Page 40 - Oundle Life December 2023

The most common question of any independent wine merchant is about wine pairing – it’s the bread and butter of
what we do. We’re happy to help and we’ve got plenty of choice with a merry selection of over 900 different wines
on the shelves in our Oundle shops. Here’s what my ideal food and wine Christmas looks like this year:
I’ll be serving some kind of indulgent Pâté as a starter this Christmas, but whatever you choose, this wine is THE perfect all-rounder pairing. Retro prawn cocktail? Check. Shop bought canapés? Check. Classy smoked salmon? Check.
Chapoutier Bila Haut Blanc, France
Now £10.99 (Save £3)
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Is there a better way to kick off the day than
with a little sparkle? This is our own production English Sparkling wine so many of Amps team will be raising a glass of it this Christmas Day. Henners Native Grace Brut, England
£29.95
Buy 6 pay £24.95 each
FESTIVE
TIPPLES
Amps Wine Merchants
When it comes to pairing wine with the turkey, both white and
red will work... but it’s Christmas so why choose? For a white,
I’ll be serving this lightly oaked Chardonnay as it won’t
overpower the delicate flavour of the meat but will handle all
of the trimmings, including
those all-important pigs in blankets!
Vasse Felix Chardonnay, Australia
Now £15.99 (Save £5.51)
For a red, this
deliciously smooth and rich red from the Rhone Valley will pair beautifully with turkey.
Boutinot La Cote Sauvage Cairanne, France
Now £14.99 (Save £3)
Danielle Freer
Amps Wine Merchants
Oundle Wharf and
Oundle Market Place www.ampswinemerchants.co.uk
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without another round of food in the evening, so pour a glass of port to go with your cheeseboard... before falling asleep on the sofa!
(Top tip: Tawny ports will keep in the fridge for a couple of months
after opening, so
you don’t have
to drink it all on Christmas night.) Kopke 10 Year Old Tawny
Port
Now £22.95
(Save £4.55)