Ronan Sayburn, Master Sommelier and Head of Wine at 67 Pall Mall, shares his top pairing recommendations with selections from Gusbourne, producer of the finest English sparkling wines.
Guest blog by Ronan Sayburn, Master Sommelier
Sparkling wines can be just as perfect a pairing with food as still wines, and with Gusbourne's range of sparkling and still options available, there is more choice than ever before to pair with your Christmas meal.

Rosé 2016

Festive canapés are perfect for Rosé, such as blinis topped with a small amount of cream cheese or sour cream and a slice of smoked salmon. If you're feeling particularly indulgent, top with a quarter teaspoon of caviar. Sparkling Rosé pairs well with salmon and the salty tang of the caviar will marry with the wine's natural acidity.

Brut Reserve 2016

A good aperitif-style wine, serve with a selection of cheese straws as canapés, perhaps anchovy as the salty flavour matches with the acidity in the wine and the lactic rich flavours of the cheese, preferably Emmental or Gruyère, will pair well. Overall, the warm pastry flavour and delicious aromas of the cheese straws will pair well with the autolytic brioche flavours of the 2016 vintage.

Blanc de Blancs 2014/2015

I always think the natural freshness and elegance of Chardonnay goes very well with the clean, saline flavours of raw oysters – the fresh minerality and creaminess pairs well with a maturing Blanc de Blancs.

Blanc de Noirs 2016

Richer and fuller flavours can be found in Blanc de Noirs, so this could be served as a main course wine. For vegetarians, a nut roast of pine nuts and macadamias with a cream and mushroom sauce would work very well.

Chardonnay Guinevere 2018

This would be a good match for a Christmas bird, either a good quality chicken served with a cream and tarragon sauce or a traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings.

Pinot Noir 2018

A Christmas bird with darker flesh would match well with the Pinot Noir. Think of duck or goose and serve with a fruit-based sauce such as spiced cherry or orange citrus.
Moor Hall are selling a strictly limited number of luxury hampers featuring a bottle of Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs and other festive delicacies.
To view Gusbourne's full online store: gusbourne.com