Christmas Dinner Greek Wine Pairing Guide

Wine pairing comes as a challenge to many, as choosing the perfect wine to complement a delicious dish requires experience and skill. If you will be serving wine at Christmas dinner this year, this Christmas Dinner Wine Pairing suggestions will help you choose the right wines to compliment your main dish for the special occasion and it includes options for both reds and whites so that everyone at the table can be impressed:

·                   Ham – How will you be preparing the ham? If you will be baking, smoking, or honeying your ham, you will want to choose a wine with a hint of sweetness, such as a Moschofilero. To accommodate the red lovers, choose a red that is a little lighter in body, such as a Xinomavro.

·                   Turkey – Since your turkey is likely paired already with delicious, savory sides, you will want to choose a wine that has herbal tones and goes well with the entire bunch. A Malagouzia will accomplish that goal. However, to account for the red enthusiasts, you may have an Agiorgitiko, a Xinomavro, or even blends of Xinomavro & Merlot or Agiorgitiko with Syrah on deck.

·                   Duck – French wines are known for going best with duck. This year try a bold Greek red from the P.D.O. regions of Naoussa, Rapsani or Amynteon which have the ability to transform the entire dining experience when paired with a roasted, braised, or smoked duck. However, to account for the white wine lovers, you will want to have sweeter, fruit-themed wines on deck, such as a surprisingly round oaked Assyrtiko from Santorini, a fresh Assyrtiko blended with Sauvignon Blanc from Drama or even a white Muscat of Rio / Patras.

The list of Greek wine options is literally endless, so drop by  your nearest liquor store and make the difference this Xmas  by surprising your friends & family beyond any cliché....