Another Christmas is fast approaching and it’s a special time to meet friends and family - with everything from festive feasts to Christmas drinks and nibbles being put in the diary.
But planning a party is important to make it perfect - thought needs to go into the dinner for the big day too.
And when it comes to wines, it can be difficult to know how to cater for every taste and, more importantly, how to match your food with your wine.
Happily, Jennifer Wall, head winemaker at Barefoot Wine, is willing to share her secrets after working for the Californian brand since 1995. Barefoot Wine, famous for its fun, flavourful, and approachable range will bring joy to your celebrations and make entertaining effortless this Christmas.
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Barefoot is made to be enjoyed with and without food, and most importantly its accessibility lends itself to pair with a wide range of dishes. Jennifer’s first rule of thumb is simple – have a selection. There will be food to match every type of wine, so make sure you have a selection for your guests as giving them what they want is the most important thing.
Whether you’re hosting a lively party, a cosy dinner or a festive feast, Barefoot has the perfect wine to match every bite - from crisp whites that complement festive smoked salmon, to smooth reds that shine alongside hearty hams and roast beef.
“With canapés and starters, Barefoot California Pinot Grigio is a refreshing choice. Its vibrant flavours of green apple and peach complement delicate dishes like smoked salmon blinis or prawn cocktail,” says Jennifer. Pinot Grigio is expressive and flavourful and provides crisp, bright acidity which balances the richness of seafood.
If you’re serving a turkey, glazing a Christmas ham or slicing up a hearty roast beef, then a Barefoot California Merlot is one of the best choices you could serve. “With its smooth notes of dark raspberry and chocolate, it’s a wonderful companion to roasted turkey, glazed ham, and beef tenderloin,” says Jennifer. “The soft tannins and fruit-forward profile enhance the savoury flavours of the traditional Christmas dinner.”
For something deeper or if you fancy a bit of spice – especially for those St Stephen’s Day leftovers, try a Barefoot California Malbec. “Barefoot Malbec is a wine with character,” says Jennifer. “It has deep, rich flavours of blackberry and plum with a hint of spice, making it the ideal pairing for grilled meats, hearty stews and anything spicy as it complements the intensity of the heat.”
There is nothing quite like wine and cheese and any festive gathering wouldn’t be complete without this. Cheese plates and sharing boards are also easy to assemble, especially if you have unexpected guests dropping by. Serve your favourite cheese with a Barefoot California Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s rich flavours of black berries and currant complement dishes that have strong, robust flavours including prime rib, hearty stews and it’s particularly delicious with your best Cashel blue and crackers.
No Christmas is complete without your traditional Christmas Pudding and Barefoot California Moscato will suit perfectly. “Barefoot Moscato has a delightfully sweet and effervescent profile, bursting with flavours of peach and apricot, so it is the ideal pairing for a lot of the festive desserts,” says Jennifer. “A glass with a classic Christmas pudding is a treat and it also matches the flavours of gingerbread and the current favourite of an Italian panettone.
“If you prefer a traditional Christmas trifle for your desert, try a Barefoot California White Zinfandel. Its juicy and vibrant notes of strawberry, cherry, and citrus elevate the fruitiness of a trifle but it also has a crisp finish,” Jennifer adds. Barefoot White Zinfandel is also perfect with leftover sandwiches and salads as a little refresher for those twixmas snacks.
And if you’re rounding off the day with a mince pie, pick up a Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay as the brown spices that are extracted from the oak, the aromas of vanilla, clove, and hints of cinnamon, as well as the baked apple notes and creamy texture are the perfect marriage.
Jennifer says, though, the most important thing when you are pairing food and wine is to choose what you like to drink. And it can be fun to have a selection of wines at the party or on the dinner table for all to enjoy. “Explore and have fun,” she says of wine pairings. “That way you’ll create a memorable experience for yourself and for all your guests.”
Enjoy your festive celebration with a range that includes Barefoot Jammy Red, Barefoot Merlot, Barefoot Malbec, Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay, Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc, Barefoot Pinot Grigio and Barefoot Moscato alongside Barefoot White Zinfandel, Barefoot Pink Pinot Grigio and Barefoot Pink Moscato. With a full range of wine to suit all tastes and palates, packed with flavour, Barefoot has you covered for delicious drinks at Christmas, and all year round.
Barefoot Wines are available at retailers nationwide. Enjoy this festive season with Barefoot Wine and let your moments shine - please enjoy responsibly. For more visit barefootwine.ie.
