Category: Christmas at Majestic

Christmas Wines to Drink with Festive Meals

Choosing wines to pair with your festive spread can be one of the most exciting parts of Christmas. So we’ve put together our favourite recommendations for you to enjoy throughout the season.

There are few pleasures in life more satisfying than a slice of pizza and a glass of good wine. But when these two classics are paired together, they reach new heights.

The classic rule of thumb to use when pairing food and wine is to pair a wine from the same country as the food you’re eating. However, pizza is a universal food, made all over the world in different styles, shapes and flavours, which can make using this rule a little tricky.

So, we’ve put together a Majestic wine and pizza pairing guide, so you can be sure to find the perfect match, every time.

Canapés

Jean-Noël Haton ‘Classic’ Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

There’s no better way to kick off the festivities than by popping a cork or two. The Haton family have a history of grape growing dating back to 1610. Today, it’s run by the 11th and 12th generations of the family. This Brut spends a minimum of two years ageing in bottle, bringing elegance and complexity to this fruity Blanc de Noirs. Expect notes of stone fruits, red berries and brioche, with rich flavours of citrus, apple and dried fruits. It has a refreshing acidity that's perfect with smoked-salmon canapés.

Pol Roger 'Rich' Demi-Sec Champagne

Demi-Sec is a fantastic alternative apéritif for those with a sweeter tooth, and Pol Roger has perfected the style. Founded in 1849, it remains one of the last great family-owned Champagne houses, known for its refined, age-worthy style and royal connections. Winston Churchill famously favoured their wines, and the house is celebrated for its precise style. Its 'Rich' is a demi-sec Champagne that is slightly sweeter than a Brut, but still beautifully balanced. Expect ripe citrus, honeysuckle, honeyed brioche and floral lift, with a round, creamy mouthfeel and a soft mousse. It’s versatile, food-friendly, and delicious with nibbles.

Smoked Salmon

Enjoy a smoked salmon bagel with a generous dollop of cream cheese and squeeze of lemon? You’ll want a wine to “cut through” the luscious texture of the fish. This elegant Pouilly-Fumé is a fine example. It has gooseberry and gentle spice flavours and fresh acidity. Father-and-son team Jean and Vincent Chatelain are the 11th and 12th generations of an illustrious winemaking family here – and you can really taste their expertise. Or why not try Provence rosé icon Whispering Angel. It has fresh notes of apple, pink grapefruit, peach and cream, and a long, smooth finish, perfect with smoked salmon.</p

Caves d'Esclans 'Whispering Angel' Rosé, Côtes de Provence

Turkey or Mushroom Wellington

Rich and round white Burgundy is a match in heaven with roast turkey. This Saint Véran aged for six months on lees in both oak and steel tanks to give it beautiful structure and richness. Expect charming flavours of citrus and white flowers. It’s this same creamy texture that will make it chime beautifully with a creamy mushroom Wellington.

Or why not try the seminal wine from California’s Kendall-Jackson? This Chardonnay has beautifully integrated tropical fruit, citrus and vanilla flavours, complemented by hints of toasty oak and butter to round out the long finish. It has the body to stand up to both turkey or earthy mushrooms.

Collovray & Terrier 'Reserve' Saint Véran

Kendall-Jackson 'Vintners Reserve' Chardonnay, California

Roast Beef or Veggie Sausages

These full-flavoured dishes call for something robust, with plenty of fruit and a kick of spice. The best of the Lirac appellation is a superb alternative to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The highly acclaimed Jaume family farm here entirely organically, and this Roquedon is only lightly filtered. So you can be sure you're tasting the best that their fruit has to offer. The result is full-bodied and silky, with notes of black fruits, garrigue herbs, and pepper.

Our Parcel Series McLaren Vale Shiraz would also be the perfect match for hearty festive dishes. The Parcel Series is for when top-class wineries need to make space quickly and discreetly. So we pick up their wines at a fraction of the usual price and pass the savings to you. The catch? We can't tell you who makes them. What we can tell you is that this winery has a reputation for making some of the most elegant and balanced wines in Australia, with a Master of Wine at the helm. Rich, with a full body it has great depth of ripe plum and blackberry flavours and a hint of lively spices, perfect with roast beef and all the trimmings.

Parcel Series No.80 McLaren Vale Shiraz, Blewit Springs

Christmas Goose

The indulgence of goose is complemented by bold, powerful whites with complex flavours. Viognier is an unmissable choice, and this bottle – reminiscent of fine Condrieu – punches way above its price tag. It’s partially fermented and matured in French oak on its lees, giving it rounded texture and charming complexity. It has flavours of peach, apricot, honeysuckle and spice.

If you’re after a red, you can’t go wrong with our Definition example from Marlborough, made by pioneers Saint Clair. They’re a second-generation family winery that has been growing in the region since 1978. Perfumed and aromatic, this bottling showcases ripe raspberry, cherry, coffee bean, and spice notes, which beautifully complement the rich roast goose.

Domaine de Saint Ferréol Viognier, Languedoc

Definition by Majestic Pinot Noir, Marlborough

Tarte Tatin

The Definition range brings the world's greatest wine styles to Majestic customers. It wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas classic, a golden Sauternes. With its rounded texture and mouthwatering flavours of dried apricot, citrus and honey, it’s a perfect partner with tarte tatin and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Or why not try something from the New World? New Zealand Sauvignon and Pinot specialist The Ned has turned its hand to dessert wines. Made using botrytised grapes are specially selected from the Waihopai River vineyard, it’s intensely sweet with caramelised apricot, peach, and honeycomb, layered with citrus and fresh melon. The perfect match with the caramelised cooked apples.

The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc Half Bottle, Marlborough

Cheeseboard

Make Christmas Day dinner complete with this classic combination. This remarkably rich Port is smooth and mellow, thanks to its careful blending and time in oak casks. Discover hints of almond, caramel, and winter spices. It’s the perfect partner for many cheeses, especially intensely flavoured blue cheese.

It’s not Christmas without a bit of Sherry. This expression is made by the Gonzalez family who have been producing exceptional Sherry since 1835. This Solera Cream Sherry has been aged for an average of eight years. Expect notes of raisins, vanilla, caramel and hazelnuts. Perfect with a wide array of cheeses.