Christmas dinner is one of the most cherished meals of the year. With its rich, hearty dishes and festive flavours, it’s an occasion that deserves the perfect wine pairings. Whether you’re serving roasted turkey, glazed ham, or Yorkshire puddings, the right wine can elevate each dish and bring out its unique flavours. Here’s a guide to pairing wines with some of the most beloved Christmas classics, so you can make this holiday meal truly special.
Roasted Turkey and Grand Cru Classé Wine
Roasted turkey is a Christmas favourite, often served as the centrepiece of the holiday table. Its mild, juicy flavour pairs well with a wine that can bring out subtle undertones without overpowering the meat. Grand Cru Classé wines from Bordeaux are an excellent choice. These wines, known for their complexity and structure, often feature notes of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and herbs, which can beautifully complement turkey’s delicate taste. For those planning their holiday meal, you can buy Grand Cru Classé wines to add sophistication and depth to the table.
The balanced tannins and medium to full-bodied profile of a Bordeaux Grand Cru allow it to stand up to roasted turkey without dominating it. Plus, Bordeaux reds typically have a good amount of acidity, which cuts through the richness of sides like stuffing and cranberry sauce, creating a harmonious balance. For those looking to add a luxurious touch to their Christmas dinner, Grand Cru Classé wine is a splendid choice.
Glazed Ham and Zinfandel
The sweet and savoury taste of glazed ham pairs wonderfully with Zinfandel. This red wine, particularly popular in the United States, is known for its fruit-forward character and hints of spice. Zinfandel’s flavours of ripe berries, plum, and black pepper work beautifully with the caramelised glaze on the ham, creating a festive and flavourful pairing.
Zinfandel’s mild tannins and moderate acidity also make it versatile enough to go with other sides on the Christmas table, like roasted potatoes or even a rich gravy. Opt for a medium-bodied Zinfandel for a pairing that won’t overwhelm the ham but will still add warmth and complexity to the meal.
Prime Rib and Pinot Noir
Prime rib, with its juicy, rich flavour and tender texture, calls for a wine that’s equally refined. Pinot Noir is a perfect match for this classic cut of beef, as it brings elegance without overpowering the meat. Known for its soft tannins and light to medium body, Pinot Noir offers aromas of red berries, earthy notes, and a slight touch of spice.
When paired with prime rib, Pinot Noir’s acidity helps to cut through the fat, while its earthy and fruity notes enhance the beef’s natural flavour. For the best experience, choose a Pinot Noir from Burgundy, where the cooler climate adds depth and structure to the wine, or try a New Zealand Pinot Noir for a more fruit-forward profile.
Yorkshire Puddings and Champagne
Yorkshire puddings, light and crispy with a delightful savoury edge, may not seem like an obvious match for Champagne, but the pairing is surprisingly delicious. The bubbles in Champagne create a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery texture of Yorkshire puddings, cleansing the palate between bites.
Champagne’s acidity also complements the flavours of roasted meats, stuffing, and even gravy, making it a versatile choice for the whole meal. If you’re planning a lavish Christmas feast, a glass of Champagne adds a touch of elegance and can easily be enjoyed alongside various dishes on the table.
Roast Potatoes and Chardonnay
Golden, crispy roast potatoes are a staple of Christmas dinner. To pair with their savoury, slightly caramelised flavour, a well-rounded Chardonnay works wonderfully. Choose a lightly oaked Chardonnay, which offers hints of apple, pear, and vanilla without being too heavy.
The creamy texture of Chardonnay complements the crispiness of the potatoes, while its acidity balances the richness of the roast. Chardonnay also pairs well with side dishes like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or roasted carrots, making it a versatile wine for various flavours on the Christmas table.
Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce with Gewürztraminer
Stuffing and cranberry sauce bring a lot of flavour to Christmas dinner, with a mix of savoury herbs and tart, fruity notes. Gewürztraminer, an aromatic white wine, is an excellent choice for this duo. With its floral and spicy character, Gewürztraminer matches the complexity of stuffing while balancing the tanginess of cranberry sauce.
Gewürztraminer’s slight sweetness also helps to tame the acidity in cranberry sauce, making it a harmonious and balanced pairing. Look for a Gewürztraminer from Alsace for a traditional choice, or try one from New Zealand for a more tropical profile.
Christmas Pudding and Port
To finish off the meal, there’s nothing quite like the rich, spiced flavours of a traditional Christmas pudding. For this dessert, Port is a classic pairing. The sweetness and bold flavours of Port, especially Tawny Port with its nutty and caramelised notes, make it an ideal match for the dense, fruity pudding.
Port’s warmth and body also help balance the richness of Christmas pudding, enhancing the spices and dried fruit flavours in each bite. Serve it slightly chilled to round off the meal on a truly festive note.
Christmas dinner is all about enjoying good food and creating memories with loved ones. By selecting the right wines for each dish, you can enhance those flavours and make the holiday meal even more memorable. Whether you’re serving turkey, ham, or Christmas pudding, there’s a perfect wine waiting to be enjoyed.
