Year. A turkey, it’s forever giving pleasure to your taste-buds!
More important than the choice of which “bird” to roast is the wine to go with it. I’m firmly of the belief that, if you like it, then you should drink it on this once-a-year, special occasion. There’s no point in religiously following the latest trend, or using up any old bottle you happen to have around the house. It’s probably the very same one you were given last Christmas by a distant relative who only knows that you “drink wine”, so anything goes!
For a really traditional match, I’d always go for Burgundy . Some would say, “No, it must be Bordeaux”, or “Surely, it’s got to be Chateauneuf-du-Pape?” and, for those who can think of nothing other than the savoury, food-friendly wines of Tuscany, “What about a Chianti Classico?”, but sometimes you have to put your foot down and keep to tradition. Just go with the best quality wine you can afford.
Taking the Burgundy option, you aren’t restricted to only one style of wine. A mature, silky textured Pinot Noir will certainly dominate the reds, but a rich and buttery Chardonnay is an equally good choice if you prefer a white. Obviously, you should have bottles of both available. Check your “bubble” beforehand to see what people like with their turkey, but, don’t run out of either wine. That really would spoil your Christmas.
If you’re going to be more adventurous in your choice of “bird” and opt for duck, or goose, you could still stick with Burgundy wines, but with a few alternatives. Why not try a beautifully crisp and mineral Premier Cru Chablis (with sufficient acidity to balance the fattiness of duck and goose), or, if you prefer reds, a fruity, less tannic, Gamay-based wine from Beaujolais? Fleurie is probably the most popular choice, but I’d go for a Brouilly . It’s just me; I like to try something a bit off the beaten track!
Thankfully, here at Frazier’s, we’re classed as an essential (wines & spirits) supplier, so, if you want your Christmas to be a particularly “Merry” one, you’d be well advised to pick from some of our festive selections and special cases, or you could even give our friendly customer service team a call for help and more personal recommendations. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you picking your own favourite wine from the website at 2am in the morning (as long as it’s from Burgundy!)
Don’t forget, though, you’re still going to need some sparkling wine to start the party (English Nyetimber is brilliant value), a sweet pudding wine, or Port to go with the cheese course. If you’re going to check out all these as well as the Burgundy, you’ll be online until at least 3am… So many decisions to make… so little sleep.
Let Frazier’s help you make the best of Christmas 2020
View all of Frazier's Burgundy collection here View all our Christmas Burgundy "Bird" wines here Cheers!