Okay, it is mid-October, but the festive season is just around the corner!
Supermarkets are already bombarding you with offers, butchers have been taking Christmas orders since August, and Ocado slots are almost out! So, hopefully, you’ve got your priorities right and are choosing your wine first!
Choosing the perfect red wine for your Christmas celebration can really amp up the joy of the occasion. So, let’s jump in and discover how to pick the ideal red wine, keeping your guests’ tastes and delicious food in mind!
Best Red Wine for Christmas Main Dishes
Here are some excellent red wine options based on the most popular Christmas dishes.
Best red wine to go with turkey
Turkey is best paired with white wine, however red is also an option. Turkey’s mild flavour pairs well with lighter red wines that won’t overpower the dish. When serving turkey, avoid heavily spiced or extremely rich sauces, as they can clash with the wine. Opt for herb-based seasonings and lighter gravies instead.
- Beaujolais Villages: A light-bodied, fruity wine that complements the turkey’s subtle flavour.
- Pinot Noir: Its bright acidity and red fruit notes make it a classic pairing for roasted turkey.
Our choices:
Dominique Morel Fleurie, £20.99
Cherubino Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir, £13.99
Best red wine to go with roasted chicken
Similar to turkey, chicken is versatile, and whilst white wine would be a classic match, a medium-bodied red can work beautifully. Avoid overly creamy sauces or strong spices like curry for chicken dishes, which can overwhelm the wine. Stick to simpler, herbaceous or tomatoes flavours to let the wine shine.
- Grenache: This wine offers fruity notes and a touch of spice, enhancing the flavour of roasted chicken.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: A bit pricier but well worth it, this wine combines richness with subtle earthiness.
Our choices:
Domaine Jones Rouge, £14.99
Chapoutier La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, £36.99
Best red wine to go with roasted ham
The sweet and salty flavour of ham calls for a fruitier, bolder wine to balance the dish. Avoid pairing ham with excessively sweet or spicy sides, as these can mask the wine’s character. Focus on fruity or tangy accompaniments, like cranberry sauce or roasted vegetables. Pro tip: Mustard pairs exceptionally well with wines due to its acidity and complexity, enhancing the wine’s character and balancing rich dishes beautifully! And it works well with pork too.
- Zinfandel: With its jammy fruit and spice, Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with glazed ham
- Shiraz: The boldness and peppery notes of Shiraz complement the sweetness of the ham perfectly.
Our choices:
Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert, £44.99
Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Shiraz, £15.99
Best red wine to go with roasted goose
Goose has a rich, fatty flavour, making it ideal for a bolder red wine. That’s our personal Christmas favourite! Avoid dishes with intense spices or sauces when serving goose. Instead, opt for flavours that enhance the meat’s richness, such as soy sauce or orange glazes.
- Barolo: This full-bodied wine offers tannins and acidity that cut through the richness of the goose.
- Malbec: Its dark fruit flavours and earthiness create a beautiful balance with roasted goose.
Our choices:
Cantine Povero Priore Barolo, £32.99
Bodega Sottano Malbec, £13.99
Best red wine to go with roast rib of beef (or steak, or any other beef)
Lucky you! A beautiful rib of beef is another favourite dish of ours! Beef dishes are robust, requiring a wine that can stand up to the richness. Avoid overly sweet or fruity sides, as they can clash with the savoury notes of the beef. Keep it simple, and let the meat and wine shine! Stick to hearty accompaniments like roasted potatoes or earthy vegetables.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: The classic beef pairing with bold tannins and dark fruit notes.
- Syrah: This wine’s smoky and spicy characteristics complement grilled or roasted beef beautifully.
Our choices:
Dandelion Cabernet Sauvignon, £16.99
Ken Forrester Misfits Syrah, £21.99
Best red wine to go with lamb roast
Lamb’s gamey flavour pairs well with red wines that have earthy and herbal notes. For lamb dishes, avoid super-spicy Ottolenghi-style recipes that could overpower the wine. Focus on herb-based marinades and sides, like rosemary potatoes or garlic-roasted vegetables, to complement the lamb and wine.
- Crozes-Hermitage: This blend has rich fruit and earthy notes, making it a perfect match for lamb. Try an example from a renowned vineyard to truly appreciate its finesse.
- Bordeaux Blend: The complexity of a good Bordeaux enhances the flavours of roasted lamb.
Our choices:
Philippe et Vincent Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage, £21.99
Reyneke Cornerstone Cabernet, £20.99
Best red wine to go with suckling pig
We love your style! Suckling pig is a deliciously indulgent dish that’s perfect for special occasions! The tender, juicy meat and crispy skin call for a wine that can enhance the rich flavours without overwhelming them. Look for reds that offer a balance of fruitiness and acidity to complement the sweetness of the pork. Stick to classic accompaniments like roasted root vegetables or go for mild red and green Canarian Mojo sauces if you fancy something interesting!
- Pinot Noir: This elegant wine brings bright acidity and red fruit notes that beautifully complement the succulent meat of suckling pig.
- Garnacha (Grenache): With its juicy red berry flavours and subtle spice, this wine pairs wonderfully with the richness of suckling pig. A bottle from a good Spanish producer can enhance your dining experience.
Our choices:
Les Mougeottes Pinot Noir, £10.99
Marco Abella Mas Mallola Priorat, £31.99
Choosing the best red wine for a mixed Christmas crowd
Do you know your red wine? Now, get to know your people!
We are sorry to state the obvious, but when selecting a wine, consider your guests’ tastes and knowledge.
If Uncle James is content with a glass of Blossom Hill Zinfandel, he might not appreciate a fine Pinot Noir (and vice versa!). Plus, you don’t want to bring a lovely boutique wine that you picked up from a winery while travelling only to see it transformed into mulled wine at the table!
Here are a few practical tips for navigating a mixed crowd or when you know your wine but others may not:
- Ask about preferences: If you’re unsure about what your guests like, don’t hesitate to ask! A simple question about their favourite types of wine or flavours can guide your selection.
- Opt for crowd-pleasers: For a mixed crowd, choose wines that are generally well-liked and easy to drink. Wines like Merlot or Shiraz tend to have broad appeal. They’re fruity and approachable, making them a safe bet for most palates.
- Serve a variety: If you’re unsure about your guests’ preferences, consider offering a couple of different reds. This way, everyone can find something they enjoy. A light-bodied wine like Pinot Noir paired with a bolder option like Cabernet Sauvignon can cater to various tastes and you can always keep your very special bottle by your side..
- Keep it affordable: if you know your wine well but your guests don’t, aim for budget-friendly options that still taste great. You can find fantastic wines in the £10-£15 range that won’t break the bank but will impress your guests nonetheless. The trick is – don’t go to a supermarket, but go to your local independent wine merchant, as you will get much nicer wines for the same price.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose a wine that pleases your guests and fits perfectly into your festive celebration! Cheers to finding the right bottle that brings everyone together!
Choosing the best red wine for Christmas is about more than just the price tag; it’s about understanding your guests and the food you’ll be serving. Whether you opt for a light, fruity wine or a bold, robust option, your choices will surely add to the festive spirit. Enjoy your holiday celebrations and cheers to good company and great wine!
Do you have any questions about choosing the best red wine for Christmas?
Feel free to ask in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible. There are no silly questions when it comes to wine!
