Turkey and Wine for Your Christmas Feast

1. Choose the Right Size
   Plan for about 500g per person, which allows for generous servings and some leftovers for Boxing Day sandwiches.
2. Prepare with a Brine
   Soaking your turkey in a saltwater brine (optionally with aromatics like rosemary, thyme, garlic, and orange peel) for 12-24 hours ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
3. Butter Under the Skin
   Before roasting, loosen the skin and spread herbed butter underneath. This adds flavour and keeps the meat moist.
4. Cook It Right
   Roast the turkey at 180°C (fan) or 200°C (conventional) for about 20 minutes per kg, plus an additional 90 minutes for stuffing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 75°C.
5. Let It Rest
   Rest the turkey for 30 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender.

Daniel-Etienne Defaix Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2020

Crisp, refined Chardonnay from the classic Kimmeridgian soils of Chablis.

Why It Works: With its cool-climate precision, a chalky minerality and firm acidity, this Chablis cleanses the palate after a rich turkey meal and its trimmings, while carving through buttery sides and herb-laden stuffing.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Bright pale gold with subtle green reflections, showing excellent clarity and slow, fine legs.
• Aroma: Elegant and pure nose of lemon zest, green apple and pear, layered with white blossom, wet stone and a faint touch of honey from bottle ageing.
• Palate: Crisp and linear with lively citrus fruit and chalky minerality. The texture builds gracefully, revealing notes of almond and saline freshness on a long, precise finish.

Serving Recommendations: Chill to approx 8-10 °C and serve in a white Bordeaux or narrow white bowl glass. Let it warm slightly to release more texture.

Price: £29.35

Black Cottage Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020

A classic fresh and flinty Chablis. Crisp, deft and well-balanced.

Why It Works: Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of turkey and gravy, while its soft tannins balance the cranberry sauce's sweetness. Dishes like stuffing, roasted parsnips, or even Brussel sprouts gain an extra dimension when paired with the wine's earthy undertones.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Light ruby-red with great transparency.
• Aroma: Elegant and soft, featuring thyme, savory nuances, red cherries, black plums, and roses.
• Palate: Moderate weight with flavors mirroring the bouquet—dark red cherry and raspberry dominate. Moderate tannins with a fine chalky texture, medium-plus acidity, and a balanced, lengthy finish.

Serving Recommendations: Decanting before serving can enhance its aromatic profile and flavor complexity.

Price: £16.95

Greywacke Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024

A modern, expressive Sauvignon Blanc with fruit-drive, texture and freshness.

Why It Works: This wine's bright tropical fruit, lime zest and herbaceous lift mirror elements of a roast turkey dinner (think herb-stuffing, roast vegetables, cranberry sauce) while its crisp acidity gives a lively contrast to creamy sauces and roast gravy.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Pale straw with silvery highlights and youthful brightness.
• Aroma: Expressive bouquet of passionfruit, lime leaf and gooseberry, intertwined with elderflower, lemongrass and a hint of wet river stone.
• Palate: Vibrant and juicy with layers of tropical fruit, grapefruit and herbal tones. The mouthfeel is supple yet crisp, finishing zesty and refreshing with a lingering citrus-mineral note.

Serving Recommendations: Serve well chilled (about 7-9 °C) in a white wine glass. Great with slices of turkey, dressing, sautéed greens and a splash of cranberry sauce.

Price: £22.95