With Christmas right around the corner, you may be busy writing your never-ending grocery list. You don’t want to miss anything from grazing appetizers, ingredients for the main meal, pies, and of course, wine!
The thing to remember when selecting wines for your Christmas table is that you want wines that are universal and versatile in style. Your beautiful meal is the main event, and delicious wines are meant to accent and elevate the table and pair well with all the delicious bites.
If it feels overwhelming to try and select wines for your Christmas table, take a deep breath, and start with your holiday meats. Below is your Sommelier-approved cheat sheet to select wines to go with each one.
Wines that Pair with Turkey
Nothing says the holidays like a roasted turkey centerpiece on the dining room table. Turkey can be made many kinds of ways (e.g., roasted, smoked, and deep fried, for example). A few wine choices for a fool-proof pairing include a not too heavy Chardonnay, such as the Yering Station Chardonnay ($36) from the Victoria region of Australia, a bright and juicy California Pinot Noir such as La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($28), or a French Cru Beaujolais such as Château Bonnet Saint-Amour Côte de Besset ($20).
Wines that Pair with Honey Baked Ham
Second to turkey is the delicious baked ham, especially a classic honey baked ham with the irresistible crackly sweet crust. Lots of pairing options here including a dry Riesling such as Seckinger Riesling Pur ($27), a luscious and fruity Chenin Blanc such as Reyneke Vinehugger Chenin Blanc ($17.99), or a Syrah blend such as Domaine D’Aupilhac Le Cocalières ($19).
Wines that Pair with Roast Beef
Only for special occasions, a beef roast sliced medium rare at the table is a stunner. A rich, ripe Zinfandel such as Rombauer California Zinfandel ($38) or an assertive and bold Cabernet Sauvignon such as McPrice Myers Bull by the Horns ($25) stand up to the red meat.
Wines that Pair with a Rack of Lamb
The crown jewel of holiday meats, an elegant rack of lamb, works famously with various reds. You can’t go wrong with an Italian Nebbiolo, such as Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo ($31.99), or a Bordeaux style blend, such as Fenestra Winery Conjugation Red Blend ($42).
All Sommelier-Approved Options!
Lots of options to choose from to be sure that your guests are well-fed and have some incredible “somm approved” wines in their glasses!