Mince Pies and English Sparkling Wine
24th December 2021
Mince Pies are one of the most festive treats to enjoy around Christmas, whenever you think of them, you think of Christmas.
Mince Pies first originated from England during the 13th century, back when they were first made, they were known as Christmas pies, mutton pies or shrid pies. they used to be made with pastry, meats, dried fruits and spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, these ingredients were brought back from the Middle East by European crusaders, nowadays, they’ve removed the meat, most Mince Pies sold today are vegetarian friendly, but it is still worth checking the packaging as some will have meat in the suet.
The Mince Pie has been enjoyed around Christmas for a long time, and as it has been enjoyed around Christmas the Pie began to be associated with Catholicism/Christianity, so during the English Civil War, the Puritan authorities frowned on them. But that didn’t put an end to the Pie, they continued to be eaten around Christmas through the Victorian era and is still very much enjoyed to this day.
Woodchurch – English Sparkling Wine
Woodchurch Estate was Established in 2009 and is based on the edge of Kent, in the village of Woodchurch, they manage their vines by hand throughout the year to make sure they deliver the best quality English Sparkling Wines.
Woodchurch Wine Estate – Sparkling Rosé 2017 – Tasting Notes
Aroma 👃 “Vibrant Red berries, pink floral and wild nettles on the aroma.”
Flavour 👅 “A fizzy pink taste, of pink floral, unripe raspberries and red berries on the palate.”
This English Sparkling Wine Won a Silver Medal in the Dessert Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021
Mince Pie Pairing
I decided to go with 12 small mince pies, the perfect size to go with a spread of different Christmas treats and very easy to enjoy for those who don’t have the biggest sweet tooth.
Pairing Notes: “A fizzy red berry wave comes over the mince pie, it’s strong at first then soaks into the mince pie leaving a touch of red berry mince pie.”
The festive mince pie is given a Christmas red berry addition, making it an even more Christmassy treat, a festive combination.
Merry Christmas Everyone
Oliver Walkey
WSET 2 Journalist focused on sharing Champagne and Sparkling Wine reviews and cocktails to the world.