Merry Christmas! Today we’re going to focus on what wines to include in your Christmas festivities. About a month ago, I shared Thanksgiving wine pairing recommendations, where I said that lighter, livelier, and lower-alcohol wines are the best fit. But for Christmas wine pairings, the tune is a little different. I hope you enjoy my recommendations.
The ‘Drink What You Want’ Argument
The Wine Society quotes wine writer Victoria Moore, who boldly says: “Christmas dinner is like the big box of decorations in the cupboard under the steps, filled with gaudy baubles, tasteful baubles, ugly baubles, matching baubles and clashing baubles: a big hotch-potch of family tradition, colour and whim. When you sit down at the Christmas table, the first duty of the wine is not actually to go with the food but to go with your mood: it must be festive and celebratory. The best advice is therefore to drink the wine you quite fancy at the time. Maybe it’s classic, reassuring claret, or maybe it’s a sturdy, hairy Chilean carmenère.”
Put Sparkling Wine Front and Center
While I love Moore’s very mellow approach, I think it’s still helpful to have a few guiding points. My first guiding point is actually the same for both Thanksgiving and Christmas: Put Sparkling Wine front and center. Why? Because of Sparkling Wine is a palate cleanser. This can be a huge relief as you’re trekking through a bunch of yummy but HEAVY dishes. Yes, you’ll want heavy wine
too, but having a glass of Sparkling in front of you will allow you to periodically sip, cleanse your palate and be ready for more of that mouth-watering, delicious food.
Also, Sparkling Wine (or Champagne) is so celebratory that you’ll want to pour it even before people sit down for dinner. It immediately puts people in a festive mood.
WineShop At Home Offers Three Great Sparkling Wines
All of our Sparkling Wines are great. The first two are available year-round. The Brut is only available during the holiday season. It is exceptional.
Serve Acidic Whites as Part of Your Christmas Wine Pairings
This recommendation is likewise similar to my recommendation on Thanksgiving. Acidic whites do a great job of holding up to even the richest of dishes. Think Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Albariño for starters.
WineShop At Home’s Recommended Whites
- Cookie Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, $25
- Monarch Riesling, $25.50
- Somersville Cellars Albariño, $27
Serve Chardonnay Too
If you’re serving special-occasion shellfish like scallops in white wine sauce, you need a wine that’s up to the task. Look for a crisp, oaked Chardonnay that has enough butteriness to complement the food’s flavors, but is crisp enough to cut through the fat and leave your palate ready for the next bite.
WineShop At Home offers two Chardonnays. My favorite is the Glory Cellars Chardonnay, where a portion of the sale goes to America’s Mighty Warriors, the non-profit WineShop At Home has been involved with for many years.
If you’re serving special-occasion shellfish like scallops in white wine sauce, you need a wine that’s up to the task. Look for a crisp, oaked Chardonnay that has enough butteriness to complement the food’s flavors, but is crisp enough to cut through the fat and leave your palate ready for the next bite.
WineShop At Home offers two Chardonnays. My favorite is the Glory Cellars Chardonnay, where a portion of the sale goes to America’s Mighty Warriors, the non-profit WineShop At Home has been involved with for many years.
