An Aussie Christmas is always a joyous occasion. The weather is hot, the food is fresh and the wine is flowing. We thought we put together a little pairing advice for three of Australia’s most delectable Christmas plates, so that you have some nice bubbly to enjoy with that indulgent Chrissy cuisine!
Our Christmases are blessed with gorgeous sunshine that turns Christmas day into something less of a sit around lunch and more into a fun-filled party. What makes it even better is that this is the time of the year where we can enjoy the most vibrant Aussie produce: juicy prawns, tropical fruits, glazed hams and, of course, any type of red or white Australian wine.
If you’re looking to buy wine online in Australia and in time for Christmas, here are the pairings you should choose for everybody’s favourite luncheon.
Prawns
Prawns are a must for Aussie Christmas as they really add to the summery vibe on the day. Whether they’re thrown on the barbie or tossed in some citrus and coriander, you’ll find most families enjoying a few juicy tiger prawns on Jesus’ birthday.
But to choose the right prawn/wine pairing, you have to decide how they are going to be cooked. A classic Pinot Grigio goes well with no-nonsense, shell-prawns as it is a summer favourite that adds to the fun!
If, however, you will be cooking them in garlic with a little chilli, lime and coriander, it’s good to go for an Aussie Sav Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc was made to be paired with garlic, and the citrusy notes will totally bring out the flavour of the juicy flesh. Italian Fiano and White Rioja are two other fantastic options…
Christmas ham
It may not be everyone’s first choice for Christmas lunch, but glazing up a ham is a favourite for many Aussie families. Thankfully, a gorgeously glazed ham pairs wonderfully with a host of Australian wine options.
If you’re going to glaze and roast your ham, serving it hot on the platter, then a medium-bodied red like a Barossa Shiraz will do the trick. The juicy, fruity flavour of the wine matches hot ham with perfection!
There are a few other options you can take, however, including Chilean Merlot, Carmenere, Grenache or a nice Pinot Noir. If you want to pair your ham with something white, you can totally do that, too, as the fruity flavour of a Semillon will do enough to refresh your palate and bring out the wonderful smoky flavour of the ham.
For ham salads and cold cuts, go for something light, like an Aussie Riesling or a Moscato, Zinfandel or a simple rosé. After all, who doesn’t love a glass of rosé on Christmas?
Pavlova
Pavlova, the ultimate Australian Christmas dessert. It’s always at the very centre of our Christmas, and revellers await its arrival with eager anticipation. Naturally, a dessert so fine deserves to be paired with a fine even finer, and the perfect choice is something sweet.
Go for a late harvest Riesling, Gewurztraminer or Semillon to maintain that freshness. If not, you can also go for a Moscato d’Asti or even a bottle of champers if you haven’t already popped the cork!
Christmas day is great fun in Australia: grab your prawns, glaze that ham, start mixing up that most divine pavlova, and pair it all with a bottle (or five) of fine wine.