A Guide to Selecting Wine for Every Course of Your Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner is a festive highlight, and selecting the right wines can enhance the flavours of each dish, making your meal truly unforgettable. With a wide array of courses and tastes to cater for, pairing the perfect wine can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Here’s a simple guide to matching wine with every course of your traditional Christmas dinner.

1. Starter – Light Appetisers

Christmas starters are often light, designed to whet the appetite. Smoked salmon, pâté, or a prawn cocktail are common choices. These dishes call for a wine that complements without overpowering the delicate flavours.

Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis works beautifully with seafood or light salads. Their acidity will cut through the richness of the fish, leaving a refreshing finish. If you prefer a sparkling option, a Brut Champagne or a light Prosecco adds a festive flair.

2. Main Course – Turkey or Roast

The main event of Christmas dinner in the UK is often a roast turkey, but roast beef, goose, or lamb are also popular. These meats typically come with rich, savoury accompaniments like gravy, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.

Wine Pairing:

Turkey: A Pinot Noir is a classic pairing with turkey. Its light body and fruity notes won’t overwhelm the mild meat, and it complements the earthy flavours of root vegetables and stuffing.

Goose: For a fattier meat like goose, opt for a fuller-bodied white such as an oaked Chardonnay, or a rich red like a Shiraz or Zinfandel.

Beef or Lamb: These meats call for bolder reds. A Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Bordeaux will bring out the robust flavours of roast beef or lamb without being too heavy.

3. Side Dishes – Vegetables, Stuffing, and Sauces

Side dishes, such as Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and herby stuffing, play an essential supporting role. Balancing these various flavours can be tricky, but the right wine will tie everything together.

Wine Pairing: For sides, it’s all about balance. A Beaujolais is an excellent choice, with its light and fruity profile working well with sweet and earthy vegetables, while also refreshing your palate between bites. Rosé Champagne can also be a fun and versatile option, especially for lighter, vegetarian side dishes.

4. Dessert – Christmas Pudding or Mince Pies

Christmas desserts are often rich, fruity, and full of spice. Whether you’re serving a traditional Christmas pudding, mince pies, or something else decadent, the wine needs to stand up to these bold flavours.

Wine Pairing: A Tawny Port or Sherry is a classic pairing with Christmas pudding. Its sweetness and nuttiness harmonise with the dried fruits and spices. For mince pies, a sweet Muscat or Sauternes can provide a delicious counterpoint to the crumbly pastry and spiced filling.

5. Cheese Course – A Festive Cheese Board

Many Christmas dinners conclude with a cheese course. Stilton, Cheddar, and Brie are common favourites on a festive cheese board.

Wine Pairing: Blue cheeses like Stilton pair beautifully with a rich, sweet wine like Port or Sauternes. For hard cheeses like Cheddar, a bold red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel works well. Soft cheeses like Brie are complemented by a more delicate wine, such as Champagne or a Chardonnay.

6. After Dinner – Chocolates or Digestifs

Once dinner has been cleared away, the indulgence often continues with chocolates or a few post-dinner drinks.

Wine Pairing: Pair rich, dark chocolates with a full-bodied Red Zinfandel or a Late Bottled Vintage Port. If you’re moving on to a digestif, consider a smooth Brandy or Cognac to round off the meal in style.

Final Thoughts

The key to selecting the perfect wines for Christmas dinner is variety. Each course has its own unique flavours and textures, so it’s worth offering different wines throughout the meal. Whether you’re a red wine lover or prefer a chilled white, these pairings should guide you in creating a memorable Christmas feast. Cheers!