Festive feasting made easy: top turkey roasting and wine pairing tips from our experts

December 2024

Blog | Festive feasting made easy: top turkey roasting and wine pairing tips from our experts

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If you’re feeling the pressure to cook the perfect roast turkey this Christmas, or select wines that will wow your guests, then our Chef Lecturers at University College Birmingham are on hand to help.

Perfecting the Christmas turkey

With our simple tips, you’ll roast a turkey that’s juicy, flavourful, and will be the star of the table.

We’ve created a quick, 90-second video tutorial to guide you through preparing and cooking a delicious lemon and thyme roast turkey. The recipe, which feeds 8-10 people, covers all the basics to help you achieve roasting perfection.

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.