Perfect Wine Pairings for Christmas Lunch: A Guide to Elevate Your Festive Feast
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When it comes to celebrating Christmas, a memorable lunch often takes centre stage. Between the succulent roasts, fresh seafood, and seasonal salads, Christmas lunch is the perfect opportunity to showcase some of your favourite wines. Whether you're enjoying a classic roast, seafood, or a mix of both, choosing the right wines to complement each course will elevate your meal. Here are some of our top Christmas lunch wine pairings that will delight your guests and make the festive season even more memorable.
Starters & Appetizers
Kick off Christmas lunch with fresh seafood or a light starter to whet everyone’s appetite. Pairing options include crisp whites, light reds, or sparkling wines that bring refreshing notes to each bite.
Sparkling Wine: Start the celebration with something festive! Our 2019 'The Baroness' Petit Meslier sparkling wine is a standout choice. The light, crisp bubbles and citrus notes complement delicate seafood flavours like oysters, prawns, and smoked salmon while adding a touch of elegance to your table.
Pinot Gris or Riesling: For a versatile option, our Spring Hill Pinot Gris or Riesling are both great choices. With their fruity, mineral qualities, they work well with a variety of appetizers, from seafood platters to antipasto.
Main Course
The main course is where Christmas lunch really shines. Whether you're serving roast turkey, ham, or grilled seafood, there’s a wine that will complement each dish perfectly.
Roast Turkey & Ham: For a traditional Christmas roast, opt for a medium to full-bodied red like the Grand Merlot. This wine has enough structure to stand up to hearty flavours while offering smooth tannins and rich berry notes. Another great option is our Eden Valley Shiraz, which adds a little spice that pairs beautifully with glazed ham.
Seafood Feast: If seafood is your centrepiece, look to wines that bring freshness without overpowering delicate flavours. The Spring Hill Pinot Gris is a wonderful pairing with grilled or baked fish and pairs beautifully with prawns and scallops. Alternatively, the Altitude Chardonnay offers a balanced acidity and creamy finish that complements richer seafood dishes.
Vegan & Vegetarian Options: For plant-based dishes, a light to medium red like The General Shiraz can work wonders. These wines complement roasted vegetables, lentil loaf, and hearty winter salads without overwhelming the flavours.
Side Dishes
Christmas lunch often includes sides like roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and fresh salads. While these don’t usually require a dedicated pairing, choosing wines that can handle a range of flavours is key.
Chardonnay or Pinot Gris: Our Altitude Chardonnay and Spring Hill Pinot Gris both bring a fresh, clean taste that pairs well with salads, creamy potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
Cabernet Franc: If your sides are more on the robust, savoury side (think stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and roasted mushrooms), a glass of Altitude Cabernet Franc can add a lovely herbal note that enhances these flavours.
Cheese Course
For those who love a cheese platter, a diverse wine choice can elevate this course into a luxurious experience.
Merlot: Our Altitude Merlot’s rich, fruit-forward character pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses like cheddar and gouda.
Cabernet Sauvignon: For blue cheese lovers, the depth and bold structure of Altitude Cabernet Sauvignon balance the strong flavours while enhancing creaminess.
Final Tips for Choosing Christmas Wines
- Balance with flavours: Think about the flavours of each dish and select wines with complementary or contrasting characteristics. Rich dishes pair well with bold wines, while light dishes benefit from crisp whites or sparkling options.
- Consider the weather: If it’s a warm day, chilled wines like Riesling, Pinot Gris, and sparkling wines keep things fresh.
With these wine pairing suggestions, you’ll be ready to create a Christmas lunch that’s as festive as it is flavourful. Enjoy exploring these combinations and celebrating with loved ones over a beautiful meal and exceptional wines! Happy holidays!