We don’t know how it happened but Christmas is finally here! That beautiful time to gather with family and friends and celebrate with a giant meal, because nothing brings people together better than food.
If you’re hosting this year or you’re going to someone else’s house, it’s important that wine makes an appearance at your Christmas table. We put together a little guide for you to help pick out that perfect bottle.
The Wine for the Meats
Whether you’re having a brisket, rack of lamb, or a great beef roast, go for something robust and delicious. If you really want to impress your guests, try an Aglianico- it’s smoky and rich, plus it’s got a little spicy kick to it. For something a little more predictable yet wonderful, a Malbec will be a perfect accompaniment to the meat centerpiece.
The Wine for Every Potato
Mashed, scalloped, roasted- there’s sure to be a potato in some form on your table, and it shouldn’t be left behind. If you want a white wine, go for an unoaked Chardonnay, or if you’re into reds, a Merlot is excellent. The idea is avoiding the acid for this one as it will clash terribly with all that gorgeous butter and fat that is inevitably hiding in the potatoes.
The Wine for The Ham
Ah, the Christmas ham. Whether it’s smoked or sweet, a Zinfandel is a perfect pairing with a ham. If it’s a smoked ham, go for a red based Zin so you get the slightly peppery tastes going, and if it’s a glazed ham, the white Zin will add to the sweetness without being overwhelming. Either way, your ham will be the star.
The Wine for All The Chocolate
What’s Christmas dinner without dessert? Whether you’re going for it with a Yule Log or Grandma’s making her famous chocolate cake, it’s important that every course has its own wine pairing. For this, a port is your friend. At this point, you’ve indulged on heavy meats and rich sides, so keep it classy and low key with a rich but subtle port to accentuate that chocolatey goodness.
The Drink for the Gingerbread
Gingerbread is always present at a Christmas dinner, even if it means you build and then break your own gingerbread house just to eat it. For this, a bottle of wine isn’t enough. It’s time to break out the bourbon. Gingerbread has that fantastic spicy, caramel flavor going on and that’s basically the same description for a good bourbon. Neat or on the rocks, it’s a great way to end your Christmas feast.
