‘Call the Midwife’ Christmas Drinks
In this week’s WEEKEND magazine, Olly pairs the drinks for mouthwatering festive recipes from the Call the Midwife official cookbook.
Cracking with Christmas Cake
Olly’s wine pairing: Specially Selected Pedro Ximenez Sherry (17%, 37.5cl) £6.29, Aldi
This sumptuous, luscious sherry is a liquid fruit cake of a wine. It’s spot on to sip slowly with this week’s delicious Christmas Cake… and is best served cold.
Classic Trifle
Olly’s wine pairing: Gonzalez Byass Matusalem (20.5%, 37.5cl) £24.99, Waitrose
Now’s the time to push the boat out with one of the world’s finest sherries – and this one takes some beating. Deliciously sweet yet tangy, it’s a masterpiece that’s ideal sipped with a booze-infused dessert like Trifle.
Great with Gingerbread
Olly’s wine pairing: Jing Organic Cherrywood Lapsang £17.50 per 100g, jingtea.com
Resonant and refreshing, this tea is a smoky bullseye which strikes a comforting balance that’s silky and splendid with the Gingerbread Not Men. It’s tea taken to the next level.
Super for a sweet tooth
Olly’s wine pairing: Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sticky Toffee Rum Liqueur (20%, 50cl) £15
With its heady scent of sticky toffee pudding, this liqueur is gorgeous over ice as a festive accompaniment to any sweet treats.
Magic with mince pies
Olly’s wine pairing: Blandy’s Duke of Clarence Madeira (19%) £14.50, Tesco
Madeira pairs marvellously with mince pies, so it’s great for this time of year. And for a 75cl bottle, this offering is terrific value for money. Serve it generously and cold, ideally in white wine glasses. It’s party time!
Stunning with Shortbread
Olly’s wine pairing: The Best Botrytis Semillon 2017 (11.5%, 37.5cl) £7.50, reduced to £6.50 until 1 Jan, Morrisons
This delicious sweet wine is as tasty as a tropical mango, with an irresistible golden hue. An absolute treat with a twist of freshness, it’s particularly good served cold with shortbread.
