The Last Word with Matt Cooper Last Word Christmas Wine Tasting and Pairing Recommendations
Dec 12, 2025
Brigid O'Hora, a wine expert and author of The Home Sommelier, shares her festive wine wisdom. She highlights the elegance of Pannier Brut Champagne for Christmas celebrations and pairs it with seafood delights. Brigid explores Italian Sauvignon Blanc with floral aromas, perfect for holiday meals, and introduces Chablis as the ideal turkey companion. She also presents a modern Malbec that beautifully complements ham and a Rioja Gran Reserva that's an excellent match for strong cheeses, making your holiday gatherings more flavorful!
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Pair Champagne With Savoury Starters
- Serve Champagne with starters like pate, scallops or lobster because the bubbles cleanse the palate and intensify flavours.
- Choose aged, food-focused Champagne (e.g., Pannier Brut aged 36 months) for richer biscuity, brioche notes.
Champagne's Value Is History Plus Technique
- Champagne's celebration image stems from historical ties to royalty and clever long-term marketing by the region.
- Aging and production choices (like 36 months on lees) justify higher price tags beyond branding.
Champagne's Royal Marketing Legacy
- Brigid recounts Champagne houses' long history of marketing since the Middle Ages tied to royal ceremonies.
- She uses this story to explain Champagne's luxury image and high-end branding.
