Wines that love Christmas leftovers, cold meats, and cheeses
If Christmas Day is all about planning, timing, and getting everything on the table at once, Boxing Day is its laid back cousin. No pressure. No roast alarms. Just plates of leftovers, cold meats, cheeses pulled from the fridge, and a general agreement that today is about grazing rather than cooking.
It is also, in my opinion, one of the very best wine days of the year 🍷
Because Boxing Day food is mixed, relaxed, and eaten slowly, the wines that work best are the ones that are easy to enjoy and happy to adapt. You are not matching one dish. You are matching a table full of little bits and pieces.
So let’s talk about what to pour when the turkey is cold, the ham is sliced thick, the cheese board keeps reappearing, and nobody is in a rush to go anywhere.
Start with something fresh and welcoming
Before we get into reds and heavier styles, it is worth saying this. Boxing Day wine does not need to be serious.
A glass of something fresh and bright is often the perfect place to begin, especially if you are nibbling rather than sitting down to a full meal.
Sparkling wine 🥂
Leftover friendly and always festive.
Sparkling wine is brilliant with salty foods like ham, smoked salmon, pork pies, and cheese. The bubbles cut through richness and keep your palate feeling fresh, even if you have already had one or two slices of Christmas pudding the day before.
English sparkling wine works beautifully here, especially with cold meats and soft cheeses. Champagne is a classic choice if there is some left from the big day. And do not overlook a good quality Cremant either.
It feels like a treat, but it also works hard with food.
Crisp white wine 🍋
If bubbles feel like too much effort first thing, a crisp white wine is your friend.
Look for wines with good freshness and clean fruit. Think Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, Chablis style Chardonnay, or a dry English white. These wines love turkey, chicken, cold pork, and lighter cheeses.
They also cope well with chutneys, piccalilli, and all the sharp little extras that tend to appear on Boxing Day plates.
Reds that work with cold meats and leftovers
Cold meat can be tricky with big heavy reds. Tannins and chill do not always get along. The key on Boxing Day is to go lighter, fresher, and more flexible.
Pinot Noir 🍒
If there is one red wine that deserves a seat at the Boxing Day table, it is Pinot Noir.
It is gentle, fruity, and not too tannic. It works with cold turkey, ham, chicken, and even salmon if it is lightly smoked. Burgundy is the classic choice, but good examples from England and New Zealand are excellent too.
Serve it slightly cooler than room temperature and it really comes alive.
Gamay and Beaujolais 🍓
Beaujolais often gets overlooked at Christmas, which is a shame because it is almost perfect for leftovers.
It is juicy, light, and easy to drink. It does not overpower food, and it is happy sitting next to cold meats, sausages, and cheeses. It also works surprisingly well with leftover stuffing.
This is a proper Boxing Day red. Friendly, forgiving, and very drinkable.
Lighter style Merlot or Grenache 🍷
If you prefer something a little rounder but still easy going, look for a softer style Merlot or Grenache.
Avoid anything too oaky or intense. You want fruit and balance rather than power. These wines are great with ham, pork, and harder cheeses like Comte or Cheddar.
Again, a slight chill can really help.
Cheese board wines that keep everyone happy 🧀
The Boxing Day cheese board often comes out several times. A bit after lunch. A bit later in the afternoon. A bit again in the evening.
Rather than changing wine every time, choose something that can handle a mix.
Dry to off dry white wine
A white with a touch of richness but still good freshness works beautifully with cheese.
Chenin Blanc is excellent here. So is a fuller style Chardonnay that has not been overworked. These wines cope well with soft cheeses, blue cheese, and nutty hard cheeses.
They also pair nicely with crackers, fruit, and chutneys.
Medium bodied red
A smooth red without sharp tannins is ideal for cheese.
Pinot Noir, Gamay, or a gentle Rhône style blend all work well. They do not fight the cheese, and they are happy to sit on the table for a while without demanding attention.
Something sweet for blue cheese 🍯
If there is Stilton on the table, it deserves a mention.
A small glass of something sweet like Sauternes or a late harvest wine is a classic pairing. You do not need much. Just enough to turn a leftover into a little moment of indulgence.
One wine, all day approach
If you want to keep things really simple on Boxing Day, here are two safe choices that cover a lot of ground.
One good sparkling wine.Or one light, fresh red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
Either will see you through cold meats, cheese, and casual grazing without overthinking it.
Final thoughts, Boxing Day style 🎄🍷
Boxing Day is not about rules. It is about comfort, leftovers, and enjoying what is already there.
Choose wines that are relaxed, food friendly, and easy to enjoy. Do not worry about perfection. If it tastes good and fits the mood, you have chosen well.
If you ever want a hand picking wines that work just as well with leftovers as they do with the main event, you know where to find me.
Here’s to slow days, full plates, and one more glass poured without a plan.
NickWine Guy on Skye