There are few things we love more than finding the perfect food to pair with a Coravin-poured glass of wine, especially during the holidays! Taking inspiration from the Yuletide classic, “12 Days of Christmas,” we’ve put together a list of 12 of our favorite festive pairings for you to consider as you prepare for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night at home. From sweet treats to savory entrees, read on to get inspired!
1. Meringue Cookies and Rosé
The holidays aren’t the holidays without indulging in some festive cookies. So, when you go to grab some delightfully airy meringues, a sweet, rosé is the perfect match to complement the sweetness of the meringue. (source: Taste of Home)
2. Peppermint Cookies and Cabernet Sauvignon
While we’re still talking cookies, if you’re looking for a more unique pairing to treat your sweet tooth with, give peppermint cookies and Cabernet Sauvignon a try. Red wine and chocolate is a classic pairing, but a full-bodied Cabernet will stand up to the minty flavor of the peppermint nicely. (source: Taste of Home)
3. Brussels Sprouts and Chardonnay
Brussels sprouts are having a moment, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Add a little maple glaze and hazelnuts to the mix and you’ve got the perfect dish to pair with a buttery smooth Chardonnay. (source: Vinepair)
4. Turkey and Rioja
Even though Thanksgiving has come and gone, we’re going back for seconds of turkey this holiday season. You can go a few different routes with your wine pairing, but a nice medium-bodied, mature Rioja works well. The red fruits paired with a classic white meat like turkey is certainly a crowd-pleaser. (source: Decanter)
5. Butternut Squash Soup and Chianti
If you find yourself curling up with a nice, creamy bowl of butternut squash soup, be sure to grab a glass of Chianti and soak in the holiday vibes. The matching earthy flavors in both the soup and the wine are accented beautifully in this pair. (source: VinePair)
6. Poached Pears and Riesling
Sweet pears call for a sweet pairing! If there are poached pears on the dessert table this holiday season, opt for a decadent Riesling to satisfy your sweet tooth. (source: VinePair)
7. Prime Rib and Bordeaux
A tender, juicy prime rib is a great dinner option for the holidays. The perfect pair for this hearty meal? Go big with a full-bodied Bordeaux that is rich and dark. You won’t be disappointed! (source: VinePair)
8. Ham and Zinfandel
A beautifully glazed ham will be the star of the show at many Christmas dinners this season. Pairing this savory classic with a nice Zinfandel will be sure to please. The Zinfandel balances the sweetness of the ham nicely and brings a beautiful fruity flavor into the mix. (source: VinePair)
9. Mashed Potatoes and Merlot
Is there anything more heavenly than a mound of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes? To balance out the rich flavor, grab a glass of Merlot that is not too acidic. Don’t be afraid to go back for seconds! (source: VinePair)
10. Quiche and Pinot Grigio
Though it might fly under the radar as far as holiday dishes go, don’t underestimate the tastiness of a quiche, either vegetarian or filled with ham or bacon! Try it with a Pinot Grigio for an intriguing, yet delicious match. (source: Wine Spectator)
11. Roasted Duck and Red Burgundy
What better occasion to serve roasted duck than Christmas time? To balance out the unique, fatty flavor of the duck, a bold Red Burgundy works nicely. (source: The Spruce Eats)
12. Pecan Pie and Gamay
Perhaps you’ve never considered pairing wine with a sugary, caramelized pecan pie, but trust us when we say a fruity and spicy Gamay is the way to go! (source: Wine Folly)
And that’s a wrap! Whether these 12 Days of Pairings inspired you to try something new this holiday season, or you have a favorite festive pairing of your own, we want to see what you’re bringing to the table. Share your pairings by downloading the Coravin Moments app and by tagging us at @coravin on all social media channels. Cheers, and happy holidays!
