With the festive season suddenly upon us, there's no better time to ensure that our wine racks are stocked up. And, more importantly, that they are filled with options that pair perfectly with what you're serving your guests at Christmas.
Finding the right pairing can be a daunting task, but Laithwaites has you covered. Below you'll find a selection of wines to cater for each Christmassy course.
To get things flowing...
View Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux price
Every Christmas get together should start with a glass of Champagne, but there are plenty of great alternatives if you want something a little different.
Top pick: Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux is a French hidden gem. It's a sparkling vintage wine made with a process where nearly half the wine is oak fermented; an expensive technique that gives it a toasty complexity.
For canapés and starters, Prosecco is light, fresh and lower in alcohol than the options above.
For starters...
View Domaine Servin Chablis price
Seafood starters are common at Christmas, so you need crisp flavours to cut through them.
Loire Sauvignon Blancs like Sancerre cut through the oils of, say, smoked salmon.
Top pick: Fresh Chardonnays like Domaine Servin Chablis work just as well with turkey as seafood, given their elegant, fresh notes.
The main course...
View La Voûte Chardonnay price
Turkey
Chardonnay like White Burgundy is a great pairing with turkey, as it's buttery and creamy flavours still provide some freshness.
When opting for white:
Top pick: La Voûte Chardonnay, a grand Cru-style, rivals the more expensive Meursault.
When opting for red:
A white meat doesn't necessarily mean it needs a white wine! The red berry flavours of Pinot Noirs work well with cranberry sauce.
Top pick: Purple Owl Pinot Noir is popular thanks to its vibrant cherry, raspberry fruit and oaky spice flavours.
Goose & Duck
Italian red wines are a great choice to cut through the fattiness of these meats.
Top pick: Il Poeta Barolo's silky, firm tannins and cherry, plum, flower and spice notes help balance out meaty richness.
Fancy being more adventurous? An Alsace Riesling or Gewürztraminer with a touch of sweetness are worth looking into.
View RedHeads Wilson Gunn Belum price
Beef
Almost any full-bodied red from Argentinian Malbec to Australian Shiraz will pair nicely.
Top pick: The dark and intense Château La Clarière from Laithwaites' Luxury Christmas Showcase Mix is a silky option.
Vegetarian
Nut roast requirements are similar to those of a traditional roast dinner. Just remember to check if they're actually suitable for vegetarians or vegans!
Top pick: RedHeads Wilson Gunn Bellum is produced by a boutique, eco-friendly winery in Australia and has a kirsch, eucalyptus and lavish oak spice profile.
Finally, dessert.
View Delicado Pedro Ximinéz price
Sweet dishes call for sweet wines.
Top pick: Delicado Pedro Ximinéz is a rare, special edition sweet sherry that's an ideal match for Christmas pudding and chocolate desserts
Creamier, or fruit-based desserts call for French dessert wines like Sauternes.
That concludes our guide to the festive drinks you'll want to pair with your Christmas starters, mains and desserts. The articles below offer other choices if you want to add a few more options to your table.
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