Christmas is a time for celebration and indulgence, and what better way to celebrate than by pairing the perfect wine with your Christmas feast? Here are some top wine pairing recommendations for 10 traditional Christmas dishes:
#1 Caviar and Champagne: Caviar is a luxurious and indulgent addition to any Christmas feast, and it pairs perfectly with a crisp and bubbly Champagne. Opt for a Brut or Extra Brut Champagne for a dry, acidic balance to the briny flavors of the caviar.
#2 Smoked Salmon and Chablis: The delicate flavors of smoked salmon are complemented by a dry and minerally white wine such as Chablis. A Chablis Premier Cru or Grand Cru would be an excellent choice for this pairing.
#4 Prime Rib Roast and Cabernet Sauvignon: A rich and savory prime rib roast calls for a bold and full-bodied red wine, and Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect choice. Look for a wine with ripe, dark fruit flavors and firm tannins to stand up to the richness of the roast.
#5 Roast Beef and Merlot: Roast beef is another classic Christmas dish that pairs well with a full-bodied red wine. A smooth and fruity Merlot would be a great choice, or you could try a Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot for a slightly more complex flavor profile.
#6 Roast Pork and Pinot Noir: The succulent flavors of roast pork are complemented by a fruity and slightly earthy Pinot Noir. Look for a wine with cherry and raspberry flavors and a silky texture to match the tenderness of the pork. Alternately, try our very own tasty Zinette ($24 a bottle).
#7 Ham and Chardonnay: A honey-glazed ham is a festive addition to any Christmas feast, and it pairs well with a buttery and oaky Chardonnay. A Chablis or Meursault would be excellent choices, or you could try a New World Chardonnay with tropical fruit flavors.
#8 Roast Goose and Gewurztraminer: The rich and gamey flavors of roast goose are well-suited to a spicy and aromatic Gewurztraminer. A wine with a touch of sweetness will also help to balance out the fatty flavors of the goose.
#9 Roast Chestnuts and Pinot Noir: Roasted chestnuts are a festive addition to any Christmas feast, and they pair well with a fruity and slightly earthy Pinot Noir. Look for a wine with cherry and raspberry flavors and a silky texture to match the nutty flavors of the chestnuts.
#10 Stollen and Riesling: Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that is rich and sweet, with flavors of dried fruit and marzipan. It pairs well with a sweet and fruity Riesling. Look for a wine with flavors of apricot, peach, and tropical fruit to complement the flavors of the stollen.
With these wine pairing recommendations, you'll be sure to impress your guests with the perfect match for your Christmas feast. Happy holiday sipping!