The Best Champagne for a Christmas Dinner

The Christmas dinner is ready, and the turkey is already in the oven. But what should you pour to complete the celebration? There’s only one right answer: champagne! Whether you serve champagne with the appetizer or wait until the main course, it always adds an extra festive touch to your Christmas dinner. In this blog, you'll learn why champagne and Christmas are such a perfect match and get tips on how to pair this sparkling wine with your meal.

Champagnes with the Appetizer

The appetizer sets the tone for the rest of the meal, so it deserves a champagne that will truly surprise your guests. There's always a perfect champagne pairing, whether you're serving seafood, smoked fish, or refined bites. The right champagne will elevate your appetizer from 'Oh, that's nice' to 'Wow, when can we come back?'.

• Oysters:
  If oysters are on the menu, go for a Blanc de Blancs champagne. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, its fresh, citrus notes perfectly complement the briny taste of oysters.
• Smoked Salmon:
  A Brut champagne pairs wonderfully with smoked salmon. The dryness, high acidity, and mineral notes balance and enhance the smokiness of the salmon.
• Canapés:
  For various canapés, a Rosé Brut is an ideal choice. Its subtle fruitiness and versatility make it a perfect match for a range of appetizers, from light fish dishes to savory meat canapés.

Champagnes for the Main Course

The main course is often the highlight of the Christmas dinner. The right bubbles can elevate your carefully prepared dish and add an extra festive touch. Here are some tips for champagnes that pair well with classic Christmas main courses.

• Poultry (like turkey):
  If you’ve got a turkey in the oven, choose a Blanc de Noirs. Made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, it has a rich body and complex flavors that complement the savory notes of poultry. To impress, opt for a vintage champagne, which offers deeper, more mature flavor profiles.
• Fish dishes:
  If you prefer fish, lighter champagnes like an Extra Brut work well, complementing the delicate flavors of fish.
• Meat dishes:
  For rich meat dishes like beef or lamb, a full-bodied champagne, such as a Blanc de Noirs or a vintage champagne, pairs perfectly with the strong flavors of the meat, creating a balanced harmony.
• Vegetarian options:
  Vegetable dishes shine with a champagne that offers fresh and floral notes, like a Cuvée Prestige. These refreshing flavors and floral aromas enhance the natural taste of the vegetables.

Champagnes with Dessert

Dessert is the sweet finale to a festive Christmas dinner and a highlight for many. And what makes a dessert even more extravagant? Champagne! Whether you're serving a fruity dessert, decadent chocolate cake, or a cheese platter, there’s a perfect champagne for each type of dessert.

• Fruit desserts:
  If you’re serving a fruity dessert, choose a Demi-sec or Doux champagne. These sweeter champagnes pair wonderfully with fruit flavors and keep things refreshing.
• Chocolate desserts:
  For chocolate lovers, opt for a Rosé champagne or a vintage champagne with mature notes. The rich, full flavors of these champagnes complement the intensity of chocolate beautifully.
• Cheese platters:
  If you prefer a savory finish, we recommend richer, aged champagnes like a vintage Brut or Blanc de Noirs for a cheese platter. These champagnes offer the depth and complexity to support and enhance the diverse flavors of various cheeses.