As the festive season approaches, choosing the right wine for Christmas dinner can seem daunting. With the multitude of dishes and the anticipation of a memorable meal, getting the wine just right is crucial. But worry not! We’ve compiled this handy guide to help you mix the ideal wine with every course of a traditional Christmas dinner.
Starter: Smoked Salmon and Caviar
Kick off your Christmas dinner with a classic starter, complemented by the brightness of a Sauvignon Blanc or the bubbling charm of Champagne. Champagne is a classic choice for caviar due to its effervescence and acidity, which complement the briny and salty nature of the caviar. The bubbly nature of sparkling wine also pairs well with the smokiness of the salmon. We recommend Champagne Roger Coulon L’Hommee Premier Cru. Sauvignon Blanc, is also an excellent match for both dishes. With its bright acidity and citrus notes, it can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of both the salmon and caviar. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc like Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc 2022 from New Zealand, that offers an elegant, crisp mineral finish.
Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings
A beautifully prepared Christmas dinner with all the trimmings is a work of art that the whole family can enjoy and appreciate. Imagine a golden turkey with parsnips, potatoes, cauliflower florets, and Brussels sprouts, all doused in gravy; does Christmas get any better than that? Well, with the tight bottle of wine accompanying this tasty dish, it does. For this traditional Christmas meal, we recommend a Zinfandel or a Chardonnay. For those who enjoy red wines with more body and spice, a Zinfandel, like the Boneshaker Zinfandel 2020, can be a great choice. It pairs nicely with the flavors of roast turkey and can handle the various seasonings used in the trimmings. For white wine lovers, we recommend a Chardonnay with moderate oak aging and balanced acidity, like the Quilt Chardonnay 2022, from California. It complements the richness of the turkey and the creaminess of dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy.
Roast Goose
The rich and gamey flavours of roast goose, a festive favourite, pair exquisitely with the deep, earthy notes of a Burgundy Pinot Noir. A classic choice for roast goose, this Burgundy Pinot Noir complements the rich and gamey flavors of the bird. The wine’s earthy and red fruit notes harmonize well with the roast goose’s depth of flavor. Alternatively, Syrah, with its bold, spicy, and fruity characteristics, can be an excellent match for roast goose. The wine’s intensity and tannins can match the meat’s richness. For this holiday season, we recommend the Mullineux Syrah 2019 from South Africa.
Honey Glazed Ham
Pairing wine with honey-glazed ham can be a delightful combination, as the sweetness of the ham glaze contrasts with the saltiness and smokiness of the meat. A slightly sweet Riesling can be an excellent choice to complement honey-glazed ham. The wine’s natural sweetness can balance the sweetness of the glaze while its acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. Try the Allram Ried Heiligenstein Riesling 2022 from Austria, and see for yourself. Another white wine option is Gewürztraminer, which often has aromatic and slightly sweet characteristics. It pairs well with the sweet and savoury flavours of the ham. We recommend the Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Turckheim 2020.
Roast Beef or Venison
Roast beef and venison are hearty, flavourful meats that the right wine can wonderfully complement. Since these dishes are both very strong, we’re looking for wines that can stand up to the flavors of the meats. Australian Shiraz wines, with their bold, spicy, and fruity characteristics, can be an excellent match for roast beef, mainly if the dish includes more intense seasonings. For a combination guaranteed to make your guests’ mouths water, we recommend the Shaw and Smith Shiraz 2021. For a more elegant and structured option, consider Barolo, a wine made from Nebbiolo grapes. Its intricate layers and robust character can complement the depth of flavour in venison. Try the Giovanni Corino Barolo Arborina 2019, but remember to decant it for at least 30 minutes before sipping so it can unveil its true character.
Christmas Pudding
Christmas pudding is a rich and decadent dessert with flavours of dried fruits, spices, and often a touch of sweetness. When choosing a wine to pair with Christmas pudding, you’ll want something that complements and enhances the dessert’s flavours. Telmo Rodriguez Molino Real 2014 is an excellent choice for Christmas pudding.
This guide offers professional suggestions for the most suitable wines to serve with Christmas dinner. Keep in mind that the wine that you enjoy drinking the most is always the finest decision. I raise a glass to a merry feast and perfect wine pairings.