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8 Wines for Christmas Lunch
Christmas is one of the few occasions when we might open several different bottles over the course of a meal. It's also a good excuse to bring out something a little special.
I've chosen eight wines that I think deserve a place on the Christmas table. Some are old favourites, others are from growers we've come to know through Wickhams. They cover everything from Champagne to Port, with plenty of interest in between.
This isn't a rigid list of what you should drink with each course. These are eight wines I'd be pleased to open at Christmas, each with its own character and a good reason for being here.
For more detailed advice about matching wine with individual dishes, read our guide to pairing wine for Christmas Day.
1. Champagne Gérin Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
£45.00 | Champagne, France
I like to start Christmas with Champagne, and Gérin's Blanc de Blancs would be my choice.
Made from Chardonnay, it has fine, persistent bubbles, fresh citrus and white fruit, and a lovely mineral finish. Part of the wine is fermented in oak, giving it a little extra depth without losing that freshness.
Gérin is a grower Champagne house, producing wines with a clear connection to its vineyards. This is a bottle worth taking a little time over rather than simply pouring as everyone arrives.
Wonderful on its own, and particularly good with smoked salmon, oysters, or other seafood.
2. Domaine Octavie Sauvignon de Touraine 2023
£17.50 | Loire Valley, France
The Loire is the original home of Sauvignon Blanc, and for me, still the best place to find it.
Domaine Octavie's Touraine is a lovely example of why. Fresh, lively, and full of character, it shows what makes Loire Sauvignon so appealing, without the more exuberant tropical fruit you sometimes find in New World examples.
It's a wine I'd happily open with fish or lighter starters, but equally enjoyable as a refreshing glass before lunch.
3. Florent Rouve Saint-Véran En Crêches 2020
£36.50 | Burgundy, France
This is a rather different expression of Chardonnay.
Florent Rouve works in Davayé, in the southern part of Burgundy. His En Crêches comes from a stony vineyard on the slopes of the Roche de Vergisson, producing a wine with richness, texture, and a distinctive mineral character.
There's ripe orchard fruit, citrus, and a gentle nuttiness from the barrel fermentation and ageing on fine lees. It has the weight to stand up to a substantial meal, but enough acidity to remain fresh.
I particularly like this with roast poultry and creamy sauces. If you're opening just one serious white wine for Christmas lunch, it would be an excellent choice.
4. Domaine des Fournelles Côte de Brouilly Godefroy 2023
£21.50 | Beaujolais, France
Beaujolais deserves far more attention at Christmas, particularly the wines from its individual crus.
Godefroy comes from old Gamay vines in Côte de Brouilly. It has bright red cherry and raspberry fruit, silky tannins, and a mineral freshness that makes it remarkably versatile.
It's a lovely alternative to Pinot Noir if you're looking for a lighter red, and the sort of wine that can happily accompany turkey, ham, or mushroom dishes without overwhelming them.
Discover Domaine des Fournelles Côte de Brouilly Godefroy 2023
5. Abbaye de Valmagne Cardinal de Bonzi 2020
£31.50 | Languedoc, France
For something richer, Cardinal de Bonzi is a wine with a fascinating background.
It's the flagship red from the historic Abbaye de Valmagne, made from organically grown grapes from some of the estate's oldest vines. The blend brings together Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, and the much less familiar Morrastel.
There are dark brambly fruits, rosemary, thyme, and the wild herbal character of the Mediterranean garrigue. It's concentrated and structured, but the tannins are beautifully silky.
This would be a fine choice for roast beef, lamb, or game, particularly with plenty of herbs and rich gravy.
6. Peter Falke Signature Kanoa 2016
£29.50 | Stellenbosch, South Africa
If you enjoy Bordeaux, I'd encourage you to explore Stellenbosch. The wines can offer much of the same depth, richness, and structure, but they're often a little lighter on the purse.
Peter Falke's Kanoa is a particularly good example. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it has cassis, dark berries, subtle French oak, and beautifully smooth tannins.
It's a generous, mature red with the character to stand alongside a good Bordeaux, without the same price tag. An excellent choice for roast beef or lamb at Christmas.
7. Château Les Mingets Sauternes 2020 (Half Bottle)
£15.50 | Bordeaux, France · 37.5cl
I think it's a shame that sweet wines are so often overlooked. Christmas is an ideal opportunity to open one.
Sauternes has a wonderful combination of sweetness and acidity, which makes it far more interesting than simply a sweet drink at the end of a meal.
Château Les Mingets is a good introduction to the style. I'd enjoy it with blue cheese, a fruit-based dessert, or simply a small glass after lunch.
With very rich Christmas pudding, I'd be more inclined to reach for the Port below, but there's certainly room for both on the Christmas table.
8. Quinta de Val da Figueira 10 Year Old Tawny Port
£35.00 | Douro, Portugal
To finish, something that I think is particularly well suited to Christmas: an aged Tawny Port.
Quinta de Val da Figueira's 10 Year Old Tawny has a lovely amber colour, with aromas of dried figs, nuts, and spice. It's rich and smooth, but the long ageing in barrel gives it a different character from the dark-fruited intensity of Ruby or Vintage Port.
I particularly enjoy this style with mince pies, Christmas cake, nuts, or mature cheese.
There's another practical advantage. Tawny Port keeps much better once opened than Vintage Port, so there's no need to finish the bottle on Christmas Day. A glass over the following few evenings is part of the pleasure.
A few good bottles make Christmas special
You certainly don't need eight different wines for Christmas lunch. The pleasure is in choosing a few bottles that suit the food, the people around the table, and the occasion.
If I were narrowing this selection down, I'd start with the Gérin Champagne, the Saint-Véran, and a red that suits the main course. Then I'd make room for the Tawny Port.
Whatever you choose, I hope there's something here that makes your Christmas table a little more interesting.
For more advice on matching bottles to the menu, read my Christmas dinner wine pairing guide. For pudding and cheese, see the Christmas dessert wine guide.
Explore our Christmas wine collection for more ideas, gifts, and mixed cases.
