Blogs

Festive wine picks

Over the past few years, it has been my absolute pleasure to write the BM Wine Blog, following in the footsteps of the late Ian Mitchell. Ian was not only a dear friend but also a passionate advocate for wine. He would be immensely proud of how far we’ve come in fostering a vibrant and responsible wine culture at BM.

One of our proudest achievements has been training over 50 team members to WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 standard, ensuring our teams are equipped to share their love of wine with confidence. This year, we took another exciting step forward, creating the role of Head of Wine. I am thrilled to introduce the wonderful Marie Phalippou, who now takes the reins of the BM Wine Blog.

With a WSET Level 3 certification and a wealth of experience, Marie is exceptionally well-qualified to lead this next chapter. Her journey is a fascinating one, and I’m delighted to hand over to her.

Angus Brydon

🍷 Meet Marie

Hello, my name is Marie, and I’m delighted to share a little about my journey with you!

Hospitality has always been my passion—the energy, the people, the food, and of course, the wine. All of these made the long hours and backaches worth it. So much so, I left university to trade my History degree for a low-paid waitressing job.

My career began in the bustling bistros and pubs of Paris, but soon my wanderlust took over. I packed my bags and traveled across Russia, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Australia, exploring new cultures, cuisines, and—of course—wines.

Five years ago, I arrived in the UK and discovered contract catering, which opened a new world for me. It offered the chance to do what I love while enjoying a better work-life balance (weekends off—what a dream!). Working in prestigious offices with a corporate clientele taught me how to adapt and thrive in a new environment.

As a French woman, wine has always been part of my life. But it was the WSET courses that deepened my understanding and unlocked new opportunities. Becoming Head of Wine for BM is a role I am incredibly proud of, allowing me to share my passion in a way that’s approachable and educational.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning your wine journey, my aim is to empower you to feel confident—whether discussing wine with clients, making recommendations, or simply enjoying a glass at the end of the day. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue learning and sharing along the way.

🍾 Festive wine picks

As we approach the festive season, I’m thrilled to share my recommendations for this year’s celebrations. Whether you’re popping bubbly, pairing wine with a Christmas feast, or toasting to the New Year, these selections are sure to elevate your festivities.

The bubbles

No celebration is complete without sparkling wine

La Gioiosa Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Millesimato 2022 (£9.99, Waitrose): A crisp, elegant Brut style perfect for any gathering.
Valdobbiadene Prosecco Extra Dry (£7.49, Lidl): A slightly sweeter option that makes for a delightful aperitif.

For Champagne lovers: Sainsbury’s Blanc de Noirs Champagne (£15 with Nectar card): Exclusively made from black grapes, offering complexity and flavours of red fruits

The whites

Christmas dinners often have a mix of flavours, so here are a few versatile whites:

Macon-Lugny Chardonnay (£13.99, Majestic): A classic Burgundy that pairs beautifully with seafood or turkey.
Domaine Saint-Ferréol Viognier (£14.99, Majestic): A perfect match for turkey or spicier dishes.
Sainsbury’s Grüner Veltliner (£8.50, Sainsbury’s): Refreshing, with acidity and spice to complement rich holiday dishes.

The reds

For festive reds, choose options with soft tannins unless serving beef. Remember to avoid serving reds too warm; winter “room temperature” can be too high!

Cvne Gran Reserva Rioja (£17.99, Majestic): Smooth and rich, with two years in oak and three in the bottle. A perfect match for turkey or ham.
Fonterutoli Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva (£25.99, Waitrose): Excellent with lamb, with a legacy stretching back to 1398.
Morgon La Chanaise (£15.99, Waitrose): A light, fruity Beaujolais that pairs well with turkey or gammon.

Here’s to a joyful holiday season filled with laughter, good company, and excellent wine. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄