Make Christmas lunch perfect this holiday season by pairing your foods with the right wine. Whether you are going with the normal traditional 3-course meal lunch or buffet lunch, a good wine pairing will complete the feast.
So why not elevate your palette with a good wine pairing?
Perfect food and wine pairings
1. Roast Beef
The classic Christmas holiday meal. You can never go out of style with a good roasted beef meal. Pair it with a good light Merlot or Pinot Noir. Both of these red wines complement the dish, elevating the savoury depth of the meal. The Merlot and the Pinot noir will surely make every bite of your roast beef worthwhile.
2. Cheese Platter
If you want to go for a light-hearted platter. A good cheese platter is the way to go for most festive gatherings. Enhance the experience by pairing it with a good South African Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc. The balance of acidity from these wines will complement the diverse flavours of the cheese creating mouthwatering flavours.
3. Chicken
Are you South African if you don’t at least opt for chicken in your Christmas lunch? The tenderness of chicken meat needs a good wine pairing. The Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc both do an excellent job of perfectly balancing the crisp tenderness of the meat with the crisp and refreshing taste of both wines.
4. Seafood Potjie
For those celebrating Christmas in the coastal areas of the country, a good seafood potjie dish is a delightful choice. Pair the freshness of the seafood with a South African brand Sauvignon Blanc. The zestfulness of the Sauvignon brings out the best in the seafood dish, creating a refreshing and satisfying pairing.
With thoughtful and well-made food, your wine pairings can help turn your festive table into a good balance of tastes and aromas, creating a Christmas lunch filled with lasting memories.
Compiled by: Chumasande Matiwane
First published by: Garden & Home
Also see: Classic South African desserts to try this Christmas
