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Selecting the perfect Christmas wine can be overwhelming, especially if you have guests coming. In addition, choosing the ideal wine depends on the kind of meal you plan to serve or if you prefer to serve wine alone.
Therefore, we boiled it down to five different wine groups that are popular worldwide and have a festive hint that pairs well with Christmas feasts.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the very best wines to compliment your Christmas dinner as it’s relatively high acidity and low tannins make it easy to pair with a variety of different foods, including a Christmas ham or turkey. If you’re planning on celebrating with a ham, consider a smoked or baked ham with your Pinot Noir as the salty flavor of the ham blends well with the earthy tones of the wine.
In addition, its bold red color, cranberry aroma, and vanilla spice make it a Christmas classic and is destined to be a hit with everyone at the table. You can enjoy your Pinot Noir during dinner or savor a glass before dinner.
Our Recommendations:
Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Clark & Telephone
Chardonnay
If you want to add white wine to your Christmas dinner, a chardonnay is an excellent choice. It has a light to medium body, relatively low tannins, and high acidity making it another versatile choice for a number of food pairings.
As this rich and savory wine often has a buttery taste, it tends to pair best with virtually any dish you would put butter on. Therefore, your green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, and other side dishes will blend harmoniously with the chardonnay of your choice.
It also is a wonderful wine on its own with crisp flavors of apple, pineapple, and vanilla.
Our Recommendations:
Les Argelières Chardonnay Grande Cuvée
Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay
Merlot
If you’re entertaining guests and want a popular red wine to add to the Christmas dinner table, Merlot is a great option. This velvety red wine has an oaky taste of black cherries, plums, blackberries, and notes of vanilla.
It has a fuller body than a chardonnay or pinot noir, so it’s an excellent contrast for those that want something a little stronger.
Our Recommendations:
Clos Sainte-Anne Côtes de Bordeaux
Angels Landing Napa Merlot
Sauvignon Blanc
The Sauvignon Blanc is a dry white wine with flavors of passionfruit, lime, and green apple, though it has unique aromas of basil, jalapeno, and grass, making it quite different from the chardonnay.
You’ll also enjoy an array of aromas, including vanilla, nutmeg, and butter.
As this wine has a medium acidity, it pairs well with chicken, turkey, and sauteed vegetables.
Our Recommendations:
Matayac Sauvignon Blanc
Angels Landing Napa Sauvignon Blanc
Natale Verga Sauvignon
Sparkling Wine
Finally, your Christmas wine list wouldn’t be complete without sparkling wine. While there is a wide array of different sparkling wine flavors and aromas, you can choose between a:
- Dry and zesty
- Sweet
- Light, dry, and floral
- Creamy and rich
If you want to stick to something safe, consider adding a sparkling rose wine as it tends to pair well with most hams and is a popular wine among guests.
Our Recommendations:
Barcino Belle Epoque Cava Brut
Natale Verga Sweet Sparkling Moscato
Final Thoughts
As you prepare for Christmas, consider purchasing both a red and white wine from this list. These wines are popular among most audiences and are a safe choice if you have company. While they’re festive and fun for the holidays, you’ll also enjoy them after the holidays, either over dinner or as an evening nightcap.
