Christmas Wine Matching Guide from Ham to Vegan Turducken

in partnership with

While Christmas is undoubtedly one of the best holidays of the year for most, pulling off said celebration ain’t the easiest of tasks. You’ve done the presents, sent the cards, but this year there’s 15 coming over, two are vegetarian and uncle James is big into wine. Like crazy big.

The Solution? WineMarket has made playing sommelier easier than convincing yourself to pop the champers at 11am on Christmas morning, with a wide range of drops to match any menu and suit even the fussiest sniff and swillers.

TURKEY:EVANS & TATE CLASSIC SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC

Leaving aside the vegetarians for a moment, ain't no one going to say no to some turkey. Similarly, a semillon sauvignon blanc blend is a people-pleaser. The perfect middle ground between semillon structure and weight, and the herbal, punchy fruit highlights of Sav Blanc, it's perfect with white meat and lighter condiments. Try the take on it from Margaret River's Evans & Tate.

$150 for a case from www.winemarket.com.au.

BBQ PRAWNS: TEMPUS TWO PROSECCO

Nothing complements a juicy, flame-grilled prawn or yabby off the barbie like a glass of something cold and sparkling. Prosecco is your go-to here. Try the cool-climate, lemon-zesty Adelaide Hills Tempus Two variety to match seafood. Oh, and don’t forget this fresh and clean Italian-style bubbly makes the ideal pre-dinner tipple, so be sure to stock up.

$89.94 for a six-pack from www.winemarket.com.au.

CHRISTMAS HAM: BLEASDALE SPARKLING SHIRAZ

Unless, of course, you’re super into pork, that hunk of scrumptious piggy steaming on the table usually only comes out once a year. So why not go with the flow and crack open a bottle of sparkling shiraz to give it that extra special-occasion kick? Aussie legends Bleasdale have a great sparkling shiraz (their drops regularly score 90+ points), but it’s not exactly surprising seeing as they’re Australia’s second oldest wine growing family.

$135 for a six-pack from www.winemarket.com.au.

TURDUCKEN: ALEXIA BY JANE COOPER PINOT NOIR

A hybrid of turkey, duck and chicken, this big meaty beast is probably best suited to a slightly lighter bodied red (especially on a hot summer’s day). Jane Cooper's 'Alexia' Pinot Noir will suit game meats with its earthy, dark cherry flavours, plus a dozen of these babies comes in at just $11 a bottle.

$132 for a case from www.winemarket.com.au

VEGAN TURDUCKEN: GEMTREE GREEN JADE ORGANIC CHARDONNAY

Anyone going for a vegetarian or vegan roast (yes, it’s a thing) should think about a chardonnay. We know this poor ol’ drop somewhat went out of fashion, but the pesticide-free, medium-bodied dry Gemtree Green Jade Organic Chardonnay, with a whole bunch of pure fruit flavours sans oak, will add delicious textures to the vego’s delight on your plate.

$99 for a case from www.winemarket.com.au.

POTATO SALAD: BALLAST POINT 'BIG EYE' INDIA PALE ALE

Of course, sides shouldn’t be forgotten, and neither should beer. In the hotter months you’re gonna want something bitter and hoppy (and cold, obvs), and a frosty Ballest Point 'Big Eye' India pale ale has your name, and those creamy carbs, written all over it.

$79.99 for a case from www.winemarket.com.au.