Christmas Wine Pairing Guide

Wines To Drink With Turkey and Other Christmas foods

 

For as long as I can recall, Christmas has been my favorite holiday. Not only for its homage to the value I find most important in life, gratitude. But also, for its central meaning and celebration. Christmas is family and friends, food and laughter. Furthermore, it’s predictable menu grants us the creative liberty to find something new in our wine selection for the occasion. Below is a great Christmas wine pairing guide to honor many Christmas dinner foods accompanied with wine that we highly recommend. 

Christmas Breakfast:

Food: Biscuits and Jam 

Wine Pairing: Bubbles but not the Champagne kind, Cava

 

In my house, Christmas begins sharply at 4am when the turkey goes into the smoker. Then after steaming cups of coffee and tea, the real celebration commences. Macy’s parade in the background, a flurry of preparation begins. One of my favorite Christmas breakfasts consists of homemade biscuits (try this receipt if you are pressed for time) with berry compote and fresh mascarpone.  Combine 2-3 cups of your favorite berry with a teaspoon per cup of honey or brown sugar.

I prefer a combination of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes or until desired consistency. Select your favorite flakey biscuit recipe or pre-made variety and bake to the directions. Layer hot biscuits with fresh mascarpone and berry compote. 

 

 

To enjoy these homemade biscuits we recommend you serve them with a glass of Montsarra Cava Brut NV for a refreshing start to the day. Montsarra Cava Brut NV is a sparkling wine crafted from the finest grapes of Penedès, featuring vibrant acidity and gentle tannins, making it an ideal choice for creating a memorable Rosado.

The effervescence of the bubbles in this Cava, combined with subtle notes of tartness, forms a harmonious partnership with the sweetness of the berry compote. This pairing isn't limited to breakfast; it also serves as an exquisite dessert option. For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling the biscuits with honey or adding a layer of Nutella.

 

Christmas Side Dish Wine Pairings: 

Food: Casserole

Wine: Pinot Noir

 

 

Food for the body is not enough, there must be food for the soul. Growing up in Florida with strong southern and Cajun family roots, the casserole was king. Sweet potato, squash, and green bean casseroles lined our table, each filled with equal parts love and butter.

After decades of ingredient, herb and spice modifications, only the decadence of these items remained consistent. Casseroles provide a much needed make ahead convenience and the leftovers reheat to perfection. Find great casserole recipes here. No southern cooking experience required, just heart. 

Whether or not casseroles are a part of your family dining, dishes of richness pair perfectly with the Prosper Maufoux Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC 2021. When it comes to indulgent dishes or family gatherings, this wine is an ideal companion. This wine welcomes you with a fruit-forward bouquet, exuding the enticing aromas of fresh blackcurrants, raspberries, and cherries. Its medium-bodied profile, brimming with layers of ripe wild berries and cherries, creates a harmonious pairing with rich and flavorful foods. The wine's supple tannins and well-balanced acidity enhance the dining experience, while its earthy and spicy finish amplifies the depth of flavors in hearty dishes.

Wine with Turkey

Food: Turkey

Wine: Grenache  

 

Furthermore, turkey is almost always had in conjunction with the plethora of Christmas side dishes. We recommend you stick to a great Pinot Noir like the one suggested above. However, if you want to showcase something different and nicely break up the Christmas meal you can kindly offer your guests a transition wine to pair with their turkey. 

 

Turkey’s white meat and brown meat combination call for something unique, not too strong but grants the turkey room to shine yet something that compliments it often dry nature. The 100% Grenache grape in the Badenhorst Raaigras Grenache 2017 from South Africa does just that. This wine with turkey food pairing is delicious. You will not only be sharing this wine with your family but you are bringing a family owned winery right into your home for this special holiday occasion. 

 

Turkey Leftover Wine Pairings

Food: Roasted Corn Dip

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

With the turkey, stuffing and casseroles depleted, the dishes washed, and obligatory naps and walks taken, it is time for football, a movie, or games. Despite the resounding claim there is no room for additional food, my roasted corn dip never goes unfinished. A modification from Emeril Lagasse’s recipe, I substitute the regular mayo with a vegan avocado spread and the jalapeño’s for hatch green chilies to give it a more Colorado/New Mexico flair.  And so, we recommend you pair this Christmas side-dish with a red wine from France, Fortant de France Cabernet Sauvignon 2019.

The spice of the chilies, sweetness of the early bells and smokiness of the corn are complemented by the array of berries, red fruits, spice, smokiness and earth on both the nose and palate.  A delicious, yet lesser known grape varietal, from Argentina’s wine country, the Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastically beautiful, medium-bodied, fruit-forward wine with gentle tannins, and deep crimson colors.  Sit back, sip and cheer to your heart's content.

On the off chance there is leftover corn dip, it makes a great second day topper for roasted chicken breast or mix with rice and black beans for a vegetarian southwest bowl. 

 

 

Christmas Meals Always Pair with Wine and Gratitude 

Food: Gratitude

Wine: Glühwein Recipe

Showing gratitude is one of the most simple yet powerful things humans can do for one another. 

When the sun has set over the fall horizon and the day of gratitude comes to a close, consider a warm Glühwein to end the night. Combine orange slices, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise with a bottle of this wine and slowly warm on low until heated through. With its ripest deep colored grapes, this 20 Year Old Tawny Port retains some hints of redness but with the distinctive tawny color.

However it is you and yours celebrates Christmas day, be sure it is done in gratitude. Raise a glass and cheer, for even in 2023, there is much to be thankful for. 

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