The 10 Best Christmas Wines For Dinner in 2023

The Tradition of Christmas and its Wines

Before diving into the world of Christmas wines, let’s explore the historical roots of the Christmas celebration and its association with various beverages. Christmas, in its essence, is the Christian adaptation of the midwinter celebration, which had been observed by different cultures worldwide. In ancient Europe, Germanic Pagans celebrated Yule, while the ancient Romans reveled in Saturnalia. These celebrations typically involved gift-giving, dancing, and, significantly, indulgent drinking.

Yule celebrations leaned towards ale and even blood sacrifice, a tradition now lost to time. In contrast, Saturnalia was characterized by an obsession with wine. As Christianity gained prominence, these festive traditions naturally transitioned into the Christmas season. The tradition of drinking and merriment at Christmas has endured to the present day, becoming an integral part of the holiday.

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Traditional Christmas Flavors and Aromas

Christmas foods and drinks typically embrace a warm, indulgent, and wholesome character, perfect for the midwinter celebration. Over the centuries, certain flavors have become synonymous with the Christmas season. Some common questions related to Christmas drinks revolve around these distinctive flavors.

Christmas wine often boasts the enchanting taste of cinnamon, roasted nuts, nutmeg, ginger, orange peel, star anise, and cloves. These flavors are reminiscent of the holiday season and can be found in some of the finest Christmas wine varietals like Sangiovese. Additionally, these flavors can be infused into a delightful mulled wine, adding to the festive atmosphere.

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Most Popular Christmas Flavors

For Christmas, the top choices include red wine, mulled wine, and sparkling white wine. These selections are comforting, indulgent, and infused with classic Christmas flavors. Mulled wine, known as Glögg in Scandinavia, traces its roots to the Middle Ages. It can be prepared by combining a bottle of red wine with orange juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and various other aromatic herbs. Heating these ingredients together creates a heartwarming, spiced beverage perfect for the season.

The most popular Christmas flavors featured in recipes are cinnamon, nutmeg, cranberry, and ginger. Christmas dinner abounds with savory spices like cinnamon and ginger, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

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Uncorking Joy: The 10 Best Wines to Elevate Your Christmas Celebrations

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect wines to complement your Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or looking for that ideal bottle to give as a gift, here are 10 of the best wines to try for Christmas.

Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir 2020:

This Argentinian Pinot Noir is a top choice for your Christmas turkey. With a rating of 93, it offers a harmonious blend of flavors, including smoky elements, which beautifully interact with the herbs used in turkey preparation.

Delaporte Sancerre Blanc Monts Damnes 2021:

For those who prefer white wine with their turkey, this Sauvignon Blanc from Loire, France, with a rating of 94, is an excellent option. Its refreshing acidity, herbaceous notes, and subtle saline hints make it an ideal match for dry, salty turkey.

El Enemigo Chardonnay 2021:

Roast chicken is a classic choice for Christmas dinner, and this Chardonnay from Mendoza, Argentina, is the perfect complement. Rated at 95, it features flavors of roasted nuts and dried fruits, and its oak aging gives it a wonderfully creamy mouthfeel that pairs flawlessly with succulent chicken.

Grande Cuvee 1531 Cremant de Limoux Rose Brut:

If you’re in the mood for sparkling wine with your roast chicken, consider this dry rosé wine from Languedoc, France. Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it’s an indulgent option that pairs well with a variety of festive foods.

Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto 2017:

If roast goose is on your Christmas menu, this Italian Barolo is an exceptional choice. With a rating of 94, it’s bold, filling, and packed with dark berries and spice, making it an excellent match for a fatty goose and roasted vegetables.

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2019:

When it comes to roast beef, a full-bodied wine is essential, and this Australian Syrah/Shiraz delivers. With a rating of 96, it blurs the lines between Old and New World Syrah styles and offers ripe fruit flavors along with Christmassy notes of baking spices and smoke.

Santadi Carignano del Sulcis Terre Brune 2017:

Pork is a popular choice for Christmas, and this Carignan from Sardinia, Italy, is a fantastic option. With a rating of 94, it’s filled with spices reminiscent of mulled wine, dark fruits, and wild herbs, complementing herby pork and cranberry sauce beautifully.

DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon 2021:

For those indulging in roast lamb, a bold and spicy red wine is ideal. This Cabernet Sauvignon from California offers a deep profile with tart berries and dried herbs, making it a perfect companion for herby roasted lamb.

Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva 2018:

Roasted duck is a delightful alternative to turkey, and this Chianti Classico from Tuscany, Italy, is a superb choice. With flavors of ripe fruits, savoury herbs, and spices, it beautifully complements a decadent and herby roast duck.

Knoll Riesling Smaragd 2020:

For those enjoying a crispy roasted duck, this Austrian Riesling from Wachau is a wonderful white wine option. With complex, ripe stone fruit flavors and hints of sweet blossoms and honey, it’s an excellent pairing for duck with added sweetness.

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