Christmas dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year, with the star of the show often being a beautifully roasted turkey. Choosing the right wine to pair with your Christmas turkey dinner can elevate the flavours of both the bird and the side dishes, creating a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of white, red, or sparkling wines, there’s something in the WGoS Cellar to compliment every festive table.
Classic Pairing: White Wines
Turkey is a relatively lean meat with delicate flavours, making white wines a natural and classic pairing. Look for whites with good acidity and a rich texture to balance the roasted flavors and the variety of sides, such as stuffing and cranberry sauce.
- Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay is a top choice. Its creamy texture and notes of apple, pear, and vanilla pair beautifully with turkey, gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes.
- Viognier: This wine’s bold, aromatic profile—with flavours of apricot, peach, and spice—is an excellent match for turkey, especially when accompanied by sweeter sides like roasted parsnips or glazed carrots.
Rich and Versatile: Red Wines
For those who prefer red wines, the key is to choose a bottle that is medium-bodied with soft tannins, as overly heavy reds can overpower the turkey and its accompaniments.
- Pinot Noir: A perennial favourite for turkey dinners, Pinot Noir’s bright red berry flavours and earthy undertones complement the turkey’s savoury notes and pair effortlessly with cranberry sauce and herb-heavy stuffing.
- Grenache/Syrah: For a slightly fuller-bodied red, consider Grenache, blended with Syrah. With its warm notes of red fruit, spice, and subtle herbaceousness, it pairs wonderfully with turkey and roasted vegetables; the Syrah adds a little spice in the background adding to the cranberries and red cabbage.
Sparkling Wines: A Festive Option
Nothing says celebration quite like sparkling wine, and it happens to be a surprisingly good match for turkey dinner. The bubbles cleanse the palate and bring a touch of elegance to the meal.
- Champagne or Crémant: A dry Champagne or English Sparkling Crémant-style wine provides crisp acidity and flavours of brioche and green apple, making it a versatile choice that pairs well with everything from turkey to Brussels sprouts.
Final Thoughts
The perfect wine pairing for Christmas turkey dinner depends on your personal taste and the specific dishes on your table. Whether you choose a crisp white, a fruity red, or an effervescent sparkling wine, the goal is to enhance the flavors of the meal while adding a touch of festive cheer. This year, let your wine selection bring an extra layer of joy to your Christmas celebration and delve into the WGoS Cellar to ensure you and Santa are happy!