Christmas Menus: Balancing Tradition and Change
Christmas is not only a time for reflection but also for indulgence. But let’s be honest—celebrating Christmas the same traditional way every year and sticking to classic holiday menus can get a bit dull, don’t you think?
Step out of your comfort zone! Instead of the usual holiday goose, why not try modern interpretations of Christmas menus or festive classics from around the world? Expand your culinary horizons this holiday season. Naturally, we’ll ensure each dish is paired with the perfect wine. The key is to find a wine whose flavors and structure enhance the dishes rather than overpower them.
For every Christmas menu, we provide general tips for ideal wine pairings. Additionally, our featured guest in the WineChat, sommelier Michael Kutej, offers his personal wine recommendations from the Pese Wein online shop for each menu.
Step out of your comfort zone! Instead of the usual holiday goose, why not try modern interpretations of Christmas menus or festive classics from around the world? Expand your culinary horizons this holiday season. Naturally, we’ll ensure each dish is paired with the perfect wine. The key is to find a wine whose flavors and structure enhance the dishes rather than overpower them.
For every Christmas menu, we provide general tips for ideal wine pairings. Additionally, our featured guest in the WineChat, sommelier Michael Kutej, offers his personal wine recommendations from the Pese Wein online shop for each menu.
Golden Rules:
Mild, fruity wines pair well with acidic or spicy dishes.
Rich, acidic wines complement smoked or salty foods.
Tannic wines aged in oak are excellent with fatty dishes but don’t pair well with acidic, spicy, or bitter foods.
Sweet wines go wonderfully with desserts, as sweetness balances out in combination. The wine should always be sweeter than the dessert.
A Fresh Take on Christmas Menus
Let’s kick things off with two modern Christmas menu ideas—one vegetarian and the other featuring a creative mix of ingredients that bring festive flavors into contemporary cuisine.
Vegetarian Menu
This vegetarian Christmas menu highlights seasonal winter vegetables, blending modern, creative elements with classic holiday flavors.
For the chocolate tart, fortified wines like Port, Madeira, or PX Sherry are excellent choices.
Starter: A pumpkin-coconut soup with roasted chickpeas and a touch of chili oil for a warm kick.
Main Course: Stuffed butternut squash with lentils, spinach, and goat cheese.
Dessert: A crispy chocolate tart filled with velvety salted caramel to finish the meal.
Main Course: Stuffed butternut squash with lentils, spinach, and goat cheese.
Dessert: A crispy chocolate tart filled with velvety salted caramel to finish the meal.
Wine Pairings
A dry Riesling, fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc, or a light Pinot Noir balances the slight sweetness of the dishes while enhancing their spiciness.For the chocolate tart, fortified wines like Port, Madeira, or PX Sherry are excellent choices.
Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
From our JUBILUM series, we recommend the Riesling No. 1, a 2022 "Ortswein" (village or local wine) from Dr. Wehrheim in the Südpfalz region. It’s not bone dry, with a great extract paired with juiciness, all at just 11.5% ABV. 'JUBILUM' stands for maximum joy—and at this price, it’s definitely easy to celebrate. This Riesling is also available in a Magnum bottle! Especially in winter: just pop it on the balcony to chill.Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
Modern Menu
A modern Christmas menu combines classic holiday flavors with contemporary techniques and presentations.
For the red, we go a bit further south from Brunello into Bolgheri. A "little Sassicaia," affordable and boasting 93 Parker points... it doesn’t get any better than this!
Starter: Beetroot carpaccio with goat cheese cream and caramelized walnuts.
Main Course: Venison fillet with red wine sauce, celery purée, and glazed baby carrots.
Dessert: Spiced parfait with baked apple and almond slivers.
Main Course: Venison fillet with red wine sauce, celery purée, and glazed baby carrots.
Dessert: Spiced parfait with baked apple and almond slivers.
Wine Pairings
An elegant sparkling wine or refreshing champagne makes a wonderful match for the light starter. For the main course, a full-bodied red like a Barolo or Brunello di Montalcino pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
Once again, we begin with a recommendation from our JUBILUM series. This time a Blanc de Noir, aged on lees for three years and with just 2g of sugar. This sparkling wine, made with grapes from Fritz Keller in the Markgräflerland, is a clear reflection of both their and our commitment to quality.For the red, we go a bit further south from Brunello into Bolgheri. A "little Sassicaia," affordable and boasting 93 Parker points... it doesn’t get any better than this!
Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
International Christmas Dishes
Which International Culinary Traditions Are Worth Trying This Christmas?
Here are a few classics from different corners of the world, complete with perfectly paired wine recommendations.
USA
Christmas morning on December 25th is when the real celebration begins in the USA, with presents opened amidst lots of twinkling decorations and English Christmas carols filling the air. The traditional Christmas dinner in the States isn’t too different from a Thanksgiving feast—usually featuring a large roast, with turkey being a favorite choice. Popular desserts include cookies, gingerbread, and Buche de Noel (yule log cake), along with spiced punch.
American holiday traditions are a colorful blend of customs brought by immigrants from their homelands: hanging mistletoe comes from England, decorating fireplaces with poinsettias is a Mexican tradition, and the Christmas tree originates from Germany. And since gifts are opened on Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve, many families embrace the cozy tradition of wearing matching Christmas pajamas!
American holiday traditions are a colorful blend of customs brought by immigrants from their homelands: hanging mistletoe comes from England, decorating fireplaces with poinsettias is a Mexican tradition, and the Christmas tree originates from Germany. And since gifts are opened on Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve, many families embrace the cozy tradition of wearing matching Christmas pajamas!
Wine Pairings
The right wine pairing can elevate your festive turkey feast to a whole new level. Some opt for the classic choice of a dry white wine, such as a rich, buttery Chardonnay with hints of vanilla and brioche. Others prefer the bold charm of red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Zinfandel, which complement the hearty flavors of turkey and gravy beautifully.Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
We’ll be enjoying a premium Pinot Noir from Oregon, and we’re sure it will captivate you as well. Christmas is the perfect time to treat yourself. Its enchanting fruit, velvety texture, and complexity are guaranteed to charm you. Promise!Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
England
In England, the big gift exchange also takes place on December 25th. In the evening, families gather for the grand Christmas dinner: stuffed turkey or roast beef served with roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts. For dessert, the traditional plum pudding makes its appearance. Each guest receives a Christmas Cracker, a festive party favor filled with small gifts and a paper crown, adding the perfect touch to the British Christmas celebration.
Wine Pairings
Roast beef is a premium cut of beef, making it a festive choice for the holiday season. Its hearty preparation and rich accompaniments fit perfectly into Christmas celebrations. When selecting the right wine for perfectly pink roast beef, it’s all about balancing tannins and fruit aromas. Red wine is definitely the way to go—try a Rioja, a Cabernet Sauvignon from South America, or a classic Bordeaux to complement this luxurious dish.Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
After tasting hundreds of wines, our clear recommendation is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru with a high Merlot content. It’s elegant, well-balanced, and boasts impressive length and finesse that will leave you captivated. From the outstanding 2019 vintage, this is Bordeaux at its best—even for everyday enjoyment.Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
Sweden
Sweden takes festive feasting to the next level with the multi-course Christmas buffet known as "Julbord". A typical Julbord includes an array of meat and fish, bread and cheese, pickles, and the obligatory beetroot salad.
The meal begins with appetizers featuring various fish dishes, such as pickled herring and salmon. Warm dishes follow, including beloved Swedish meatballs (Köttbullar) and wild game specialties like elk. Other highlights include marinated ribs, fried sausages, and red or green cabbage. Side dishes often feature various potato preparations and even omelets.
No matter how full you feel after multiple trips to the buffet, dessert is a must. The classic choice is "Ris à la Malta", a creamy vanilla rice pudding garnished with orange slices. Even the house spirits are fed—milk porridge is left outside the door to keep them satisfied.
Fun fact: In Sweden, it’s wise to keep a window open during Christmas celebrations, as Santa prefers tossing gifts through the window!
The meal begins with appetizers featuring various fish dishes, such as pickled herring and salmon. Warm dishes follow, including beloved Swedish meatballs (Köttbullar) and wild game specialties like elk. Other highlights include marinated ribs, fried sausages, and red or green cabbage. Side dishes often feature various potato preparations and even omelets.
No matter how full you feel after multiple trips to the buffet, dessert is a must. The classic choice is "Ris à la Malta", a creamy vanilla rice pudding garnished with orange slices. Even the house spirits are fed—milk porridge is left outside the door to keep them satisfied.
Fun fact: In Sweden, it’s wise to keep a window open during Christmas celebrations, as Santa prefers tossing gifts through the window!
Wine Pairings
A dry white wine, such as Pinot Gris, pairs beautifully with the "fishy" starters of the Julbord. As you move on to the warm dishes, switching to a red wine is a great choice. A Bordeaux complements dark meat dishes as well as sausages and hard cheeses. For a fruit-forward option, a Dornfelder works wonderfully, offering the strength and richness to balance the hearty flavors of the main courses.Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
For the potato dishes and other sides, a white wine with a solid acidity structure is essential to hold its own. A Pinot Blanc is an excellent choice. For the red wine, opt for something uncomplicated and easy-drinking. When dining with a large group, you’ll want “crowd-pleasers” in the glass, such as a Tempranillo for its versatility and broad appeal.Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
Italy
Italy, traditionally a Catholic country, observes the custom of refraining from eating meat on Christmas Eve. The festive meal instead features seafood and an array of sweet treats like Pandoro, Panettone, Torrone, Panforte, Struffoli, Caggionetti, and Monte Bianco.
On December 25th, the celebrations continue with a lavish Christmas lunch that includes a variety of meats—plenty of them—along with cheese and more indulgent desserts.
On Christmas Day, the hearty meat dishes call for bolder, fuller-bodied wines. A Barolo from Piedmont, an Amarone della Valpolicella from Veneto, or a Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany are perfect companions for the rich and robust flavors of the feast.
On December 25th, the celebrations continue with a lavish Christmas lunch that includes a variety of meats—plenty of them—along with cheese and more indulgent desserts.
Wine Pairings
For the seafood dishes on Christmas Eve, lighter, fresher wines are an excellent choice. A Vermentino from Sardinia or Tuscany, or a Greco di Tufo from Campania, pairs wonderfully with the delicate flavors of the meal.On Christmas Day, the hearty meat dishes call for bolder, fuller-bodied wines. A Barolo from Piedmont, an Amarone della Valpolicella from Veneto, or a Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany are perfect companions for the rich and robust flavors of the feast.
Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
Start with a true hidden gem from Lazio—featuring a generous amount of Viognier, captivating aromatics, and just the right amount of grip. Follow it up with a classic Sangiovese from Chianti, a wine with irresistible charm and serious addiction potential.Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
Brazil
In Brazil, late on Christmas Eve, the Ceia de Natal (Christmas dinner) becomes a grand feast, reflecting a blend of Portuguese, African, and Indigenous influences. Turkey or other poultry is often served, frequently adorned with regional fruits like pineapple, mango, and passion fruit, and always accompanied by an abundance of sides such as ham, couve refogada (collard greens with garlic), salted cod, salada de maionese (potato salad with raisins and apple slices), farofa (seasoned and toasted cassava flour), salpicão (a type of chicken salad), rice, and nuts.
For dessert, tropical treats dominate, but the presence of Panettone from Milan and German Stollen reflects Italian and German influences on Brazilian cuisine.
For dessert, tropical treats dominate, but the presence of Panettone from Milan and German Stollen reflects Italian and German influences on Brazilian cuisine.
Wine Pairings
Brazilians often serve turkey with a sweet-and-sour sauce and tropical fruits. This pairs beautifully with wines that offer both freshness and a touch of sweetness, such as Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chenin Blanc. Alternatively, the bold fruitiness of a Zinfandel or Merlot is an excellent match.Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
A lesser-known option, but a delightful surprise: White Bordeaux. This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and a touch of Sémillon offers a crowd-pleasing aroma and vibrant freshness. For something red, a German Pinot Noir delivers flavor, color, and elegance without being too heavy—perfect for a festive gathering.Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
Tipp
Why not try something different and pair an entire menu with champagne? From light appetizers to pasta and risotto dishes, sushi, and fish, all the way to meat courses—whether white or red meat. Champagne even pairs beautifully with cheese and dessert. In the spirit of "Champagne goes with everything!"
Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
The perfect choice is a champagne robust enough to complement meat dishes and dry enough to keep sweetness from becoming dull. The key is a harmonious yet lively acidity—and you’ll find it all in this champagne.Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
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