Festive pairings for red wines this Christmas
Winter inspires cosy nights in front of the fire and we tend to lean to fuller, richer wines, often reds. We love to embrace the spice of Syrah and Grenache wines at this time of year- they are versatile wines, pairing with so many foods, and can withstand the myriad flavours of the Christmas season.
Read on for some recommendations to make your shared moments with family or friends even better this Christmas, with a glass of your favourite Laurent Miquel wines.
Château Cazal Viel Vieilles Vignes, St-Chinian
St-Chinian red wines are usually a blend of Syrah and Grenache and this wine also has 2% Mourvèdre which adds structure and freshness. Syrah is known for its bold black fruit, pepper, and earthy flavours, while Grenache adds a white pepper touch and softer red fruits making the wine a versatile option for food and many complex flavours. Our favourite pairings include:
Anything with smoky or grilled flavours: Syrah’s smoky and meaty qualities shine with barbecue, charred vegetables, or dishes like grilled lamb chops.
With peppery or spiced sauces: Think steak au poivre or dishes with mild chilli heat. The pepper aspect of Grenache and Syrah will complement these spicy elements.
With sweet-and-savoury glazes: The ripe fruitiness of this wine complements dishes with honey, balsamic reductions, or cranberry sauce (for the season that’s in it!).
Tomato-based sauces: GSM works well with dishes like ratatouille, pasta with marinara sauce, or roasted vegetables with thyme and rosemary.
Make at Home: Roasted pork loin with a cranberry glaze or Moroccan lamb with preserved lemon and olives. There couldn’t be a better pairing than a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy and all the vegetables – the structure and spicy notes of this wine stand up well to the smorgasbord of flavours.
Lieu-dit, Bardou, St-Chinian (Syrah-Grenache)
Bardou is a single site (lieu-dit) situated just above the hill in front of Château Cazal Viel. This small plot of very old vines gives wines of great concentration and structure. 45% aged in new French oak for 12 months which adds complexity and a toasty richness to the black fruits and spicy notes.
Make at Home: Braised short ribs with a black pepper jus or a ratatouille with lots of black pepper and fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano).
What to avoid? Lightly flavoured foods or creamy, subtle sauces can feel overwhelmed by the bold flavours of this wine, so avoid delicate dishes. Overly bitter greens can also clash with the soft fruity flavours of this wine.
Solas Pinot Noir, Reserve IGP Pays d'Oc
Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape and can be hard to grow, owing to its sensitivity to climate. It doesn't like it to be too hot, too cold, too dry or too windy... it's a Goldilocks grape! We source half of the fruit from St-Chinian, giving warm, black fruit flavours, while the rest comes from Limoux, which is a slightly cooler area, giving red fruits and an elegant structure.
Make at Home: Solas Pinot Noir is a great wine for your festive gathering, pairing particularly well with mixed platters of charcuterie, cheese, olives and other tapas. Pinot Noir also makes a great pairing to duck or, for the vegetarians, mushroom risotto.
What to avoid? This is a more delicate wine, which could be overpowered by richly-flavoured stews or casseroles.
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