The Best Wines to Pair with Holiday Meals

I often hear, “Can I be buying alcohol online,” and the answer is yes! Purchasing alcohol online not only saves you time, but it also allows you get the best advice out there. If you’re looking for a good wine to pair with your holiday meal, you've come to the right place! From inexpensive to expensive wine, we've compiled a list of wines to go with some common holiday meats.

1. Ham

   Baked, smoked, or honeyed hams go well with a wine that has a hint of sweetness to it. Wines that pair well with ham tend to have a lighter body and overall style. If the ham has a sweet coating, like honey, cherry, or pomegranate, wines with notes of smokiness or oak will complement it the best. Try Grenache, a sweet fruity flavor that works well with glazed ham, or Syrah for something more traditional.

2. Pork Dishes

   Pork dishes can handle a wine with more body, less sugar, and a richer palate. A straightforward pork dish requires a straightforward wine, but has some pop to add to the meat. Beaujolais is light enough to go well while adding a touch of strawberry to add an interesting note in the meal. If you want to go with a white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc or basic Chardonnay will also work.

3. Lamb

   The rich flavor of lamb needs to be accompanied by a wine that is high in acid or tannin to help cleanse the palate. Wines with notes of truffle, fennel, licorice, and tar accompanied by the aroma of violet, smoke, and rose highlight the meat in a way that compliments both the wine and meat. Nebbiolo is a great choice, but it is not a light wine. If you’re looking for more middleweight Barbaresco works well, too.

4. Steak

   If you’re cooking a classic, grilled steak, you have a lot of wine pairing options. But, you need to find a wine that can hold up to the bold, full flavors found in the red meat. This means that your wine selection must have enough tannin to balance the fats in the beef, which is why Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot, and Shiraz are nice pairs. We don’t recommend white wine with red meat, mostly because it has a hard time holding up with the bold flavors found in red meat.

5. Duck

   When pairing wine with duck, it is important to remember the unique, fatty profile of the meat. Roasted duck naturally goes well with fruity glazes and marinades, which makes it a perfect match for fruitier wines. The fatty nature of the duck pairs well with wine that combines fruit with acidity. Try Cabernet Franc for a good balance or a California Pinot Noir.

6. Turkey

   While trying to pair a wine with turkey, remember that there is much more that needs to be taken into account. With savory sides, spices, and herbs, you must take these nuances into account before deciding on a wine. A white wine that is refreshing, tangy, and fruity will be a good pair; try Viognier, Riesling, or Gewurztraminer for a refreshing affect. If you’re looking for a red, consider something that is not too tart or high in tannins. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Beaujolais all make great choices. But, if you’re looking to step outside of the traditional box, try a simple, chilled Rose that’s crisp, light, and fruity.

Can’t wait to get stocked up for your holiday party? Try buying alcohol online this season to make sure you’ve got all the ingredients you need for a great meal…including your drinks.