Pairing the perfect wine, champagne, sherry, or port with a holiday feast can be daunting. Here is a quick reference guide for matching wines with traditional tastes and flavors at the holiday table.
| Flavors |
Recommended Spirits |
|---|
|
Classic Holiday Turkey
|
Pinot Noir
All kinds of Beaujolais
Full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc
|
|
Classic Holiday Roast Beef
|
Robust Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux
|
|
Classic Holiday Ham
|
Syrah
Viognier
|
|
Briny/Salty (seafood and shellfish)
|
Pinot Grigio
Vernaccia
Muscadet
Pinot Bianco
White Bordeaux
|
|
Spicy (hot chilies, ginger, pepper)
|
Fruity, full-bodied Gerwurztraminer
Dolcetto d'Alba
Moscato d'Asti
Extra dry Champagne
German Riesling
|
|
Smoked or Grilled (fish, meats, or vegetables)
|
Sauvignon Blanc
Spicy Zinfandel
Full blown Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris
|
|
Tangy (citrus, cranberry)
|
German Riesling
Tangy Italian Arneis
Viognier
Ugni Blanc
Light Cotes du Rhone
Sparkling wines
|
|
Earthy (root vegetables, mushrooms)
|
Cabernet and Bordeaux blends
Rhone varietals
Chateauneuf du Pape
Barolo
Pinot Noir
Dry Sherry
Rioja
|
|
Sweet Endings (desserts)
|
Ports
Late harvest Sauvignon Blanc
Cream Sherry
Malmsey Madeira
Ice wines
Sauterne
|
