Mistletoe
Mistletoe grows in the branches of many an English tree, from willows to apples and even mighty oaks. Steeped in magic and mystery, its history and mythology is full of tales of gods, demons, luck and a little love.
Along with the holly, laurel, rosemary, yew and, of course, the Christmas tree, mistletoe's evergreen boughs are proudly displayed during the Christmas season and hold a special place in mid-winter customs - protecting the house from evil, and bringing peace and luck for the new year.
So as you hang up your mistletoe, decorate your tree, and invite friends and loved ones to fill your home, here's a warming festive pairing to enjoy with carols by the fire...
Lyme Bay Mulled Wine
A delicious blend of damson & elderberry with notes of festive spices, Lyme Bay Mulled Wine is balanced and sweet. And it's just what we need on chilly winter evenings. Just heat gently in a saucepan and serve warm, preferably with a couple of wedges of cheese (and a tot of brandy!).
Inventive and full of creativity, the team at Lyme Bay are pushing the boundaries in English wine. Using traditional blends and local ingredients, each bottle is fermented, blended and aged on the slopes of their vineyard in Devon. So it's no wonder that it sits so well alongside our Devon-made cheese.
Quicke's Extra Mature Clothbound Cheddar
With its balanced flavour, Quicke's Extra Mature Clothbound Cheddar is the perfect match for a warm mulled wine like Lyme Bay's. Typically matured for 18 to 21 months, those extra few months of maturing do wonderful things to this rich, rounded cheddar, producing a complex balance of mouth-watering flavours.