Christmas Recommendations: Perfect Wine Pairings for a Traditional English Menu
As the festive season approaches, the question on every host’s mind (aside from where to hide the presents) is: what wine goes with Christmas dinner
The right wine pairing brings a dish to life, and adds a touch of luxury to even the simplest holiday bite. If you are an Italian wine enthusiast, or want to explore the world of Italian wine, here’s some perfect pairings for you this Christmas.
Whether you're preparing a full traditional spread or just bringing a bottle to the party, we’ve paired some of our favourite small-producer wines with a classic English Christmas menu to help you serve something truly memorable.
🥂 Canapés & Bubbles
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Smoked Salmon Blinis
Pair with:
Why:
Salmon and sparkling wine are a timeless duo. The Prosecco is classic pairing, and the Erbaluce offers something to talk about, a dry, sparkling wine. Both perfect to kick start your Christmas Day.
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Brie & Cranberry Tartlets
Pair with:
Why:
The Franciacorta brings richer, Champagne-like structure, pairing well with the brie, whilst still keeping the tone of the meal refreshing and light. -
Chicken Liver Pâté
Pair with:
Why:
Earthy pâté needs freshness to balance it. The Soave gives a citrus tang to balance the flavours, but the Greco offers a more rounded finish, both pairing beautifully, depending on your style. -
Goat’s Cheese & Caramelised Onion Puffs
Pair with:
Why:
Jelka brings rich citrus, blood orange, and a waxy, savoury depth that complements the tangy cheese and sweet onion. La Morra Barolo adds a softer, perfumed red option with rose, cherry, and spice for an elegant contrast.
🍤 Starters
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Prawn Cocktail
Pair with:
Why:
Shellfish loves zesty white wine. Erbaluce brings saline freshness. Malvasia Moscata offers more tropical fruits, whilst still dry and aromatic. -
Creamy Soup (e.g. Leek & Potato)
Pair with:
Why:
Creamy soups shine with fuller whites or delicate reds. The BiancOne adds roundness, and the Pinot Noir gives structure without overpowering.
🦃 Main Course
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Roast Turkey with stuffing & trimmings
Pair with:
Why:
Turkey demands reds with acidity and elegance. Chianti adds depth and heritage; and Nebbiolo... well, that’s Christmas bottled. -
Goose
The richer option
Why:
Goose calls for finesse and lift. Nebbiolo’s rose and cherry notes complement the richness perfectly, especially at this level of quality. If you wanted something a little bigger, try our smooth Negroamaro, easy drinking and will compliment the meat nicely. -
Beef Wellington
Filet of beef, mushroom duxelles, and flaky pastry – a luxurious centrepiece.
Pair with:
- Plantamura. Gioia del Colle Primitivo 'Parco Largo'
- Sant'Agnese. Merlot 'Ubu'
- Ca la Bionda. Valpolicella Classico Superiore 'Casal Vegri'
Why:
The beef demands depth, the Valpolicella and Primitivo bring power and depth, and the Merlot offers structure, truffle notes, and elegance, perfect complements to rich beef and buttery pastry. -
Mushroom Wellington
Earthy, umami-rich, and vegetarian-friendly, with all the grandeur.
Pair with:
- Malgiacca. Dailtro
- Terre a Mano. Sassocarlo
- Cantine del Mare. Piedirosso Riserva Campi Flegrei 'Sorbo Rosso'
Why:
Mushrooms love wines with aromatic lift and savoury complexity. Piedirosso brings leather finesse and Sangiovese pairs tannins and power to compliment the mushroom flavour.
🍰 Desserts
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Mince Pies, Christmas Pudding, Panettone etc...
Pair with:
- Terre a Mano Vin Santo di Carmignano
- Cascinone Moscato d’Asti Vendemmia Tardiva ‘Palazzina’
- Bulfon. Moscato Rosa
Why:
Vin Santo is a classic for panettone or hard cheese. For a lighter, gently sweet finish, the Moscato d’Asti is festive, floral, and joyful. The Moscato Rosa brings honeyed strawberry, rose and Turkish delights, a richer choice if you have a sweet tooth! -
Chocolate Log
Pair with:
Why:
Sweet, rich reds and passito wines work magic with chocolate. These two bring the depth and richness the dessert deserves. -
🧀 After-Dinner Cheese
Pair with:
Why:
A rare, late-harvest gem with honeyed richness, spiced orange, and floral depth. Luscious, golden, and perfect to close the meal.
🎁 Final Thoughts
This Christmas, why not gift your clients, colleagues, or dinner guests something that tells a story? Every wine here is from a small, passionate producer, many of them family-owned, who make wines with soul and place.
Whether you're pairing for a feast or sending out corporate gifts, these bottles offer more than just flavour, they offer experience.
✨ Get in touch to build your perfect corporate wine package or festive case. ✨
Buon Natale! 🍷