Christmas is truly the time for good cheer and nothing expresses that more than a delicious glass of vino! Whether you’re hosting holiday dinners or just relaxing by the fireplace, there’s no better way to do it then with some fantastic wine. But what are your options when faced with so many types? That’s why we compiled this handy list of all the best wines to accompany any festive occasion – whether you prefer reds, whites or sparkling bubblies. So get yourself a glass (or two!) and enjoy in true yuletide style!
Red Wine
When it comes to festive drinks, a glass of red wine is always an excellent choice. This holiday season why not treat yourself with a bottle of pinot noir? It’s light-bodied and packed full of delicious cranberry spice notes – plus there’s nothing really as inspiring at Christmas time as sipping on some fine vino! For those in search for something substantial, cabernet sauvignon offers great depth that pairs perfectly with succulent roast dinners or scrumptious lamb dishes.
This French wine is full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. It pairs well with roasted meats and game birds.
2. Rioja Reserva
A Spanish wine that is medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, vanilla, and spice. It pairs well with ham, lamb, and beef dishes.
3. Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva
An Italian wine that is full-bodied with flavors of black cherry, chocolate, and coffee. It pairs well with hearty pasta dishes and grilled meats.
White Wine
If you find yourself in the mood for a glass of white wine, look no further—the options are plentiful! From Chardonnay to Riesling and Gewürztraminer all the way to Icewine (made from frozen grapes on the vine), there’s something special waiting for everybody. Come one, come all…it’s an oenophile paradise out there!
1. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a versatile white wine that pairs well with many different dishes. It has a creamy texture and is often described as having flavors of oak, butter, and vanilla. If you’re serving roasted turkey or ham this Christmas, a chardonnay is the perfect wine to pair with it.
2. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc is a crisp, dry white wine with flavors of citrus and green apple. It’s the perfect wine to serve with lighter dishes like fish or vegetables. If you’re looking for a white wine to pair with your holiday appetizers, sauvignon blanc is a great option.
3. Riesling
Riesling is a sweeter white wine with flavors of peach and apricot. It’s a great choice to pair with dessert or fruit-based dishes. If you’re looking for a festive wine to serve with your Christmas pudding or pie, riesling is the way to go.
4. Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied white wine with subtle flavors of lemon and melon. It’s a refreshing wine that pairs well with poultry or pork dishes. If you’re serving chicken or pork roast this Christmas, pinot grigio is the ideal wine to pair with it.
Sparkling Wine
Nothing says “celebrate” quite like sparkling wine. If you’re looking to add some bubbles to your Christmas festivities, try a bottle of prosecco or Champagne. Prosecco is a lighter option that’s perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into cocktails. Champagne, on the other hand, is ideal for toasting or enjoying with dessert. No matter which type of sparkling wine you choose, be sure to pop the bottle and let the good times flow!
Sparkling Wine for Every Budget
One of the great things about sparkling wine is that there’s something for every budget. If you’re looking for an affordable option, try Prosecco. This Italian sparkling wine is perfect for making cocktails or enjoying on its own. If you want to spend a little bit more, Champagne is always a good choice. For something truly special, look for a bottle of Brut Nature Champagne. These champagnes are made without added sugar, resulting in a dryer, more complex flavor.
Our Top Picks
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics, let’s get into our top picks for the best sparkling wines to enjoy this Christmas!
1. Mionetto Prosecco – This Prosecco is light and refreshing, with notes of citrus and green apple. It’s perfect for making cocktails or enjoying as an aperitif before dinner.
2. Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label – This classic Champagne is perfect for celebrations. It has aromas of toast and brioche, with flavors of lemon and white fruits.
3. Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose – This bottle from Billecart-Salmon is ideal for those who prefer their bubbly on the dry side. It has aromas of red berries and fresh flowers, with flavors of citrus and subtle minerality.
4. Krug Grande Cuvee – This luxurious Champagne is perfect for special occasions. It has intense aromas of ripe fruit and dried flowers, with flavors of honey and almonds.
5. Louis Roederer Cristal 2009 – This bottle from Louis Roederer is truly special – it’s aged for nine years before being released! It has aromas of white flowers and brioche, with flavors of stone fruits and Meyer lemon zest.
Port Wine for Christmas
Port wine is a delicious, sweet wine that is perfect for holiday celebrations. Port wine is made from red grapes that are grown in the Douro Valley of Portugal. The wine is then fortified with brandy and aged in oak barrels.
Port wine comes in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet. Dry port wines are typically served as an aperitif, while sweet port wines are perfect for dessert. Port wines can also be flavored with chocolate, coffee, or spices.
Types of Port Wine
There are many different types of port wine, each with its own unique flavor profile. The most common types of port wine are tawny port, ruby port, and vintage port.
Tawny port is a type of port wine that is aged in oak barrels for 10 years or more. Tawny port has a nutty flavor and an amber color.
Ruby port is a type of port wine that is aged for 3 to 5 years in oak barrels. Ruby port has a fruity flavor and a red color.
Vintage port is a type of port wine that is made from the best grapes in a given year. Vintage port is aged for 10 years or more in oak barrels. Vintage port has a complex flavor and a deep red color.
Final Thoughts
No matter what your preference, there’s sure to be a wine that’s perfect for you this Christmas season. So pour yourself a glass and enjoy the holidays! Cheers!