December 2024
Blog | Festive feasting made easy: top turkey roasting and wine pairing tips from our experts
Read time: approx 1 mins
Wine pairings to elevate your meal
No festive feast is complete without the right wines to complement your dishes. Our wine experts have curated a list of pairings to enhance every course of your Christmas dinner.
The perfect aperitif
Kick off your celebrations with a glass of bubbly.
- Classic choice: Prosecco – light, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing.
- Something different: try a Crémant du Jura or Crémant d’Alsace for a unique twist.
Smoked salmon starter
Smoked salmon needs a wine with good acidity that cuts through the oiliness of the fish.
- Go-to wine: a zesty Sauvignon Blanc.
- Our favourites: New Zealand’s vibrant varieties or a classic French Sancerre.
The main event: roast turkey
Turkey isn’t an overpowering meat so it’s best to pair the wine to the accompaniments of a festive meal, such as the rich gravy, vegetables and stuffing.
- White wine: full-bodied Viognier or an oaked Chardonnay.
- Red wine: medium-bodied options like Pinot Noir, Rioja, or Merlot.
For roast goose fans
With its rich, fatty flavour, goose calls for wines with good acidity.
- White wine: a dry Riesling.
- Red wine: a light Pinot Noir.
Cheese board bliss
Pairing wine with cheese is an art.
- Goat’s cheese: bright Sauvignon Blanc complements its tangy, lemony characteristics.
- Creamy cheeses: an oaked Chardonnay or a full-bodied white.
- Blue or hard cheeses: classic port is an ideal accompaniment.
Desserts and sweet treats
Finish strong with wines that match your indulgent puddings.
- Christmas pudding: if you have a dark, sticky pudding then you need a very sweet, unctuous wine like Pedro Ximenez sherry, Madeira, tawny port, or Tokaji Aszú.
- Chocolate desserts and petits fours: a dark dessert wine like Black Muscat or a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully.
With these expert tips and pairings, you’re all set for a truly memorable Christmas feast.
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