Wines
Christmas dinner is that magical meal where everyone gathers to eat, drink, and – let’s be honest – judge each other’s cooking. We’ve got the solution if you want to keep the spirits high and bright around the dining table. The right wine pairing is the answer! Whether you’re trying to impress Aunt Susan (who always has thoughts about your gravy) or just want a glass that’ll make the turkey sing, we’ve got a wine a wine for every time of this festive day. Let’s take a look at what wine we’d pair with each Christmas dish, so you can sip back and relax. Cheers to making holiday memories – one festive Kask bottle at a time!
Let’s talk turkey – the star of the Christmas table, and the bird everyone pretends to love (even though we’re really here for the stuffing). With its delicate, lean meat, turkey needs a wine that’s got oomph, but not so bold that it steals the spotlight. So, grab a glass that can play nice with all those festive flavours and make that bird the true bell of the ball. Here’s what we think is the best wine for Christmas turkey:
Top Picks for Turkey
Chardonnay: Go for a medium-bodied, lightly oaked Chardonnay—think a classic white Burgundy. With soft acidity and hints of apple, lemon, and a touch of butter, it’s basically the turkey’s best mate, especially if you’re piling on rich sides like gravy and pigs in blankets. It’s smooth, it’s subtle, and it’ll make you look like you know exactly what you’re doing (even if the gravy’s looking a bit lumpy).
Pinot Noir: For those who insist red is the way to go, Pinot Noir is the turkey’s ideal plus-one. It’s light body and juicy berry vibes bring just enough depth without taking over the plate, so it plays nice with both the tender turkey and those savoury trimmings. It’s the wine that says, “I’m here to party,” but it’s classy enough to keep things civil at the table.
While turkey is the star for many, let’s not forget the supporting cast: seafood starters, veggie sides, and that irresistible, creamy cauliflower cheese. This is where Christmas white wine gets its chance to dazzle and bring out those lighter dishes. It’s like giving the rest of the meal its own little red carpet moment – because everyone deserves to shine at Christmas dinner, not just the big bird! Without further ado, here’s our favourite white wine Christmas dinner:
Best Whites for Christmas Dining
Unoaked White Burgundy (Chablis): If you’re kicking things off with seafood or light starters, an unoaked Chardonnay is just the ticket. Crisp, clean, and with just the right acidity to make shellfish or smoked salmon taste even better, it’s like a refreshing palate wake-up call for the feast ahead.
Sauvignon Blanc: For those green and veggie-forward dishes, Sauvignon Blanc is your go-to. Its zippy acidity and fresh, herbaceous vibes bring a lively contrast to veggie sides. Grab a New Zealand Sauvignon for an extra punch—zesty, vibrant, and practically made to handle all those festive greens.
Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc brings a chic festive taste, with its rich fruitiness and hint of honey that pairs beautifully with anything sweet or spiced, like roasted squash or honey-glazed carrots. South African Chenin? Yes, please! It’s like a warm, fruity hug in a glass.
Red wine and Christmas dinner? A match as perfect as Santa and his sleigh! When the main course is roast beef, lamb, or even a hearty nut roast, a bold red will bring all the cosy, warming vibes that make the holiday meal complete. You know the drill, here’s the best red wine for Christmas dinner:
Festive Reds to Rock Your Roast
Grenache-Based Blends (Côtes du Rhône or Châteauneuf-du-Pape): Grenache blends bring a cosy mix of soft raspberry, black cherry, and a whisper of festive spice, like cinnamon or clove. These reds are made for roast meats and rich sides, elevating your main course into holiday magic.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Need a big red to stand up to those rich, decadent mains? Cabernet Sauvignon’s your wingman. With deep flavours of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar, it holds its own against roast beef or lamb, no matter how saucy things get on the plate.
Malbec: Serving up a flavour-packed roast ham or a sweet, spicy Christmas gammon? Malbec has the intensity to keep up, with its bold fruitiness and hint of smokiness adding even more depth to every glazed, delicious bite.
Now, what’s Christmas without a little pudding? Whether it’s a rich, boozy fruitcake, mince pie, or traditional Christmas pud, the right wine can add an extra layer of indulgence. The key with desserts is to choose a wine that’s even sweeter than the dish. This is where we bring out the traditional Christmas wine:
Perfect Pairings for Pudding
Ruby or Tawny Port: Port and Christmas pudding are like peas in a pod – a classic combo that never goes out of style. Ruby Port is fruity and playful, while Tawny Port adds a nutty depth that’s like the warm hug your pudding needs. It’s the perfect partner for all those dried fruits, nuts, and festive spices.
Pedro Ximénez Sherry: Want to really treat your guests? Pedro Ximénez Sherry is basically Christmas in a glass – rich, syrupy, and sweet as a holiday treat. It’s like liquid raisins with a cheeky touch of fig and toffee, making it the ideal match for mince pies or a gooey Christmas pudding that sticks to your spoon.
Late-Harvest Riesling: Not feeling the heavy hitters? A sweet Late-Harvest Riesling is light, fresh, and honeyed, with just enough sweetness to dance alongside your Christmas desserts. It’s the perfect option if you want something indulgent without the weight of a Port or Sherry.
Ham’s got that sweet-and-salty vibe that begs for a wine that can keep up. You’ll need something that balances out its richness without dragging the whole meal into “I need a nap” territory. So, pick a wine that’ll give the ham a bit of a high-five without overpowering the party. What wine goes with Christmas ham? I hear you ask, let’s take a look:
Wine Matches for Christmas Ham
Zinfandel: This California legend packs a spicy punch and a fruity kick that’s just what glazed ham ordered. The black pepper and cherry flavours make your ham feel like the star of the show – and honestly, it’s about time it was.
Dry Riesling: Prefer to keep it crisp? A dry Riesling is your ticket. Its zingy acidity slices through the salty-sweet goodness of ham like a knife through butter – with a refreshing citrusy kick that’s like a fresh winter breeze.
Grenache Rosé: Feeling a little adventurous? A Grenache rosé brings something unexpected to the table. Its berry and floral notes are like the perfect party guest – sweet, slightly sassy, and totally in sync with the flavours of your ham.
No Christmas Day is truly complete without a little bubbly! Whether you’re kicking off the festivities with a Champagne toast at breakfast or cracking open a bottle of prosecco just before dinner, bubbly is that little fizzy magic that turns the ordinary into something a little extra. Let the celebrations begin!
Bubbly Picks for Christmas
Champagne: When only the best will do, Champagne is the one for bringing out the fancy. With its delicate bubbles and complex flavours, it’s perfect for a proper celebration. Go for Brut if you’re keeping it classic, or opt for a demi-sec if you’re pairing it with sweet treats like pastries or marmalade toast—because why not start your day in style?
Prosecco: If you’re after something a bit lighter on the wallet but still absolutely delicious, Prosecco is your festive BFF. Fresh, bubbly, and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s the perfect choice for mingling before dinner, especially with canapés or snacks that’ll leave everyone grinning.
Crémant: Think Champagne without the price tag. Crémant is France’s sparkling secret, offering those same Champagne-quality bubbles at a fraction of the cost. Whether it’s Crémant d’Alsace or Crémant de Bourgogne, you’ll be sipping on something crisp, elegant, and totally worthy of your holiday cheer.
Spiced Flavours: If you want your wine to keep up with all the festive flavours, go for wines that pack a punch of spice—think cinnamon, plum, or nutmeg. These spicy notes will dance right alongside those warming Christmas dishes and make you feel all kinds of cosy inside.
Port and Cheese: Cheese boards are basically an essential at Christmas, and what better way to indulge than with a glass of Port? A Tawny Port and Stilton is the classic combo, but for a cheeky twist, try a Pinot Noir with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. It’s a match made in cheesy heaven! If you’re worried you’ll make a pour decision when picking a wine to go with your cheese, come join us for a Christmas wine-tasting party. We’ll give you a tipple of all our best wines, so you can get a true taste of the festive season.
Go Seasonal: Want your wine to feel as festive as your Christmas jumper? Go for wines that boast seasonal flavours like cranberry, spice, and roasted nuts. These little touches will make your holiday spread feel extra special and add some serious jingle to your glass.
Choosing the perfect wine for Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be as tricky as untangling your Christmas lights or deciphering the Christmas cracker jokes. From a turkey-loving Chardonnay to the classic Port for your Christmas pudding, there’s a whole festive world of wines ready to tickle your Christmas taste buds. The secret? Pick wines that dance with the flavours on your plate – so every bite (and sip) is extra tasty.
At KASK, we’ve got you covered with a selection of organic, sustainable wines that are always interesting and never boring – the kind of wines that make your Christmas table really shine on the big day.
So, here’s to a Christmas filled with laughter, good vibes, and, of course, wines that deserve their own round of applause. Cheers to that!
Fancy trying a more involved wine experience this Christmas? Have a look at our Christmas Wine Tastings!
