It is often mistaken that one has to pair red wine with red meat and white wines with white meat. This is only partially true as different styles of winemaking can affect the intensity of the wines. The truth is, food actually affects the wine more than wine affects the food. Your palate when eating actually changes your perception of sugars, saltiness and acidity so it alters the taste of the wine. A general rule of thumb for food-friendly wines are usually fruity wines with higher acidity and low tannins as the high acidity can counter the richness, saltiness, fattiness or oil in foods.

Choosing a suitable wine for a Christmas meal can be challenging with a huge variety of flavours at play. Hence to ease your Christmas to-do list, we have shortlisted some wines from our trusted merchants (available via AskVoila) which are ideal for your holiday meals this season!

1. Ruffino Prosecco DOC. NV, Italy (SGD$34.20)

Ruffino Prosecco DOC is 100% made from Glera grapes, an indigenous variety with origins in the lovely village of Prosecco. It has fruity flavours and fragrance of citrus, pears and apples to go along with hints of hawthorn, wisteria and elder. An easy-to-drink sparkling white wine with high acidity making it a versatile food companion.

2. GH Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne NV, France (SGD$49.90)

It is hard to go wrong with everyone’s favourite wine – Champagne. G.H Mumm Cordon Rouge is one of the most popular champagnes in the world. This dry straw yellow sparkling wine has slightly spicy, floral and fruity scents with fine and persistent bubbles. The refreshing acidity will please your guests as an aperitif or with the main courses.

3. Brown Brothers Sparkling Moscato Rosa NV, Australia (SGD$33.80)

This Moscato Rosa is sweet with red berry aromas and flavours together with a balanced acidity. It is made mainly from Moscato grapes with a small addition of Cienna grapes which gives it a bright pink strawberry hue complementing the joyous festive mood perfectly. Serve it chilled and the wine will please even the non-wine drinkers in the party.

4. Jacobs Creek Sparkling Rose NV, Australia (SGD$31.00)

With a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, this sparkling rose is an elegant soft pink colour with generous flavours of lemon citrus together with fresh strawberry and red currant characters. This wine with a creamy soft finish is suitable for a classic Christmas meal or a Chinese-style soy-based dishes.

5. Shingleback Black Bubbles Sparkling Shiraz NV, Australia (SGD$34.90)

Australia is the only wine-making region that makes Sparkling Shiraz. It is a refreshing choice as opposed to the lighter sparkling wines. The flavours are comparatively more concentrated with blackcurrant, liquorice, spice and dark cherry flavours. This wine is deep garnet in colour with vibrant magenta bubbles, the sweet fruit finish is balanced with soft tannin and mild acidity.

6. Louis Jadot Couvent des Jacobins Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2013, France (SGD$44.10)

This Bourgogne is made with grapes from the best regions in Burgundy. With aromas of red cherry, cranberry and spice, this Pinot Noir is a classic representation of the Burgundy reds. It is medium-bodied with delicate tannins coupled with mouth-watering acidity which is ideal to go with grilled meats, roast turkey, seafood and soft cheese.

7. Lamole Di Lamole Chianti Classico DOCG 2012, Italy (SGD$48.45)

This is another classic Italian red wine to consider – made 90% from the finest Sangiovese grapes and small amounts of Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera grapes. It is a balanced and medium-bodied wine. The wine is a deep ruby colour with violets aromatics, cherries and red berry flavours and lifted by notes of minerality. The fresh fragrances are balanced off with soft tannins and goes well with grilled meats, toasted bread and cheesy dishes.

8. St Francis Sonoma County “Old Vines” Zinfandel 2013, California (SGD$58.90)

This is a classic old vine Zinfandel with concentrated flavours of mixed berries, liquorice and spices together with aromas of boysenberry, clove and cinnamon. The wine has a luscious finish with medium tannins that accompanies the fruity flavours of the wine.

These are just some of the wine varietals we found suitable for festive parties. Be it whether you are looking for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, there are many choices available. Chat with our AskVoila personal shopping chatbot today and browse our extensive selections!

Last but not least, AskVoila wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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