Our ASI family embraces a wealth of cultures. Whether or not, you celebrate Christmas, Hannakah, Kwanzaa or not, we all tend to take some time in December to relax with family. We asked some of our best sommeliers to tell us what they look forward to eating and drinking this holiday season. What’s going to be in your glass?
Salvatore Castano, ASI Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa
Over Christmas I recommend enjoying a classic Italian treat known as Panettone served with Vendemmia Tardiva Moscato d’Asti. The intensity of the Panettone that will perfectly match the sweetness, the persistency and the candied fruit aromas of the wine.
Jan Konetzki, Director of Wine at Ten Trinity Square Four Seasons Hotel and Private Club, Ambassador for Château Latour and Artemis Domaines, Wine buyer for Four Seasons Jet
My technique is to keep pairings classic to create comfort. So there will be roasted goose with gravy, apple raisin stuffing and with big SpätBurgunder and Blue cheese with Colheita Port. But on Christmas Eve (December 24th) we have steamed sausages with mustard and potato salad, for which I crack open old Riesling Kabinett from the 80’s and 90’s.
Heidi Mäkinen MW, President Finnish Sommelier Association
I’m a huge advocate for aged sherry and madeira so love to eat various cheeses during Christmas whilst sipping them. I always make a cheese order from France for Christmas and dig out my reserves of old Amontillados and Olorosos for a perfect holiday time indulgence.
Jeff Thome, Best sommelier of Mauritius (2016), Board member of the Association of Sommeliers of Mauritius & the Echanson of La Chaine des Rotisseurs
Black cod marinated with miso and glazed served on hoba leaf with pomegranate salsa paired with a sumptuous and delicate Saint Amour single vineyard « clos de la brosse » 2017 from Gerard Lebeaupin. It’s a delicate and smooth red wine made from gamay, its light body goes very well with the delicate flesh of the fish, the miso brings structure and support to this wine, the freshness on the finish makes it a refreshing pairing perfect for a summer holiday supper.