In this festive episode, Janina sits down with Duncan Gammie, founder of The Wee Vinoteca, to build the ultimate Christmas Wine Box. Together they explore pairings for classic holiday dishes, taste through six standout bottles, and unpack why English fizz, Greek Assyrtiko and South African Chenin Blanc belong at your Christmas table this year.

[01:37] The Christmas Pairing Game begins - smoked salmon, prawn cocktail, Stilton, roast turkey, roast beef, nut roast, mince pies, sticky toffee pudding and panettone - what are the perfect wine pairings? 

[21:45] Duncan shares his background, how The Wee Vinoteca started, which recently won Wine Club of the Year from IWC.

[24:26] Introducing the Christmas Wine Box - six wines designed to cover the entire holiday table with versatility and balance.

[24:48] Black Chalk Classic Cuvée – English Sparkling Wine (Hampshire, UK)

[29:04] Visiting English vineyards - where to go. 

[31:35] Muses Estates, Assyrtiko (mainland Greece)

[37:45] The conversation widens to Greek grapes and styles – Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Savatiano, Roditis and today’s fresher, high-quality Retsina – with advice on discovering them by the glass or in tastings.

[39:20] Brookdale, Old Vine Chenin Blanc (Paarl, South Africa)

[43:40] Roccafiore, Sangiovese (Umbria, Italy)

[47:51] Hey Diddle, Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon (Claire Valley, Australia)

Discussing the Claire Valley, and what is happening in this region, alongside practical tips on opening bottles sealed with wax.

[51:54] Diatominist, Pedro Ximénez (Jerez, Spain)

Explaining how PX sits within the broader (and sometimes confusing) Sherry styles and why this luscious, nutty, treacle-like dessert wine blows people’s minds at Christmas fairs.

[57:17] Duncan and Janina note that PX is usually perfect in small pours, talk about visiting Montilla-Moriles near Córdoba, and tempt listeners with the idea of tapas-hopping through a city that boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

[57:46] Asked which wine he always opens at Christmas that isn’t necessarily in the box, Duncan admits it’s English fizz – a sparkling wine he and his wife love and a non-negotiable part of their celebrations.

[58:26] To visit The Wee Vinoteca, visit their site HERE and you can purchase The Staff Christmas Picks Case CLICK HERE.

📩 Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected]

Until next week – cheers to you! 🥂

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST

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