Christmas Dinner Wine Pairings

Christmas dinner wine pairings need not intimidate. Matching Christmas dinner with the right wine can be a lot of fun. After all Christmas dinner wine pairings are a kind of alchemy. Figuring out what combinations work well together is part of the experience of tasting and enjoying wine and food. Here are five ideas for wine pairings for Christmas.

Champagne is a classic choice for Christmas. Champagne signifies spontaneity and celebration. It can easily stand alone as a celebratory drink. It can also be paired with a light appetiser such as smoked fish. Champagne has a strong flavour which can compete with rich main courses, so it is best that you serve the champagne on its own or with a light starter dish. The starter option of champagne and strawberries while guest mingle is another popular combination.

Port is a fortified wine which creates interesting wine pairings for Christmas. Port is very rich with a strong alcohol content. In Europe, it is served in small amounts and enjoyed at the end of the meal with a cheese plate, one of the classic wine pairings for Christmas. Another classic choice among wine pairings for Christmas is sherry with cheese.

For a hearty beef main course, try a full bodied red such as Shiraz. Pinot noir with roasted duck is another choice for Christmas dinner wine pairings.

For dessert, try a light wine such as a rose or dessert wine. The subtle flavour is a perfect match to a rich dessert.

A final option for Christmas dinner wine pairings is mulled wine. Prepared on the stove, this warm spicy wine creates a wonderful fragrance. Mulled wine can be prepared for people to enjoy before or after dinner.

Visiting a good wine seller is another way to get idea for wine pairings for Christmas. Once you have established what food you plan to prepare, visit a local wine merchant and ask for input. A knowledgable wine seller will have recommendations based on the type of dishes you plan to serve. Christmas is also an opportunity to 'road test' a wine of a local wine seller. You might be surprised to learn that there are many wine producers throughout the United States, even in Ohio!

A final tip for Christmas dinner wine pairings is some simple advice. As always, make sure that you and your guests drink responsibly. Also make sure to have plenty of ice water, tea, coffee, etc. for non-alcoholic options.