Red, White, or Sparkling? How to Choose Wine for the Christmas Table

Christmas is all about good food, great company, and sharing those little moments that make the season special. The right wine can take a spread to the next level, turning a great meal into a memorable one. With so many options, rich red wine, crisp white wine, refreshing rosé wine, and cheerful sparkling wine, it’s easy to find a bottle that everyone at the table will love. And with Fletcher Drinks, ordering wine online and having it delivered straight to your door makes it simple to stock up for Christmas without any extra stress.

Matching Wine to Your Christmas Meals

When planning a Christmas menu, pairing the wine with the right dishes can make all the difference. Each type of wine complements certain flavours, so it helps to think about what’s on your plate.

  • Red Wines - For a traditional roast dinner, a smooth merlot is a classic choice. Its deep fruit flavours, like plum, cherry, and soft spice, work perfectly with turkey, roast beef, or even nut roasts. Merlot is easy to drink, making it ideal for family gatherings and for pairing with a mix of dishes.

  • White Wines - If a table includes salmon, prawns, or creamy vegetable bakes, reach for a white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc. This popular wine is known for its bright citrus and tropical fruit notes, which perfectly cut through rich sauces and buttery sides. It’s refreshing and elegant, ideal for both starters and mains.

  • Rosé Wines - For lighter dishes or festive grazing boards, rosé pairs well. A Pinot Grigio blush brings a gentle burst of berry flavours, pairing nicely with salads, soft cheeses, or cold meat platters. Its pale pink colour also adds a festive touch to the table, ideal for people who want a drink that looks as good as it tastes.

  • Sparkling Wines - Of course, no Christmas celebration is complete without a little sparkle. Sparkling wines are lively, fruity, and full of character, just the thing for a Christmas toast with friends and family. A fresh, crisp prosecco is ideal alongside canapés or dessert.

Exploring Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wine is the ideal drink for any celebration. Christmas morning, New Year’s Eve, or even Christmas Eve dinner all call for something bubbly to mark the occasion. Prosecco is one of the most popular choices for a reason. I Heart Prosecco brings that unmistakable sparkle with notes of fresh apple and pear. It’s light, lively, and slightly sweet, making it an ideal match for brunches, party snacks, or even as a welcome drink when guests arrive.

For those who prefer a hint of berry with a fizz, Black Tower Pink Bubbly is another great pick. It’s a semi-sparkling rosé with soft red fruit notes that pair beautifully with lighter dishes and creamy desserts. Both of these sparkling wines are easy to enjoy and versatile enough to suit almost any festive moment. Whether hosting a big dinner or a relaxed get-together, popping open a bottle of fizz is a sure way to start the celebrations in style. Sparkling wines are fun, festive, and perfect for sharing.

Red and White: Choosing for Flavour and Pairing

Red wine and white wine both deserve a spot on any Christmas table, depending on the menu and mood. A smooth Merlot is a brilliant all-rounder. Blossom Hill Merlot complements everything from roast meats to hearty vegetarian dishes. It’s also a cosy, comforting choice when the nights draw in, perfect for sipping by the fire after dinner.

White wine brings brightness and freshness to the table. A chilled Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc or Jack Rabbit Pinot Grigio cuts through creamy sauces, balancing richer foods like salmon, chicken, or brie-topped starters. Its clean finish makes it a refreshing choice for guests who prefer a lighter option.

Rosé and Low Alcohol Wines: For All Tastes

A rosé wine is often overlooked at Christmas, but it’s surprisingly versatile. The gentle fruitiness of a Pinot Grigio Blush complements both savoury and sweet dishes, making it a great option throughout the day, from mid-morning nibbles to late-night snacks.

Rosé wine is an excellent choice for those who want something in between the intensity of red and the freshness of white wine. It’s delicate, fruity, and pairs with almost anything. The Shy Pig Blush is a delicate rosé that perfectly complements most Christmas dishes.

For those hosting a mixed group of family and friends, having low-alcohol wine on hand is a thoughtful touch. Echo Falls Botanical Fusion wines are beautifully fruity and only 5%, meaning everyone can join in the celebration without feeling left out. These wines still deliver on taste and quality but are lighter and easier to enjoy over a long afternoon or evening. 

Wine Delivery Made Easy

With so much to organise at Christmas, decorations, presents, cooking, it’s easy to forget the wine. That’s where Fletcher Drinks comes in. Our home delivery service makes stocking up easier than ever. Simply browse our online selection, choose your favourites, and order wine online for fast, reliable delivery right to your home.

From Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc to Prosecco and sparkling wine, Fletcher Drinks has an excellent range to suit every taste and occasion. Mix and match your order to cater to everyone, from wine enthusiasts to those who prefer lighter, low alcohol wines. By having them delivered, party hosts save themselves time and hassle during the busiest time of year.

Ideal Wine Pairings

When curating a Christmas menu, choosing the right wine brings out the best in every dish:

  • For a traditional roast, a smooth Merlot is a popular choice. Its soft fruitiness matches well with turkey or beef.

  • For those serving salmon or a creamy vegetable bake, go for a white wine like a Chardonnay. Their fresh citrus flavours are a favourite on festive tables.

  • For lighter bites, try a bottle of rosé wine such as Pinot Grigio Blush. Its soft pink hue and gentle red fruit notes pair easily with almost anything, from salads to starters.

  • Christmas also calls for a toast. Prosecco or sparkling wine is excellent for raising a toast. Light, fruity, and perfect when you want bubbly cheer alongside canapés or dessert.

Stock Up On Party Wine Online Today

Choosing the right wine for a Christmas table doesn’t have to be complicated. Think about what the food being served, what guests enjoy, and how the mood should be, cosy, cheerful, or elegant. Whether you prefer a rich red wine, a zesty white wine, a fruity rosé wine, or sparkling wine to toast the season, you’ll find everything you need at Fletcher Drinks. Make entertaining simple by using Fletcher Drinks’ wine delivery service. Order wine online today, and let Fletcher Drinks bring your favourite bottles straight to your door in Birmingham, so everyone can raise a glass to good food, great company, and a truly festive Christmas. Explore our carefully selected wine collection and keep every guest merry this Christmas.