Beef Wellington and Wine for Your Christmas Feast

Choose Quality Ingredients

• Beef Fillet: Opt for center-cut beef fillet for even cooking and a tender texture.
• Mushroom Duxelles: Use a combination of finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and fresh herbs sautéed in butter until golden.
• Puff Pastry: Choose high-quality all-butter puff pastry for a flaky, golden crust.

Preparation Steps

1. Sear the Beef: Sear the beef fillet on high heat to lock in juices. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Wrap with Prosciutto and Duxelles: Spread the mushroom duxelles onto a layer of prosciutto, then wrap it around the seared beef.
3. Encase in Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry, wrap it around the beef, and seal the edges tightly.
4. Bake to Perfection: Brush with egg wash and bake at 200°C for about 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef reaches your desired doneness.

Rest Before Serving

• Allow the Wellington to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to ensure the juices redistribute evenly.

Spier Creative Block 5 2021

A true symphony of a wine, with Bordeaux varietals led by Cabernet Sauvignon achieving a perfect, rousing harmony.

Why It Works: This Bordeaux-style blend brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varieties to create a bold and harmonious wine. Its firm tannins and black fruit flavors pair beautifully with the beef and buttery pastry.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet edges.
• Aroma: Blackcurrant, blackberry, and hints of cedar and tobacco.
• Palate: Full-bodied with structured tannins, flavors of black fruit, plum, and a subtle spice finish.

Serving Recommendation: Decant for 30-60 minutes and serve at 16-18°C to fully develop its complex bouquet.

Price: £23.05

Wakefield Masterstroke McLaren Vale Shiraz 2019

Exceptional red wine crafted in McLaren Vale, showcasing the region's rich winemaking tradition.

Why It Works: This Shiraz offers the boldness and richness needed to complement the beef, while its hints of spice and dark fruit enhance the earthy mushroom duxelles.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Intense dark purple with inky depth.
• Aroma: Aromas of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, and a touch of black pepper.
• Palate: Lush and velvety with flavors of plum, cassis, and spicy oak, finishing long and smooth.

Serving Recommendation: Serve slightly below room temperature (16-18°C) and decant for at least 30 minutes to allow the wine to breathe.

Price: £26.05

Finca Ferrer Colección 1310 mts. Block A6 Malbec 2017

A true symphony of a wine, with Bordeaux varietals led by Cabernet Sauvignon achieving a perfect, rousing harmony.

Why It Works: This high-altitude Malbec from Argentina is rich and opulent, with dark fruit flavors and a touch of minerality. It pairs wonderfully with the beef and the flaky pastry’s buttery notes.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Deep violet with ruby highlights.
• Aroma: Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, and hints of violet and cocoa.
• Palate: Full-bodied with ripe tannins and layers of blackberry, plum, and mocha, finishing with a minerally freshness.

Serving Recommendation: Decant for 30 minutes and serve at 16-18°C to unlock its full depth.

Price: £31.25