Christmas meals are a unique opportunity to discover wines that sublimate each dish. Here are a few suggestions for successful wine and food pairings at the end of the year.
To begin with …
Aperitif: Champagne and sparkling wines
The aperitif is the ideal time to open a bottle of Champagne brut or Crémant. These sparkling wines are perfect with amuse-bouches such as foie gras, oysters or smoked salmon canapés. Their liveliness balances rich flavors and adds a festive touch.
Starters : Fresh and Fruity Blancs
For light starters such as goat’s cheese salad or fish tartare, a white Sancerre or Chablis will bring freshness and minerality. These dry, fruity wines are perfect for contrasting with the richness of cheeses or raw fish.
Main Course : Soft red wines
Christmas meats, such as turkey or beef tenderloin, call for red wines with supple tannins and elegant structure. A Pinot Noir from Burgundy or a Côtes du Rhône will go perfectly with these dishes, bringing fruitiness and softness without overpowering the flavors.
For the rest …
Cheeses: Elegant white and red wines
The cheese platter, rich in varied flavors, pairs well with Chardonnay or Vin Jaune for soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. For mature cheeses such as Comté or Roquefort, a Bordeaux or red Côtes du Rhône will provide the strength needed to balance the intensity of the flavors.
Desserts: Sweet and Fortified Wines
For Christmas desserts, such as chocolate or fruit logs, opt for sweet wines like Sauternes . Their richness and smoothness will blend perfectly with the sweet flavors of the desserts, creating a beautiful harmony.
Digestifs: Eaux-de-Vie or Vins de Fin de Repas
To round off the meal, a Cognac, Armagnac or Vin de Paille du Jura will bring a warm, aromatic touch to the end of the evening, while adding a note of refinement. By choosing the right wines for each stage of the meal, you can offer your guests a memorable gastronomic experience, perfectly harmonized with the festive flavors of Christmas.
Passionée de vins
