Let’s make one thing clear: Carson is going to be the savior of Downton this season. He already paved the way in the first two seasons with his impeccable butlering skills. He always kept the kitchen running smoothly, Mary happy, and – most importantly – the wine properly chosen, stored, and decanted.

After a hard day’s work, he had a tipple at the ready to share with the whole downstairs crew or just Mrs. Hodges.

And last night, when all sorts of American picnic hell were breaking loose, who was the one who rushed down the stairs insightfully announcing, “We have to get them more wine!” You know it, our man Carson. And then what happened? Everyone had wine in hand and started singing!

The rest of the premiere was kind of filled with very light white wine at dinner – so light it looked like water. If they were drinking white Bordeaux (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon) it’s usually not that light. We did have one dinner with red wine, and then of course the indoor picnic, and that would’ve been Claret – the English name for Bordeaux, which which was the most common wine exported from to England until the 18th century. It’s a blend of Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and a little Malbec and Carménère.

This isn’t where our story ends. We’ve got a whole season ahead of fun wine facts (for a primer, be sure to brush up on your claret and  everything else they’re drinking in this popular post) from the Edawardian era and the soapy PBS. Cheers and cheerio.