It’s that time of year when we’re planning our festivities, and we know that the best parties are always in the kitchen. There’s nothing better than gathering with your nearest and dearest around a kitchen island or table, nibbling on cheese, sipping wine and being merry.
At Papilio, we design luxury kitchens where entertaining spaces are a crucial as the latest technology, beautiful materials, and clever storage. We’re not surprised because the kitchen is the heart of the home and, where many dinner parties, impromptu brunches, post-home-work cakes are served and where we love to entertain. Of course, a high-quality wine fridge is a must, as is a drinks cabinet, but also comfortable and adaptable seating areas, clever lighting for intricate kitchen prep work or intimate date-night suppers for two.
A luxury kitchen could feature a home for Champagne and wines, and we’re all about thinking outside the box and offering bespoke solutions. For example, we integrated bespoke handmade troughs for presenting chilled wines on ice into the kitchen island of our Copper Kitchen Project in Somerset and the Clifton Bespoke Bar project in Bristol. Both clients were very keen on entertaining, so these design touches were ideal for their kitchen design.
And while we’re on the subject of entertaining this Christmas, we wanted to showcase our favourite festive wines and Champagnes ideal for a kitchen disco this festive season.
Champagne – Bollinger Rosé
Bollinger Rosé is fresh, with structure and elegance. It falls within the same vein as Special Cuvée, with its spiced notes and assertive aromatic power. It also boasts a brilliance, presence and delicate quality that are the hallmark of outstanding blends. The nobility of red berries: hints of red currant, cherry and wild strawberry; a spicy touch with fine bubbles.
One of our favourite rosé Champagnes, it’s classy and fun and not your average Bolly.
Sparkling Wine – Pinot Meunier 2018
If, like us, you love English sparkling wines, then look no further than the Dorset-based Langham Wine Estate. The 100% Pinot Meunier, from Langham’s premium range, is only bottled as a single varietal wine in exceptional years, and 2018 is a must-try.
The sparkling wine offers delicate tannin from the oak barrels, which creates excellent texture and wonderfully refreshing grapefruit acidity. The Pinot Meunier 2018 has won several awards in 2022, so get it while you can!
Red Wine – Julien Guillot ‘Ultimatum Climat’ Gamay 2018
Julien Guillot’ Ultimatum Climat’ Gamay 2018 is a cracking choice for red wine lovers. This red is exciting and aromatic with red berry aromas of raspberry, strawberry laces and cola bottle nuances. With hints of Campari and orange peel, it’s as festive as it is serious. The bold wine will surely impress all red wine lovers out there.
Rosé Wine – Château de Parenchère Bordeaux Clairet
Bordeaux Clairet from Bacchus Wines PLDC is a particularly aromatic rosé wine with deep red fruit colour. But don’t let the powerful colour fool you! This wine is more substantial than traditional rosés but without the sickly sweetness. Made from 100 % Merlot, it offers suppleness, fruitiness, and roundness with a good body and exuberant fruitiness. The roundness and pronounced structure make it a perfect rosé for pre-kitchen party nibbles.
White Wine – Domaine Naudet Sancerre
Who doesn’t like a chilled Sancerre, right? We certainly do. And the Domaine Naudet Sancerre is a high-quality, single-estate white wine with a powerful green grass aroma and a crisp, fresh palate boasting citrus fruits. Created from high-quality Sauvignon Blanc grapes, it is produced in the Loire region of France. It’s classy, refreshing and very drinkable.
