Christmas food and wine pairing ideas

1st December 2020

T-minus 24 days until Christmas! And, as the government has announced a ‘restriction holiday’ on the 25th December, allowing up to three households to celebrate together indoors in certain regions of England, it’s time to get that Christmas tree up, your favourite jumpers out, and be ready to prepare indulgent recipes for your guests. But, which wines will you be drinking? We asked our Account Managers for some Christmas dinner food and wine pairings inspiration.

Starters paired with sparkling wine

Duck and pork terrine with cranberries and pistachios paired with Champagne Bruno Paillard Rosé Premiere Cuvee – available also in magnum and from the Christmas Promotion

“Duck and pork terrine is a must at Christmas, and, in my cellar, I’ve got a bottle of Rosé Premiere Cuvee that is simply perfect for it! Its creamy and refreshing citrus notes cut through the fat of the dish, while the delicate bubbles and the subtle notes of redcurrant and cherry complement the cranberries and pistachios of the plate.” – Patrick Mallinson, Key Account Manager

Red prawn cocktail paired with Champagne Palmer & Co Blanc de Blancs NV – available also in magnum and from the Christmas Promotion

“This year my fiancée and I decided to opt for a classic starter, the prawn cocktail. As I’m a big fan of Champagne Palmer, I’ve decided to pair it with their Blanc de Blancs NV. The delicate aromas and flavours of citrus fruit will complement the prawns perfectly, while the fresh, long finish will balance the juiciness of the dish.” – George Randall, Regional Sales Manager of the South East

Smoked salmon with horseradish, crème fraiche and beetroot paired with Ridgeview Cavendish Brut NV – available from the Christmas Promotion

“My husband and I adore smoked salmon, so we usually serve it as an entrée. This year we decided to pair it with something local, the Ridgeview Cavendish. Its fine bubbles, the expressive aromas of red fruit, and its depth are exceptional. Its freshness will cut through the fattiness of the salmon, while its long-lasting finish will cleanse the palate.” – Dinah Kinnear, Regional Sales Manager of the North & North Wales

Main courses paired with white and red wine

Classic roast turkey with chunky roast potatoes paired with Neudorf Tom’s Block Pinot Noir – new to the portfolio

“Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a roast turkey! I will pair it with one of the latest additions in our portfolio, the Neudorf Tom’s Block Pinot Noir. Its elegant flavour profile of dark plum and cloves, layered with subtle savoury and spicy notes, makes it the perfect pairing with the turkey. Its bright acidity and soft tannins bring out the juiciness of the meat.” – Emily Bonsor, Regional Sales Manager of the South West & South Wales

Poached salmon served on crème fraiche and dill paired with Laurenz V Friendly Gruner Veltliner

“For my family and I, Christmas is not the same without salmon! Ready in my cellar there’s the fabulous Gruner Veltliner from Laurenz V. This concentrated Gruner presents an array of delicious aromas and flavours, with peach, apple and peppery notes. It’s a very refreshing wine that pairs perfectly with the salmon, as it cuts through wonderfully, leaving a fresh mouthfeel.” – Dominic Terry, Regional Sales Manager for the East & London

Puddings paired with dessert wine

Classic Christmas pudding paired with Lafage Grain de Vigne

“One of the dishes that my sweet tooth can’t renounce over Christmas dinner is the classic Christmas pudding. Warm, nutty and delicious, I decided to pair it with the Lafage Muscat des Rivesaltes. This sweet wine has intense aromas and flavours of exotic fruit, peach, apricot and lychee. The palate is full, with a long-lasting finish dominated by citrus fruits. Perfect!” – Joshua Butler, Sales Director

Mixed cheese boards and chutneys paired with Quinta de la Rosa Vintage Port 2005 – new to the portfolio

“Cheese boards are a must on my Christmas table, usually combining stronger and milder cheeses with home-made chutneys. I love to sip a nice glass of Port, so this year I’ve got myself one of the latest additions to our portfolio, the Vintage Port by Quinta de la Rosa. It presents an excellent texture, complexity and equilibrium, which evolve in the long-lasting finish. Exquisite!” – Caroline Krey-Jacobsen, London Account Manager