What To Drink This Christmas?

Christmas isn’t just about lights, sweaters, and gifts—it’s also about raising a glass to the season. Whether with family, friends, or a quiet night by the fire, the right drink makes the moment special. From sparkling cocktails to cozy classics, this holiday offers endless flavors to sip and savor. Let’s explore what to pour to make your celebrations merry and bright. Here’s some advice from your fun Sommelier friend!

Start with grower Champagnes that give you personality without the corporate price tag. Jacques Lassaigne Les Vignes de Montgueux Blanc de Blancs NV ($70–80) is racy, chalky Chardonnay—brilliant with oysters, smoked salmon canapés, or anything salty and celebratory. Agrapart & Fils Terroirs Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs ($70) offers hazelnut and lemon zest with a fine mousse—ideal with seafood or simply as a classy aperitif. For a wallet-friendly pick, Champagne André Chemin Tradition Blanc de Noirs ($32) brings bright red-fruit energy that plays nicely with fried bites and light starters. And if you want purity and mineral focus without breaking the bank, Claude Beaufort ‘Les Loges’ Grand Cru Brut Nature ($50) is terrific with scallops, truffle appetizers, or lobster-ish richness.

On to whites for the table: Jura delivers that delicious, slightly eccentric edge. Try Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot’s Savagnin Sous Voile (2018, $73) for nutty, oxidative complexity—match it with Comté, mushroom vol‑au‑vents, or creamy gratins. If you want a fresher Jura white, Domaine Courbet Tradition Blanc ($27) is bright and food-friendly for smoked salmon or turkey with herb sauce. From Savoie, Domaine Belluard “Les Perles” (Jacquère, $40) brings alpine floral minerality that’s fabulous with light seafood or even raclette, while André et Michel Quenard’s Roussette de Savoie “Les Craies” ($21) cuts through rich sides with citrus-driven clarity. Etna’s whites—Benanti Etna Bianco ($27–40)—show volcanic salinity and citrus that pair perfectly with prawns, squid, or herb‑roasted turkey breast. And Friuli? Grab a La Viarte Friulano ($25–30) for stone fruit and almond notes that sing with antipasti, smoked fish, or simple roast turkey.

Reds should cover the whole meal: Jura’s light, pretty side is Poulsard—Domaine Rolet Poulsard ($35–45) is earthy and red-fruited and loves turkey (especially with mushrooms) and game birds. Savoie’s Mondeuse, such as Domaine Jean Vullien ($35–40), is peppery with bright acidity—perfect with lamb, game, or raclette-plus-charcuterie. Etna Rosso (Nerello Mascalese) is a standout for roast red meats; Benanti Etna Rosso ($30–45) is elegant, volcanic, and medium‑tannined—think roast beef, porchetta, or herb‑crusted lamb. In Friuli, Venica & Venica Merlot ($30–50) gives dark fruit and spice that pair beautifully with roast pork, beef Wellington, or mushroom dishes. For familiar crowd-pleasers, an everyday Nicolas Rossignol Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($30–40) is a safe and tasty bet for turkey with cranberry, and Marques de Murrieta Rioja Reserva ($40–50) brings savory, oak-spiced depth for beef and lamb.

Classic Christmas pairing cheat‑lines to keep by your oven: for canapés and shellfish, pop a grower Champagne (Lassaigne, Agrapart) or sip Benanti Etna Bianco; smoked salmon and pâté love Jura Savagnin or Friulano; turkey with herb gravy sings with Poulsard, Mondeuse, or a friendly Burgundy Pinot; roast beef and lamb pair beautifully with Etna Rosso, Rioja Reserva or Savoie Mondeuse; mushrooms and truffle-heavy sides beg for Jura Savagnin or a gently oaked Chardonnay; and for cheese courses—Comté or aged Gruyère—bring out a Jura Savagnin (or an oxidative white) and, later, a tawny port if you’re finishing sweet.

Serving tips (short and useful): chill sparklings to 43–46°F, whites to 46–54°F, light reds to 54–57°F, and fuller reds to 61–64°F. Light reds like Poulsard and Mondeuse actually benefit from a slight chill. Buy one lively grower Champagne, two whites (one crisp, one richer), and two reds (one light, one medium/full) and you’ll cover the menu without overspending. Cheers! Happy holidays!