Holiday Wine Pairing
Seasonal Sips for Every Dish
When it comes to wine pairing, you have many choices. However, some pairings tend to be agreeable for most palates. The following chart maps out a few of those classic menu matches. Some you will like and others you will love. Use this as a starting point and chances are you’ll find a few favorites to celebrate this holiday season.
Dish |
Drink |
Description |
Why it Works |
Sancerre |
Mildly tart white wine with a hint of grapefruit or green apples |
Tartness of the wine kicks up the rich flavor of the oysters much like lemon juice or mignonette. |
|
Sauvignon Blanc |
Dry, grassy intense white wine |
The acidity pairs well with cocktail sauce and balances the sweet flavor of fresh shrimp |
|
Sauternes |
Sweet white wine with a rich honey flavor |
The sweet wine cleanses between rich bites of fois gras and compliments earthy flavors. |
|
Riesling |
Fruity, light bodied white with floral apricot and peach notes |
Riesling plays well off of cheese, fruits and delicate greens where drier whites may be too acidic. |
|
Gewürztraminer |
A complex, dry somewhat spicy white |
This spicy white brightens the sweet and salty flavors of this classic holiday dish. |
|
Viognier or Zinfandel |
Viognier is a light to medium bodied white with grapefruit and floral notes. Zinfandel is a bold, spicy, yet fruity red |
The viognier works because it is light enough to agree with a wide variety of flavors. Zinfandel stands up to heavily seasoned food without competing for attention. |
|
Cabernet Sauvignon |
Deep rich, red wine with mild to strong tannins and velvety texture |
This rich wine seasons the meat with just the right amount of acid to make each bite perfect. |
|
Riesling or Syrah |
See salad, duck breast |
Both of these wines add a sweet element that compliments pork’s natural savory and salty flavors. |
|
Pinot Noir |
Spicy cloves and cherries, red |
This fruity wine rounds out the gamey flavors of lamb. |
|
Merlot |
Fruity red, low tannin, smooth, slightly sweet flavor |
Together with pork chops, the merlot creates a sweet salty combination with universal appeal. |
|
Syrah |
Gamey, peppery berry red |
Fruity quality of syrah soften the savory, gaminess of this rich meat. |
|
Chardonnay |
Oaky, buttery, vanilla, pear full bodied white |
Basic roasted chicken can go with many wines, but chardonnay gives it dimension without being overpowering. |
|
Zinfandel |
Full bodied red with plenty of cherry, berry fruit and some peppery spice |
Wine with extreme flavor match well with rich dishes with plenty of sauce and spice. |
|
Chardonnay |
See chicken |
Full flavored fish needs a big white to cut through its rich flavor without getting lost. |
