Wine Pairing: Christmas wines to drink with festive meals

In Short:
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.

Canapés

There’s no better way to kick off the festivities than by popping a cork or two. Sparkling wines are extremely versatile – their fruity flavours and refreshing bubbles work well with a huge range of foods. And Bollinger-owned Ayala is one of Champagne’s best-kept secrets. It’s rich and complex, with toasty notes of citrus.

Demi-Sec is a fantastic alternative apéritif for those with a sweeter tooth, and Veuve Clicquot has perfected the style. First produced in the 19th century, this Champagne has rich and decadent notes of candied fruits, freshly baked bread and a creamy mousse. It’s incredibly moreish 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.

Turkey or mushroom Wellington

Rich and round Chardonnay is a match in heaven with roast turkey. And this stand-out example is the ultimate Christmas Day white. It’s weighty and full bodied, but balanced by zesty freshness. Oak ageing has given it a creamy texture that’s also perfect with a creamy mushroom Wellington.

Roast beef or veggie sausages

These full-flavoured dishes call for something robust, with plenty of fruit and a kick of spice. So Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an excellent choice. This one is made by one of the region’s most historical and highly regarded winemaking families. Discover elegant notes of red fruits and black pepper – plus astonishing value for money.

Christmas goose

Indulgent goose is complemented by wines with vibrant acidity – that zippiness ‘cuts through’ the fatty meat beautifully. Classic Alsace Riesling is an excellent choice, and this one by Famille Hugel couldn’t be more typical of the style. Expect elegant aromas of apple, pear and citrus.

Tarte tatin

When it comes to sumptuous desserts, you’ll want something luscious and sweet to match. Sauternes is a true Christmas classic, and our Definition range wouldn’t be complete without one. With its rounded texture and mouthwatering flavours of dried apricot, citrus and honey, it’s perfect with tarte tatin and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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 strong cheddar.