Taste of Christmas and a great three days.

Had an excellent three days at Taste of Christmas, kicking off on Friday with The Good Housekeeping Lunch. As a compere, my life was made easier by the fact that not only did Lawrence Keogh from Roast and Pascal Aussignac from Club Gascon create some delicious dishes, they were great guys to interview. To follow, and to keep the taste buds in full attendance, we had three high quality chesses from Piedmont, all imported by the respected Gastronomica in Borough Market. The stand out choice was the Robiola Rochetta, a blend of cow, sheep and goats’ milk, which was semi-soft and refreshing. Post cheese our final interview and audience Q&A was a real success with Jean-Christophe Novelli, who is most definitely a passionate and informative guy. If you are looking for an ideal Christmas present then check out Jean-Christophe’s Cookery School.
Vino wise, here are some of the star wines from my press wine and food matching walks:
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine du Prieure 2006, France, £9.75. Stockist: Amanda’s Wines. A bone dry Sauvignon Blanc made from 60 year old vines, which is full flavoured, minerally and will keep until 2015.
Chateau Civrac Element 2009, France, £8.00. Stockists: Civrac.com, The Sampler. 2009 was a star vintage for claret, with this 100% Merlot delivering fresh, dark fruit flavours and soft tannins in an accessible style. Well priced.
Moscato d Asti NV, Dante Rivetti, Italy, £9.90. Stockist: Colasanti.
Moscato is dismissed unfairly and this 5% abv refreshing Asti has the perfect fruity cut through for Christmas pudding. Delicious.
In amongst the tastings I was filming some Food and Wine Matching Sessions with The Pocket Chef for a xmas special – we are quite a double act.
The Tasting Tables – half hour themed, interactive seminars for 20 people – are
a firm fixture of the show and I really enjoyed presenting some sessions for Waitrose. A brief selection, with more to follow, of wines featured.
Bolney Estate Pinot Grigio 2009, England, £8.59.
This West Sussex refreshing white was rightly popular in my English session, combining citrus character with some ripe flavours.
Rustenberg Chardonnay 2009, South Africa, £11,99.
A class act Stellenbosch producer that continues to deliver well balanced wines year after year. Ripe Chardonnay buttery character, with subtle oaky influence; enjoy with grilled fish or fish in cream sauce.
Vida Nova Rose 2009, Portugal, £8.79.
From the dry, stylish, fruity, serious school of rose wine making, Sir Cliff’s Algarve pink really is a hit! Good value.
Bodegas Chivite Gran Feudo Reserva Especial 2005, Spain £11.99.
Chivite is one of the most renowned producers in the underrated Navarra region. Youthful in appearance, this medium to full bodied oak aged 2005, has damson, plum and spicy nuances. Decant 2-3 hours before serving;an ideal match with lamb.