Cheers to the Season: Wine Pairings For All Of Your Favorite Festive Dishes!
The holiday season is always filled with joyful gatherings, delightful feasts, and the clinking of glasses filled with holiday spirits. While many may think of mulled wine or eggnog, wine can also be a wonderful accompaniment to the flavors of a Christmas meal.
Whether you prefer red, white, sparkling, or sweet wines, there's a perfect match for every holiday dish.
~~~~~~ Main Course ~~~~~~
The centerpiece of your Christmas meal deserves a wine that complements its flavors. Whether you're serving turkey, ham, roast beef, or a vegetarian dish, here are wine pairings to consider:
Roast Turkey
A classic roast turkey pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied Chardonnay for white wine lovers or a Pinot Noir for red wine enthusiasts. The buttery notes of Chardonnay and the red fruit flavors of Pinot Noir enhance the turkey's savory profile.
Ham
The saltiness of ham pairs wonderfully with a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or a red wine with a touch of sweetness, such as Zinfandel. The acidity in these wines balances the richness of the ham.
Prime Rib
Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice for prime rib due to its bold and structured character. Its dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and hints of oak complement the richness and meatiness of prime rib, creating a harmonious pairing.
Roast Beef
For a hearty roast beef, opt for a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah (Shiraz). These wines have the tannins and depth to complement the bold flavors of the meat.
Tofurky
The main dish for many a vegetarian is meant to taste a bit like the real deal, yet the Tofurky can be incredibly salty, which makes pairing somewhat of a challenge. In this situation, it's ideal to go with a rich Pinot Noir, especially a California one. Thanks to the heat and sun, Cali Pinot tends to be richer and fuller than Pinots from Oregon or France, which will help soothe some of that salt.
~~~~~~ Sides and Garnishes ~~~~~~
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing benefit from wines that are bright and crisp.
* Pairing Suggestions: Serve Sauvignon Blanc for its zesty acidity, which complements the richness of buttery sides. A well-balanced Chardonnay with notes of apple and citrus can also enhance the flavors of creamy dishes.
If you’re enjoying some of these sides as a “taste test” before guests arrive or perhaps as leftovers, days after the holiday has ended, here are some wines that will pair perfectly with each dish, individually:
Stuffing:
A classic herb stuffing, with sage, thyme, and rosemary, pairs wonderfully with a light to medium-bodied white wine. Consider a Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio, which have enough acidity and body to complement the savory herbs without overpowering them.
Mashed Potatoes:
hardonnay, especially one with a bit of oak aging, pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes. Its buttery notes complement the creamy texture of the dish, and the wine's acidity can cut through the richness.
Candied Yams
Riesling, especially an off-dry or slightly sweet version, can offer a lovely balance to the sweetness of candied yams. Its vibrant acidity and citrusy notes can cut through the richness.
Green Bean Casserole
Chardonnay's rich, creamy texture and flavors of butter and vanilla complement the creamy mushroom sauce in the casserole. It's a classic and versatile pairing.
~~~~~~ Desserts ~~~~~~
Sweet Wine and Port
The grand finale of your Christmas meal deserves equally indulgent wines. Desserts like fruitcake, Christmas pudding, and chocolate delights pair wonderfully with sweet and fortified wines.
Not only are these wines enjoyable to sit and savor with it’s matching dessert, BUT think of what a wonderful and thoughtful gift the two, paired together, would make for neighbors and friends!
----> Here Are Our Favorite Sweets + Wine Pairings:
(1) Pumpkin Pie and Riesling
A late harvest Riesling or Auslese Riesling offers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, which complements the sweetness and spices in pumpkin pie. The wine's vibrant fruitiness enhances the dessert's flavors without overwhelming them.
(2) Chocolate Chess Pie and Port
Tawny Port, with its nutty and caramelized notes, complements the chocolate in the pie while offering a complex and layered pairing. The dessert wine's slightly less sweetness can be a delightful contrast.
(3) Gingerbread and Brandy (or Cognac)
A quality brandy or Cognac offers warm and rich flavors that can accentuate the spiciness of gingerbread. Sipping it alongside the dessert provides a luxurious experience.
(4) Fruitcake and Sherry
Sherry wines offer rich, nutty, and caramelized flavors that complement the sweetness and nuttiness of fruitcake.
(5) Yule log and Sparkling Wine
The crisp acidity and effervescence of Champagne or sparkling wine can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Yule log. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing your overall enjoyment.