It’s the greatest time of the year for many, for others it’s just another Christmas but no matter what side of the fence you're on I’m going to give you some basic pairings and tips for what to drink and share.
If like me your family are not into wine the way I am then I would not be sharing my best bottles with them, it’s wasted and probably would only upset me hearing them say ‘I prefer Savvy B over this Giaconda Chardonnay’. That actually happened to me on mothers day a few years ago and since then I refuse to use my best stuff for family events.
Let's look at some wines for the big Christmas feast.
- Sparkling Shiraz – This is quintessential Australian Christmas wine, but where do you put it, at the start or at the end with the pudding? Either way a bottle of this will be on my table. Seppelt Show Sparkling, Hentley Farm Black Beauty and Rockfords Black Shiraz are a few examples.
- Bubbles – Every celebration needs bubbles, just be sure to not use a flute to serve it in. I know you can use whatever glassware you like but for me I would prefer mine in a white wine glass! Champagne is usually king, but don’t disregard some local producers making cracking examples at a fraction of the cost. Georgia Dales XI XI and Coldstream Hills award winning 2017 Sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay are absolute locks, anything ARRAS and Deviation Road will be very well received, however if you want something special, 2013 Dom Perignon, 2015 Cristal and 2009 Billecart Elisabeth Salmon Rose Champagne will be sure to get the party started.
- Whites – Controversial for many ‘dad’s’ at family BBQ’s. I only drink red wine will be heard mimicking the hallways and outdoor patios, but spare a thought for dad, bring him something fruity and easy to drink and I’m sure he will claim he actually doesn’t mind white wine after all. I’m chardonnay focused but let’s see what else is out there. Yalumba’s Viognier is a cracker, Ben Murray Wines Rose, any pinot gris will be a hit and don’t forget Riesling. Grosset Polish Hill, Granite Hills and Dukes Magpie Hill are great examples. For me, Singlefile from The Great Southern will be on the table as well as a Grosset.
- Chardonnay – where do I start, just giving you some easy reco’s. Dappled from the Yarra Valley, Deep Woods Reserve from Margaret Rive, Ashton Hills from Adelaide Hills, Tyrrells Vat47 from the Hunter Valley and By Farr’s Geelong Chardonnay will all be absolute hits this Christmas. Of course you can showcase burgundy and the likes, but keep it local, and support the country's wineries.
- Reds – the one wine you won’t find on this animal's table especially if its warm. However if you need a red that will pair with your feast look no further than some lighter and more delicate varietals. Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese work perfectly with meats and roast veg. The heavier Cabernet and Shiraz are crowd favourites and will be enjoyed by grandpa and grandma thoroughly. Be sure to look at some alternative styles to the norm, open some conversations about all that is good and different.
The Wine Animal wishes you a very Merry Christmas, this one will be my last as a family of 5 as we look to welcome our first daughter sometime early in the new year. A huge thankyou to all of you for your support and help during this transition phase in my career. 2025 will be bigger and better again.
Wine Animal Out.