Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, great food and drink. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or just enjoying the holiday spirit, wine is always a perfect companion. From rich reds to crisp whites, there’s a wine for every dish and every holiday mood. Here’s a guide to the best wines for Christmas, ensuring your celebrations are as delicious as they are memorable.
Christmas meals often feature hearty fare like roast meats, casseroles, and savoury sides, so a robust red wine is a natural pairing. Here are some excellent choices:
Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its deep, bold flavour, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with roasted meats like turkey, beef, and lamb. Its tannins and dark fruit flavours (think blackberry and cassis) balance the richness of the meats while complementing herb-heavy dishes like rosemary potatoes or stuffing.
Pinot Noir: If you’re serving poultry, ham, or lighter meats, a Pinot Noir is an ideal choice. This red offers bright, fruity flavours of cherry and raspberry, along with a smooth, silky finish. It’s an especially great match for turkey or goose, enhancing the flavours without overpowering the dish.
Zinfandel: For a wine with a little more spice, Zinfandel is an excellent option. With bold, fruity flavours and a touch of pepper, Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with barbecue dishes, smoked meats, or a Christmas ham glazed with brown sugar and spices.
While red wines often dominate Christmas dinners, white wines also have a place at the table, particularly for lighter appetisers, seafood dishes, or vegetarian fare. These wines provide refreshing contrasts to richer flavours and can be a delightful accompaniment throughout your meal.
Chardonnay: If you’re serving a creamy dish like mashed potatoes or a buttery seafood platter, a full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay is the perfect match. Its rich texture and notes of vanilla and buttered popcorn complement the richness of dishes like creamy casseroles, stuffing, or lobster.
Sauvignon Blanc: For a crisper, more refreshing white, look to Sauvignon Blanc. This wine’s zesty acidity and citrusy flavours make it an excellent choice for appetisers, salads, and seafood like smoked salmon or shrimp cocktails. It’s also a great match for goat cheese or fresh herb salads.
Riesling: For a touch of sweetness, Riesling is an underrated holiday gem. A slightly sweet Riesling balances the spice of dishes like spiced roasted vegetables, glazed ham, or even Christmas pudding. It’s also great with spicy ethnic dishes that often make an appearance during holiday gatherings.
No holiday celebration is complete without a glass of bubbles, and sparkling wines are the ultimate festive drink. From toast-worthy moments to pairing with your meal, sparkling wines add an element of fun and elegance.
Champagne: The classic choice for any celebration, Champagne brings sophistication and elegance to your Christmas table. Whether you’re toasting to good health or enjoying it alongside oysters, smoked salmon, or delicate cheeses, Champagne is always a winner.
Prosecco: For a lighter, fruitier option, consider Prosecco. With its refreshing bubbles and notes of apple, pear, and citrus, it pairs wonderfully with appetisers, seafood, or even charcuterie boards. It’s also perfect for sipping during Christmas brunch.
To close out your holiday meal on a sweet note, a dessert wine is a must. Whether you’re enjoying Christmas pudding, pie, or chocolate desserts, these wines are a match made in heaven.
Port: Rich, fortified, and full of flavour, Port is ideal for pairing with chocolate-based desserts or a rich cheese platter. Its sweetness and full-bodied profile balance the richness of desserts like fruitcake or spiced cookies.
Ice Wine: For a decadent finish, ice wine is a luxurious option. Made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine, ice wine is intensely sweet with flavours of honey, apricot, and tropical fruits. It pairs beautifully with fruit-based desserts, tarts, or even a cheese plate.
This Christmas, make your holiday meals even more special with the perfect wine pairing. Whether you’re savouring a rich red with your roast or sipping on sparkling bubbles as you toast with loved ones, the right wine can elevate any celebration.
If you’re a wine enthusiast looking to store your collection in style, consider investing in a custom wine cellar from Sorrells. Specialising in designing and building bespoke wine cellars, Sorrells offers personalised solutions to create the ideal environment for ageing and storing your wines. With a custom cellar, you can ensure that your bottles are stored properly, at the perfect temperature and humidity, ready for every special occasion.
So uncork your favourite bottle, raise a glass, and enjoy the festive cheer—cheers to good times, great wine, and a well-preserved collection for years to come!