Wines to Drink With Strictly Come Dancing

PICK YOUR PARTNERS FOR THE ‘STRICTLY’ FINAL

By Angela Mount

Polish up the glitterball, throw on the sequins, it’s time for the annual ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Final.

With the four finalists practicing their moves, undergoing the weekly ‘glam-up’ at the hands of the make up artists and dressers, and trying to keep nerves under control, millions across the nation will be settling down in front of their flat screens to watch the culmination of 12 weeks of sambas, salsas, foxtrots and waltzes.

And what better way to enjoy a Saturday evening in, than with a glass of wine or two to toast your personal favourite?   So why not pick one that will match your chosen celebrity’s character and style? The team at Great Western Wine and I have come up with some fun ideas for wines which will suit each contestant’s personality.

Let’s start with Frankie Bridge from the Saturdays - hovering near the top of the leader board from week one, Frankie drew attention and sparkled with her elegance and charm.  Impossibly pretty, with her doe eyes, and elfin crop of hair, she has charmed the viewers and audience with her ethereal beauty, and exquisite dancing.  A confident performer, she has dominated the floor in ballroom, with her romantic take on the dances, but stunned everyone with her sizzling Rumba in the semi-final.  Her prettiness and delicate elegance leads me to a glass of the equally stylish Johannishof Knipser Riesling 2012, full of gentle charm, poise, and fragrant freshness; gentle honeysuckle and lemon peel aromas mingle with a delicate citrus and green apple flavor.  Try it with a platter of smoked salmon, or a crunchy Asian style salad.

Onto TV presenter, Caroline Flack – another highly consistent and impressive performer, she was the first to wheedle a ‘10’ from grumpy judge Craig, and has demonstrated versatility and increasing confidence from week to week, whether stunning the audience with her on-point and energetic Charleston, or with her fierce and passionate Argentine Tango. Bright, bold, sassy and fun, she has a spicy edge to her dancing and character.  For Caroline, we’ve picked a fun, fruity and characterful white from Northern Spain, Ailala Treixadura 2013, bold yet elegant, and packed with ripe melon and apricot flavours, with a floral nose and a bone dry finish. Warm and spicy, it’s also lively and fun – try it with mildly spiced fish dishes, or a warming chicken tagine… or a grazing plate of prawn and seafood tapas.

Looking at the boys, the two finalists have both crept up the inside lane to make it to this stage.  After the shock exit of Eastenders Jake Wood last weekend, who had topped the bill for the male celebrities, Radio presenter and former TOWIE star Mark Wright was stunned to find himself in the final.  From self-acclaimed ‘Marky no moves’ he has slowly moved up the gears to impress the judges.  Very much the underdog, and having faced the dance-off on several occasions, he’s obviously got some serious determination beneath those pretty boy looks.  He’s also revealed an emotional side behind the Essex banter and ready charm, with tears of relief on many occasions throughout the competition.  A wine to suit Mark? I’d go for Carrick Unravelled Pinot Noir 2012 – it’s bright and bold, with good looks and an easy charm – initially bursting with easy appeal, and vibrant yet gentle, with cheeky, cheery, red berry fruit, it has a surprising depth, and elegance of structure. Try this one with crispy duck pancakes, creamy Thai chicken curry, or simply a glass with friends.

Finally, Simon Webbe, the other male finalist, who has slowly climbed his way up the Strictly ladder with steely-eyed determination. The singer from Blue, has been in the dance off on 3 occasions, and in the early days, never looked set to threaten the more obvious candidates.  Whilst there was a degree of wooden-ness and nerves in the early weeks, his confidence has grown, and with that a smouldering charm and intensity of performance, with obvious chemistry between him and his dance partner Kristina Rhianoff.  His challenge for the glitter ball reached new levels after seeing off hot favourite Pixie Lott in the quarter finals, and wowing the judges with his sexy samba and stylish foxtrot last week. Which wine to choose? The smooth, rich, Intimo Tinto Humberto Canale 2013, with its intriguing blend of spicy Malbec, bold Cabernet and fruity Merlot – sumptuous, sensuous and silky smooth, with a soft, intriguing appeal.  If you’re planning on a rib eye or sirloin this Saturday, then this is the one for you.

Finally, how to celebrate the winner.  There’s only one wine to match that dazzling, sparkly glitterball trophy, and that’s the equally bedazzled Taittinger Champagne Nocturne Sec, in its glorious purple disco-ball packaging. Enjoy.