Contributing wine writer, Will Edwards, is back with another installment in my long running WOTM series. This time round Will shares a bubbly Christmas tradition and a smart gift idea for connoisseurs with impeccable tastes. Pol Roger ‘White Foil’ Brut, anyone?
In my house once and only once a year, a stranger appears at the breakfast table … On Christmas day alongside the usual coffee, orange juice and croissants, a bottle of Champagne makes a guest appearance. Champagne is a wine intimately linked to celebration and festivities, and Christmas is the one day of the year when the ‘wine o’clock’ rule is entirely disregarded. Wine, and particularly Champagne, makes a wonderful gift at Christmas; or if like me you are just choosing a breakfast tipple, then the Pol Roger ‘White Foil’ Brut is a perfect candidate.
To say the reputation of Pol Roger precedes them is the understatement of the last 160-odd years since the firm was set up. Sir Winston Churchill was once famously quoted as saying of his favourite Champagne ‘In victory, we deserve it. In defeat, we need it!’ Pol Roger also holds the current Royal Warrant to supply Queen Elizabeth II.
It is often said that the quality of a Champagne House is best judged by their Non-Vintage wine, if this is true, Pol Roger is right up there with the best. The ‘White Foil’ Brut is a blend of the traditional varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in equal measure, all sourced from the top quality vineyards in Champagne. It is a wonderful pale gold colour, with a complex floral, toasty and fresh fruit nose. It is creamy and well balanced on the palate and has a long refreshing finish.
The Pol Roger ‘White Foil’ Brut is an ideal gift for any wine lover this Christmas. My only advice would be to make sure that you are there when they decide to open it.
(12.5%, Lea and Sandeman, £33.95)
Words and photography by Will Edwards
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