What wine for Christmas?
Quick answer
For Christmas, a Champagne for the aperitif, a white Burgundy for seafood or poultry, and an age-worthy red (Bordeaux, Barolo) for the meat course form the classic trio.
Detailed answer
The Christmas meal is often the most elaborate dinner of the year, with multiple courses calling for different pairings. The festive aperitif demands bubbles: Champagne brut, Crémant de Bourgogne, or Franciacorta.
For seafood (oysters, smoked salmon), a Chablis Premier Cru or Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine sur lie delivers freshness and minerality. For poultry (capon, turkey), a Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet provides the necessary richness.
A red-meat main course (beef, game) calls for a structured red: Pauillac, Hermitage, or Barolo. Average budget: 20-40 EUR per bottle for the main.
For dessert, a Sauternes or Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives pairs beautifully with a Christmas log cake. A 10-year Tawny Port (15-20 EUR) is an original alternative.
In Belgium, wine sales spike 35 % in December compared to the rest of the year (Comeos 2024 data). Place your orders early to get the best selection.