The holiday season is a time of celebration and this often means gathering around a table laden with delicious meats and fine wines. Elevate your festive feast with the perfect wine pairings for holiday meats and craft an impressive holiday meat platter that will delight your guests.
Wine Pairings with Holiday Meats
Pairing wine with meat is an art that enhances the dining experience. The right wine can complement and intensify the flavours of the meat, making each bite a delightful experience.
Turkey: A Classic Choice
Turkey, a staple at many Canadian holiday tables, pairs beautifully with a variety of wines. For white wine lovers, a Chardonnay with its buttery notes complements the richness of the turkey. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works wonderfully, its fruitiness balancing the turkey’s savoury flavours.
Beef: Bold and Rich
For hearty beef dishes like a roast, a robust red wine is a classic choice. Canadian Cabernet Sauvignon, with its deep fruit flavours and hint of spice, stands up well to the rich taste of beef. Alternatively, a Shiraz with its peppery notes can add an interesting twist to your beef dish.
Ham: Sweet and Savoury
Ham, often glazed with honey or maple syrup, requires a wine that can handle its sweet and savoury balance. A Riesling, either from Canada’s Okanagan Valley or elsewhere, with its crisp acidity and sweet notes, pairs wonderfully with ham. For a red option, a Zinfandel, known for its bold fruit flavours and spicy finish, complements the ham’s sweetness.
Lamb: Elegantly Flavourful
Lamb, with its distinct flavour, pairs well with wines that have a bit of complexity. A Merlot, with its soft tannins and fruity notes, complements the tender meat. For a more adventurous pairing, try a Canadian Syrah, which can bring out the subtle gamey notes of the lamb.
