The table is set, family and friends abound and the house is full of aromas that excite the senses. What about connecting the fruits of your labour with the appropriate fermented fruit in the glass? Do not worry; RAKQ has got you covered when it comes to knowing which wines to pair with your Christmas Dinner.
Which Wine Should I Serve Before The Christmas Meal?
Nothing heralds celebrations quite like a glass of bubbles, so why not pop an elegant Cap Classique with nutty brioche nuances to get into the festive spirit? It will pair perfectly with a vast array of nibbles before the main event. On the white side, a slightly chilled, refreshing tropical fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc or a fresh, flinty Chenin Blanc go well with seafood starters and canapes. That said, if you’re a full red nut – nothing is stopping you from jumping in the deep end with a brooding Cab Sauv!
Matt and Seb’s recommendations – The Pieter Ferreira Blanc De Blancs, Paul Wallace Little Flirt Sauvignon Blanc, and Off the Record Chenin Blanc.
Which Wine Should I Serve With The Turkey?
Remember, it’s mainly about the stuffing, sauces, and crunchy sides; however, let’s not forget the bird itself. You ideally want a glass of red wine that is fruity, elegant, and not overly tannic to best accompany the array of food on your plate. Pinot Noir, with notes of red fruit and forest floor, or a peppery, spicy Shiraz spring to mind. For our die hard white lovers, Turkey, being a lean white meat, pairs best with wines that show concentrated fruit and floral notes, balanced by racy acidity – think of aromatic varietals from cooler climates.
Matt and Seb’s recommendations – De Grendel The Op Die Berg Pinot Noir, Pilgrim Shiraz, and Beau Constantia Cecily.
What Wine Goes With Christmas Ham?
The sweet glaze on your Christmas ham usually calls for a wine with a subtle hint of sweetness (otherwise it risks being overpowered by the glaze). A brooding red wine, with dark berry characteristics and aromatic spices will hold up well to the slightly sweet ham; this is where the fruity Tinta Barocca comes into its own. A buttery, wooded Chardonnay is the perfect turkey pairing wine on the white wine side.
Matt and Seb’s recommendations – The Dornier Moordenaarskloof Tinta Barocca and Glenwood Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay.
I’m Having Pheasant or Goose – What Wine Should I Pair With That?
These are darker, fattier, and more gamey than turkey, so you will be after a wine with a slightly fuller body and enough acidity to cut through the fat. A medium-to-fullbodied red wine with complexity and secondary flavours, such as vanilla and cloves, is the perfect wine to pair with darker meat and fattier meats. We also recommend Pinotage, made in a newer wave style – think crunchy red fruit and spice.
Matt and Seb’s recommendations include The Dalla Cia Classico, De Toren Z, and Angus Paul Transient Lands Pinotage.
Should I Serve Wine With The Christmas Pudding?
Go for it! We recommend a lusciously sweet dessert wine with notes of enticing honey and nutty flavours – the perfect wine to end the evening and satisfy that sweet tooth craving.
Matt and Seb’s recommendations – Glenwood Grand Duc Noblesse.
If you found this article on wines to pair with your christmas dinner fascinating, please join our South African Wine Club to build your wine knowledge.
This blog was edited and posted by Digital Squeak
