December 2024
Blog | Festive feasting made easy: top turkey roasting and wine pairing tips from our experts
Read time: approx 3 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.
Latest news stories
University College Birmingham renews £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance for 2027
The University renews its committment to student support.
Read more
University College Birmingham strengthens its commitment to inclusion
National equality, diversity and inclusion accolades reflect our ongoing work to embed inclusion into university life.
Read more
University expands hospitality training with Beyond and Brocks
Investment programme set to transform the student experience and strengthen Birmingham's hospitality sector.
Read more
Hospitality and tourism conference inspires students to step up to Invictus Games
University College Birmingham students got a glimpse of how they could be part of one of the world's most ins…
Read more
University's first social work apprentices begin their studies
Developing the next generation of social workers and creating a learning community where apprentices feel that they belong.
Read more
University College Birmingham earns Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award
The University continues to strengthen its engagement with the Armed Forces sector.
Read more