Christmastime means delicious wine

Wines to have with a traditional turkey Christmas dinner

When it comes to pairing wines with turkey, sprouts and lashings of gravy, there are a few obvious choices like a classic French Pinot Noir - light-bodied and fruity, this wine won’t overpower the subtle flavour of turkey. For something a little different, try a New World wine such as a super-premium Californian or Australian oak aged Chardonnay. These rich and complex wines have toasty oak and nut flavours that are a joy with a roast turkey Christmas dinner.

For something a little more traditional, opt for a bottle of red Sancerre. Whilst rather rare and hard to find this wine is an absolute delight, with deep red and black fruit flavours dancing on the tastebuds - especially alongside a helping of cranberry sauce. It’s a flawless combination and a wickedly festive indulgence. Well worth hunting out.

Wines to have with turkey-alternatives

A Christmas must-have is an iconic bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Paired with red meat, it’s a winner for those enjoying a tender beef main. If fish is on the menu, a classic fresh, crisp French Chablis will steal the show with smoked salmon.

Going meatless? A New World Chilean Cabernet pairs perfectly with a nut roast thanks to rich black fruit on the palate and spice on the nose. For vegan guests, Virgin Wines have over 300 bottles of vegan wines sourced from all around the world - from ruby rich Riojas to a fruity Vinho Verde, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Wines to have after the main event

Christmas pudding teams up well with a light Italian fizz like Moscato. Light in style and lower in alcohol, these refreshing aperitifs often have delicate notes of orange blossom and elderflower, which cut through the heavy fruit in the pud perfectly.

Cheeseboard fan? Pick up a Port with voluptuous fruitiness, mouth filling density and a velvety texture. As an extra treat enjoy it with a square or three of a high-quality dark chocolate for the most decadent 25^th of December to date. 

For an all-rounder, try a chilled Sémillon blend dessert wine from the Graves region of Bordeaux.

Lusciously smooth with a honeyed texture and notes of apricot, this light style wine, pairs well with every dessert. Serve slightly chilled for the most fabulous end to Christmas dinner.

Eight to Enjoy

 

Paul Hobbs Russian River Chardonnay 2017 (£49.99)

The ultimate white wine to pair with roast turkey! The grapes are handpicked in the cool of night, resulting in a super-premium Chardonnay with a rich and complex palate. Notes of toasted almond from barrel ageing give nutty nuances which complement Christmas roasts perfectly.

Perez Cruz Liguai 2016 (£27.99)

A beautiful blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère with delicious notes of black pepper, blackberries and a chocolate-rich, buttery creaminess. This complex yet elegant wine is ideal on its own for winter drinking but works exceptionally well with red meats and nut roasts. Plus, it’s vegan!

Chateau du Seuil Cerons 2018 (£16.99)

An Old World classic French gem, this is the dessert wine of dreams! It’s lusciously smooth with apricot sweetness that is balanced well with a crisp lemon acidity. Enjoy a small, chilled glass at the end of Christmas dinner.

The Black Pig The Prize Chardonnay 2020 (£19.99)
A lightly oaked and wonderfully fruity Chardonnay that's a match made in heaven for roast turkey or roast chicken. Toasty oak underpins bright, naturally fresh fruit flavours, and the smooth mouthfeel and long finish make it great with rich food.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Speciale 2019 (£21.99)
No Christmas is complete without an iconic premium French red! The fruit for this bottle is selected from old, low yielding wines in the ancient village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Packed with spicy aromas, black and red fruits and a long, smoky finish, it’s fantastic on its own but also packs a punch with red meat.

Pouilly-Fumé Les Loges Pierre Marchand 2020 (£14.99)
Made on a small family estate in Pouilly, this complex and concentrated wine is elegant with a minerality that will freshen up Christmas Day. With gooseberry and blackcurrant leaf, overlaid with hints of citrus it will pop beautifully alongside a slice or two of roast turkey.

Tenuta Olim Bauda Moscato d'Asti Centive 2019 (£10.99)
This Italian fizz is delightful with Christmas Pudding. Delicate notes of orange blossom and elderflower complement the density of the pudding, while its lower ABV, means it won’t be overpowering when compared with the generous amount of booze already adorning the pudding.

Fonseca Quinta do Panascal 2004 (£24.99)
Once the main course is over, grab a bottle of this superb quality Port. Its velvety texture and voluptuous fruitiness not only pairs well with aged hard or blue cheeses but is surprisingly heavenly with chocolate. Dark is best, but any chocolate will suffice – extravagance at its finest.

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