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Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Getting together with family and friends, sharing gifts and, of course, eating. Lots of it.
After hours of feasting on festive favourites, making a little space around the waist for some sweet treats (you may need a siesta in between sessions to help with this!) washed down with perfectly paired wines just adds to the merriment of the day.
So to help you end your Christmas meal on a cheery note, we've created this handy guide to help you match the best wine with a selection of classic Christmas desserts.
When it comes to wine pairing and dessert, there's one standard rule of thumb. The wine needs to be at least as sweet as the dessert; otherwise, your wine may be a little lacking in the flavour department.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but we believe the below wine pairings truly enhance the flavours and elevate the eating experience of these popular Australian Christmas desserts.
Nothing says Christmas like a good ol’ fashioned plum pudding. And while the choices of how to enjoy your pudding can prove deeply personal — warm or cold, with custard or cream or ice cream or simply on its own… one thing is for certain: the best accompaniment to the nutty, fruity richness of a Chrissy pud is an equally rich and robust tawny port.
McGuigan Personal Reserve Tawny, with its fruity, vanilla and coffee notes, is the classic partner to a comforting Christmas pudding.
The trusty fruit cake is another classic yuletide dessert. Like Christmas pudding, fruit cake is traditionally made with dried fruits and a generous soaking of brandy or rum. The sweet and spritzy fruity flavours of our 2021 McGuigan Cellar Select Moscato is delicious paired with a rich and dense Christmas fruit cake.
The beloved Aussie Christmas pavlova is sure to be the star of many a dessert table this festive season. When pairing, select a wine that won't overpower the delicate white meringue and fresh fruity flavours of the pavlova. 2021 McGuigan Cellar Select Moscato or 2021 McGuigan The Shortlist Premium Cuvée Sparkling are fantastic choices, while McGuigan Zero Alcohol Sparkling Rosé is a delicious alcohol-free option.
Whether it’s a traditional trifle with all the trappings or a more modern minimalistic take on this much-loved Christmas dessert, select a medium-sweet wine such as a Semillon or Riesling to best complement the luscious layers of your Christmas trifle.
There is nothing quite like the buttery richness of a good-quality panettone with a freshly brewed cuppa. For a little extra Christmas cheer, why not add a generous splash of McGuigan Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur to your afternoon coffee? Alternatively,2015 McGuigan Personal Reserve Botrytis Vineyard Semillon, with its distinct orange marmalade character, matches a panettone’s underlying citrus flavours beautifully.
The go-to gift for workmates and casual acquaintances alike, you’re bound to receive a Christmas cookie or two this year. Rather than pushing them to the back of the pantry only to be rediscovered next Christmas, why not serve them as an accompaniment to a thoughtfully paired aperitif? Minimise waste, maximise taste! Here are a few suggestions:
A buttery biscuit works with a buttery wine, such as our 2016 McGuigan Personal Reserve Hunter Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay
Sugar cookies call for the sweetness of a Riesling or Moscato.
Spicy, fruity and nutty, mince pies pair well with McGuigan Personal Reserve Tawny varieties.
A Riesling will help to highlight the spiciness of these delightful Christmas classics
Already reached your indulgence quota for the season (or the day!)? If you want a guilt-free beverage option that still feels festive, you’re sure to find a full-flavoured non-alcoholic wine in our McGuigan Zero range that will perfectly complement just about any Christmas dessert.
McGuigan has you covered with perfect pairing options for all your favourite sweet delights this Christmas. So go on and treat yourself to a little extra festive indulgence… ‘tis the season to be jolly after all!
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