Best Wines to Enjoy with Holiday Meals This Season
The holiday season is all about gathering around the table to share delicious meals and even better memories with loved ones. Wine is often the perfect companion, enhancing flavors and elevating the festive experience. But with so many options available, finding the right wines to pair with holiday dishes can be overwhelming. To make it easier, we’ve curated a list of the best wines to enjoy with your holiday meals this season, each chosen to complement the flavors of traditional dishes and elevate your celebration.
PINOT NOIR --- The Ultimate Holiday All-Rounder
*** Why It Works: Light-bodied and versatile, Pinot Noir is an easygoing red with balanced acidity and soft tannins, making it ideal for dishes with delicate flavors like turkey, ham, and roasted vegetables
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*** Flavor Profile: Look for notes of cherry, cranberry, and earthy undertones. These flavors pair well with traditional holiday spices and bring out the natural sweetness of dishes like cranberry sauce and roasted root vegetables.
*** Recommended Pairing: Try Pinot Noir with turkey and stuffing for a classic, harmonious pairing. The wine’s earthiness also makes it an excellent match for mushroom-based sides.
CHARDONNAY --- Rich and Creamy for Hearty Dishes
*** Why It Works: Chardonnay’s rich, buttery texture complements cream-based sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and any cheese-forward dishes on your table.
*** Flavor Profile: With hints of apple, pear, and a subtle vanilla oakiness, Chardonnay enhances flavors without overwhelming lighter dishes.
*** Recommended Pairing: Opt for an oaked Chardonnay with roasted turkey or baked ham to balance the richness of each bite.
SPARKLING WINE --- Effervescent and Elegant
*** Why It Works: There’s nothing like a bit of bubbly to kick off the festivities! Sparkling wines are light, zesty, and perfect for cleansing the palate between bites.
*** Flavor Profile: Depending on the blend, sparkling wines may feature hints of green apple, lemon, and almond. These crisp flavors refresh the palate, especially with heavy holiday dishes.
*** Recommended Pairing: Start the meal with a sparkling wine and appetizers, or pair it with light, refreshing salads, seafood starters, or the holiday dessert spread for a touch of elegance.
ZINFANDEL --- Bold and Spicy for Robust Dishes
*** Why It Works: Zinfandel’s bold profile and high tannins cut through rich, hearty dishes, enhancing flavors rather than overpowering them. It’s a natural match for beef, lamb, and spiced dishes.
*** Flavor Profile: With notes of blackberry, cherry, and pepper, Zinfandel complements the robust, savory spices often used in holiday meats and root vegetables.
*** Recommended Pairing: Try Zinfandel with roasted beef tenderloin or leg of lamb to bring out the wine’s complex layers while harmonizing with the bold flavors of the main course.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON --- Classic and Full-Bodied for Red Meat Lovers
*** Why It Works: Known for its rich tannins and depth, Cabernet Sauvignon is the quintessential choice for hearty meals. Its strong structure complements red meats, game, and rich sides.
*** Flavor Profile: Expect notes of black currant, plum, and cedar. This wine’s complexity and strong body make it an ideal partner for dishes that pack a lot of flavors.
*** Recommended Pairing: Pair Cabernet Sauvignon with a holiday prime rib or roast beef. Its tannic strength and balanced acidity make each bite more flavorful.
RIESLING --- Sweet Meets Savory
*** Why It Works: A versatile option, Riesling’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savory-sweet holiday flavors like glazed ham, spiced yams, and roasted vegetables.
*** Flavor Profile: Expect citrus, green apple, and honey notes, with a slight sweetness that contrasts nicely with richer dishes.
*** Recommended Pairing: Serve Riesling with ham or spiced sides like sweet potato casserole. It’s also an excellent match for holiday desserts, from apple pie to pecan tarts.
MERLOT --- Smooth and Versatile for a Range of Dishes
*** Why It Works: Merlot’s balanced body and smooth tannins make it a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with an array of holiday dishes.
*** Flavor Profile: Known for notes of plum, blackberry, and chocolate, Merlot pairs with everything from turkey and mashed potatoes to holiday stuffing.
*** Recommended Pairing: Merlot’s versatility means it can go with just about any holiday dish. Pair it with stuffing or turkey to bring out the wine’s smooth, fruit-forward flavors.
BONUS: Serving Tips for the Perfect Holiday Wine Experience
To fully enjoy your wine pairings, remember a few simple serving tips:
Chill Appropriately: Serve white wines slightly chilled and reds at room temperature for the best flavor profile.
Use Proper Glassware: The right glass can enhance the experience, so consider using wider bowls for reds and narrower ones for whites.
Decant Heavier Reds: For wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, give them time to breathe in a decanter to open up their flavors.