Wines to match Christmas Dinner

It’s one time in the year where a really huge amount of effort goes into the dinner preparation, so why not choose the perfect wine pairings too. But before going any further, a spoiler. The perfect wine is the wine you like, whatever style it is, or region it's from.

That said, here are a few suggestions.

Red wines to match Christmas Turkey

For the reds, I’d go with a relatively light choice. I look for lighter reds with a refreshing acidity which will perform an 'amuse bouche' and cut right through the weight of turkey, sprouts, and stuffing.

We’ve a lovely Gamay and plenty of Pinot Noir which will fit the bill nicely. Chianti is also a good bet, with lovely fresh acidity and a tart crispiness to match anything Christmas dinner can throw at it.

For something a bit special, you’d do a lot worse than the wines of Angelo Gaja. Two in particular come to mind.

The Sito Moresco, a blend of Nebbiolo, Merlot, Barbera from Piemonte. Wow.

Or try the IDDA red from his Sicilian adventure, a gorgeous, sumptuous, svelte, elegant, engaging, mineral, charming, fruit-forward, spice-laden masterpiece of Italian wine-making. 

White wines to match festive foods

If you’re having the traditional smoked salmon starter, a white with both freshness and body is worth seeking out.

White Burgundy would be great, while there are a few from elsewhere worthy of consideration. A good Godello, like the bright and broad Polvorete, is phenomenally versatile with a range of rich foods. 

Another worth a look is the Falanghina from Paternoster. A rich, rewarding palate with a broad mouthfeel and a structured palate, balanced by fresh acidity, the ageing on fine lees for five months gives added texture and complexity to the wine. According to one of our happy customers, this could pass for a very expensive white Burgundy. 

If you want to push the boat out, then try the IDDA Bianco. This is the white from Gaja's highly anticipated venture to Sicily - and it is sensational. Bright and engaging with citrus notes followed by orchard fruits and a subtle smokey earthiness that sits perfectly with the impacts of malolactic fermentation, it is a creamy smooth-bodied wine that has a lively and invigorating freshness in balance.

Bubbles

And, of course, there are bubbles. not just for kicking off the festivities, they literally go with everything, okay, perhaps many things, but Crémant or Champagne shouldn’t be overlooked as a great food matcher. I would say look for very dry styles if you can.