THE BEST WINES FOR CHRISTMAS
Are you the type of person who spends hours in the kitchen at Christmas and cooks traditional gourmet dishes? Or maybe the one who, with a few simple ingredients, goes for a Michelin star? There is room for everyone! Whether you are giving a culinary show, or creating simple appetizers and snacks, below you can get some ideas for combining them with the most appropriate Christmas wines! These wines are of course not just for Christmas, we have just found another excuse (dressed with lights and gold dust) to enjoy them all the time!
Bruschetta with smoked salmon, horseradish cream, cucumber and lemon
Here you should try a sparkling wine, or even better, a champagne in honor of the occasion. The Blanc de Blancs Brut from G.H. Martel & Co, with its zesty lemon acidity and creamy texture, pairs perfectly with smoked salmon and cucumber. The finesse of Chardonnay adds a new dimension to the salty and spicy notes of the horseradish cream, bringing the perfect balance. Meanwhile, its fine effervescence will cleanse the palate and spark true gastronomic excitement!
Bruschetta with tsalafouti, pastrami and tomato jam
A combination that as it descended from the sky, harps and angelic laughter could be heard. Yes, it is divine! Château d'Esclans' Whispering Angel is the most famous rosé in the world and has impressive aromas of strawberry and raspberry, nectarine white flowers and pink grapefruit, medium body and crisp acidity, which stand in perfect harmony with the flavors of bruschetta.
Tart with leek, mushrooms, and gruyere
An earthy and rich dish, with buttery pastry, will pair wonderfully with Lapis Luna Chardonnay. A Californian wine with a rich and round flavor, with balanced acidity and subtle touches of vanilla, which ideally embrace the intense flavors of the tart, creating a harmony that highlights both the wine and the food.
Tart with caramelized onions, goat cheese and walnuts
There’s sweetness, saltiness, nuts, and plenty of fat here, so we want a wine with a full body and cool acidity to balance the strong elements of the food. The ripe fruit and tropical aromas of Sauvignon Blanc Dog Point Section 94 2020 from Dog Point Vineyards embrace the caramelized flavor of the onions, while the refreshing acidity highlights the fattiness of the cheese, and the complexity of the spices blends harmoniously with the flavor of the nuts, creating an experience full of depth and elegance.
Beef roll with mushrooms, prosciutto, herbs and gruyere
Meat cannot be missing from the Christmas table and as old-fashioned as it may sound, with the combination of veal and red wine, no one lost. Especially if it has flavors and aromas of mushrooms and herbs, like the one above. Ideal for this dish is the Bourgogne Origines Pinot Noir 2023 by Albert Bichot, it has medium body, refreshing acidity and soft, silky tannins that embrace the flavors and balance the result.
Pork roll with dried fruits, apples, whiskey, and aged cheddar
Sweet aromas of ripe fruits and honeyed pork need a wine with the same character and velvety body to stand worthy next to it. The Gorgeous Shiraz 2022 from Thistledown Wine Co has dense juicy fruit, spicy pepper notes, and silky tannins and will create a balmy combination!
Turkey roll with pine nuts, chestnuts, raisins, cognac and bacon
It's a tradition, but now it's almost a law. The Christmas table is not complete without turkey. And let it simply exist next to everything else, because between us, not everyone loves it the same. But the wine that should be next to it is the Pinot Noir Basalte 2018 by J. Christopher Wines. Juicy, red fruits, a discreet earthy dimension and a spicy character, it's exactly what you need when the accessories are the above. But if the company is more than 6 people, you will definitely need a bottle of Aiora Magnum!
And of course, in the end, it would be impossible not to mention the all-time classic platters, which start with some cheeses and cold cuts and if your imagination plays its tricks, can end up with Picasso paintings. Here you should play it safe (and with quality of course...!) and make some choices that will impress everyone. Quini Cuvee Blanc 2022 by Dr. Loosen has intense aromas of white flowers and citrus fruits, accompanied by intense fruit freshness and crisp acidity from the king of Riesling. A red choice is the Limnio 2023 from Domnaine Kikones, with silky tannins and juicy black fruits, notes of herbs and pepper, which will be outstanding with aged yellow cheeses and, of course, smoked cold cuts. There is a strong chance it will dominate the table even alongside the main courses.
Happy Holidays and Enjoy!
Christina Tsogka
