The holiday season is well in place, and what better way to celebrate than with the perfect mix & match? Yes, that’s French wines to jazz up your classic British Christmas dishes we have in mind. Thanks to Phil Innes from Loki wine merchant in Birmingham, forget the wine snobbery and stiff rules—this year we’re all about having fun and letting our taste buds guide us.
With French wine, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re hosting a lavish dinner party or gathering for a cozy dinner with the family. Ready to dive in? Here’s a laid-back guide to matching some of France’s finest affordable wines with British Christmas classics.
Fizz First: Crémant de Bourgogne
This holiday staple needs something sharp to cut through the rich, oily texture of the smoked fish. Crémant de Bourgogne is your go-to: a sparkling wine made in Burgundy, the same traditional method as Champagne but without the price tag. With crisp citrus notes and a hint of brioche, it’s elegant but approachable enough for everyone to enjoy. Think of it as Champagne’s cooler cousin.
🍷 Wine: Chartron et Trebuchet, Crémant de Bourgogne AOC - £17.99
🍴 Pairing: Smoked Salmon
Fruit & Fun: Beaujolais
Forget the tired clichés about Beaujolais—it’s back, and in everybody's glass in the UK right now. Bursting with juicy cherries and subtle spice, this fruity red is the ideal match for chicken liver pâté. Its light body and playful character won’t overpower the creamy richness of the pâté, instead balancing it beautifully. Plus, Beaujolais feels delightfully festive.
🍷 Wine: Domaine Kévin Descombes, Cuvée KeKe, Beaujolais AOC - £23.99
🍴 Pairing: Chicken Liver Pâté
A Sauvignon Stunner: Touraine Chenonceaux
Turkey is usually the main event, but let’s face it: we love it when sides shine too. From cranberry sauce to sage stuffing, their flavours make your festive plate sing. That’s why this crisp Loire Valley white is such a winner. Lesser-known but top quality, the Touraine Chenonceaux PDO wines are for connoisseurs eager for discovery. Fresh and bright, they bring a bit more oomph than your average Sauvignon. A welcome alternative to the usual reds, ready to handle both the turkey and their sides.
🍷 Wine: Domaine Joël Delaunay, La Voûte, Touraine Chenonceaux PDO - £19.99
🍴 Pairing: Roast Turkey
Beef Bliss: Bordeaux
If you’re swapping turkey for a rib of beef this Christmas, like the Blonde d’Aquitaine Beef Label Rouge, Bordeaux is the way to go. This region knows a thing or two about pairing red wine with red meat. Sitting on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary and the Dordogne River, 35 km north of Bordeaux (20 km by the boat), this wine from the Côtes-de-Bourg appellation is a budget-friendly bottle that doesn’t skimp on elegance. Silky tannins and a velvety texture, it’s like wrapping your beef dinner in a luxurious Bordeaux blanket. Plus, at this price, it’s almost free.
🍷 Wine: Château Puybarbe, Astral, Côtes-de-Bourg AOC - £11.99
🍴 Pairing: Rib of Beef
Sweet Finale: Banyuls
When it comes to desserts, many instinctively reach for overly sweet wines, but here’s the secret: go for something rich, but not cloying. Banyuls, a fortified red wine from the South of France, is the perfect match for Christmas pudding or chocolatey treats. This Vin Doux Naturel is luscious and smooth with notes of dried fruit and cocoa, complementing your dessert rather than overwhelming it.
🍷 Wine: Domaine de Bila Haut, M.Chapoutier, Banyuls AOP, Rimage - £12.99
🍴 Pairing: Christmas Pudding or Chocolate Desserts
There you have it: five fabulous French wines to pair with your Christmas classics. So pour yourself a glass, relax, and enjoy the best of France at your holiday table. Joyeux Noël—and happy sipping!
Loki Wine Merchant & Tasting House
36 Great Western Arcade
Birmingham B2 5HU
0121 212 9440
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Valentine Benoist
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