5 Types of White Wine That Pair Perfectly With Christmas Dinner

Obviously, nothing beats the joy of Christmas when you’re a kid. But if you’re like me, successfully hosting for your friends and family is a close runner up. The feeling of all your planning coming together into the perfect little holiday party or gathering is everything to me.

While the appetizers and entrees are definitely important, pairing it with the right wine can take the whole experience to the next level. If you’re not a wine expert, don’t worry! Here are 5 popular types of wine that are known to be crowd-pleasers and will likely pair well with whatever you have planned for Christmas dinner.

1. Chardonnay: Always a Safe Bet

Taste profile:

Chardonnay is a versatile white wine known for its diverse taste profile. Its flavor can vary depending on factors such as the region it’s from, the winemaking process, and whether it’s oaked or unoaked. However, some common characteristics include:

• Fruit Flavors: Chardonnay often exhibits flavors of ripe apple, pear, and citrus fruits like lemon or pineapple. These fruity notes can vary in intensity depending on factors like ripeness and terroir.
• Oak Influence: If aged in oak barrels, Chardonnay can develop additional flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and even a hint of butteriness. This oak influence can range from subtle to pronounced, depending on the winemaker’s style.
• Acidity: Chardonnay typically has moderate to high acidity, which lends it a refreshing quality and helps balance its richness, especially in oaked varieties.

Pairs well with:

Now, as for pairing Chardonnay with Christmas dinners, its versatility makes it a fantastic choice for a wide range of dishes typically served during the holiday season. Here are some examples:

• Roast Turkey with Herbs: The rich, fruity flavors of Chardonnay complement the savory, herb-infused flavors of roast turkey beautifully. Its acidity also helps cut through the richness of the meat and any accompanying gravy.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Chardonnay’s buttery texture and oak influence can enhance the creamy richness of mashed potatoes, creating a luxurious pairing that’s perfect for holiday feasting.
• Baked Ham: The sweet and savory flavors of baked ham pair wonderfully with the fruitiness of Chardonnay. If the ham is glazed, the wine’s acidity can help balance the sweetness of the glaze.

Overall, Chardonnay’s versatility and balanced flavor profile make it a fantastic choice for pairing with a variety of Christmas dinner dishes, from roast turkey to seafood and beyond.

2. Sauvignon Blanc: Best to Pair with Appetizers

Taste profile:

Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant and aromatic white wine that’s widely appreciated for its distinctive taste profile. Here are some common characteristics:

• Herbal and Grassiness: Sauvignon Blanc often exhibits prominent herbal notes, including grass, green bell pepper, and sometimes even a hint of freshly cut herbs like basil or mint. These green aromas contribute to its refreshing character.
• Citrus and Tropical Fruits: You’ll often find lively citrus flavors in Sauvignon Blanc, such as grapefruit, lime, and lemon. Additionally, some Sauvignon Blancs may also display tropical fruit notes like passion fruit, pineapple, or mango.
• Minerality: Many Sauvignon Blanc wines exhibit a mineral character, often described as flinty or chalky. This minerality adds complexity to the wine and contributes to its overall sense of freshness.

Pairs well with:

When it comes to pairing Sauvignon Blanc with Christmas dinners, its bright acidity and herbal notes make it a versatile choice that can complement a variety of dishes. Here are some examples:

• Grilled Vegetables: Sauvignon Blanc’s herbal and citrusy flavors make it an excellent match for grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Its acidity can help cut through any charred or caramelized notes from the grilling process.
• Goat Cheese Appetizers: Sauvignon Blanc’s herbal character pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. Whether served as part of a salad, on crostini, or in a savory tart, goat cheese appetizers are elevated by the wine’s bright acidity and green flavors.
• Seafood Platter: Sauvignon Blanc’s citrusy notes and high acidity make it an ideal companion for a seafood platter featuring dishes like shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, or grilled fish. The wine’s refreshing qualities enhance the brininess of the seafood and cleanse the palate between bites.

3. Riesling: Great With Dessert

Taste profile:

Riesling is a highly aromatic white wine known for its versatility and range of flavors, spanning from dry to sweet. Here are some common characteristics of Riesling:

• Fruitiness: Riesling often displays vibrant fruit flavors, including apple, pear, peach, and apricot. These fruity notes can range from fresh and crisp to ripe and luscious, depending on factors such as ripeness and winemaking style.
• Acidity: Riesling is renowned for its high levels of acidity, which give it a crisp and refreshing quality. This acidity balances the wine’s sweetness in off-dry and sweet styles and provides structure and freshness in dry Rieslings.
• Floral Aromas: Many Riesling wines exhibit enticing floral aromas, such as honeysuckle, jasmine, and orange blossom. These floral notes contribute to the wine’s aromatic complexity and elegance.

Pairs well with:

When it comes to pairing Riesling with Christmas dinners, its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of dishes, from savory to sweet. Here are some examples:

• Roast Pork: The fruity and floral notes of Riesling complement the succulent flavors of roast pork beautifully. Its vibrant acidity helps cut through the richness of the meat and any accompanying sauces or glazes.
• Spicy Dishes: Riesling’s natural sweetness and high acidity make it an excellent match for spicy dishes, such as glazed ham with a touch of heat, spicy Thai or Indian curries, or sweet and sour dishes. The wine’s sweetness helps balance the spice, while its acidity refreshes the palate.
• Fruit-based Desserts: Riesling’s fruitiness and sweetness make it an ideal pairing for fruit-based desserts, such as apple pie, peach cobbler, or citrus tarts. The wine’s acidity prevents it from becoming cloying, while its fruit flavors echo those of the dessert.

4. Pinot Grigio: Good With Vegetable Dishes

Taste profile:

Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris in some regions, is a light-bodied and crisp white wine that originated in the Alsace region of France but has gained popularity worldwide. Here are some common characteristics of Pinot Grigio:

• Citrus and Orchard Fruit: Pinot Grigio often exhibits bright citrus flavors, such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit, as well as notes of orchard fruits like green apple and pear. These fruity flavors contribute to the wine’s refreshing character.
• Subtle Floral Aromas: Some Pinot Grigio wines may display delicate floral aromas, such as white flowers or honeysuckle, adding to their aromatic complexity.
• Light Body and Refreshing Finish: Pinot Grigio typically has a light to medium body, with a crisp and clean finish that leaves the palate feeling refreshed.

Pairs well with:

When it comes to pairing Pinot Grigio with Christmas dinners, its light-bodied and refreshing character makes it a versatile choice that can complement a variety of dishes. Here are some examples:

• Seafood Appetizers: Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with a variety of seafood appetizers, such as shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, or smoked salmon canapés. Its citrusy flavors and crisp acidity enhance the delicate flavors of the seafood, creating a refreshing and palate-cleansing combination.
• Green Salads: Pinot Grigio’s crisp acidity and citrusy notes make it an excellent match for green salads dressed with vinaigrettes or citrus-based dressings. Its refreshing qualities cleanse the palate between bites, making it an ideal accompaniment to a starter or side dish.
• Vegetarian Dishes: Pinot Grigio pairs well with a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as roasted vegetable platters, vegetable risottos, or pasta primavera. Its fruity flavors and crisp acidity complement the freshness of the vegetables, while its light body allows the flavors of the dish to shine.

5. Viognier: Best With Rich Creamy Dishes

Taste profile:

Viognier is a rich and aromatic white wine known for its luxurious mouthfeel and complex flavor profile. Here are some common characteristics of Viognier:

• Spice and Herbal Undertones: Some Viognier wines may exhibit subtle spice and herbal undertones, such as ginger, nutmeg, or thyme. These savory elements enhance the wine’s overall flavor profile and add layers of complexity.
• Rich Texture: Viognier is known for its full-bodied and silky texture, which coats the palate with a luxurious mouthfeel. This richness is often accompanied by a slight oiliness or viscosity, contributing to the wine’s opulent character.
• Balanced Acidity: While Viognier typically has lower acidity compared to other white wines, it still maintains a sufficient level of acidity to provide structure and balance to its fruity and floral flavors.

Pairs well with:

When it comes to pairing Viognier with Christmas dinners, its rich and aromatic profile makes it an excellent match for a variety of flavorful dishes. Here are some examples:

• Creamy Risottos or Pasta Dishes: Viognier’s full-bodied texture and intense fruit flavors pair well with creamy risottos or pasta dishes, such as mushroom risotto or fettuccine Alfredo. The wine’s richness balances the creaminess of the dish, while its floral aromas add a delightful contrast.
• Honey-Glazed Ham: Viognier’s honeyed aromas and rich texture make it an ideal pairing for honey-glazed ham, a classic Christmas dish. The wine’s stone fruit flavors and floral notes enhance the sweetness of the glaze while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Aged Cheeses: Viognier pairs well with a variety of aged cheeses, such as aged Gouda, Parmesan, or Manchego. Its rich texture and intense fruit flavors complement the nuttiness and complexity of the cheeses, creating a harmonious and indulgent pairing.

The Best Christmas White Wines

Selecting the right white wine for your Christmas dinner can greatly enhance your holiday dining experience. Each of these five white wine types offers a distinct set of characteristics that can complement a wide range of Christmas dishes. Whether you’re serving roast turkey, seafood, or a vegetarian feast, there’s a white wine to suit your taste. So, as you prepare to celebrate the season with your loved ones, choose a white wine that pairs perfectly with your Christmas dinner, adding a touch of elegance and joy to the festivities. Cheers to a memorable holiday season!