The Perfect Wine for Danish Christmas Dinner: A Guide to Red, White, and Sparkling Wines for Christmas Eve

As Christmas approaches, many Danes face the question: "Which wine pairs best with Christmas dinner?" Traditional Danish Christmas dishes often include roast duck, pork roast with crispy crackling, caramelized potatoes, red cabbage, and risalamande (rice pudding with cherry sauce). These classic dishes require a wine that can balance the rich flavors, the sweetness of the sides, and the creamy sauce. Here’s our guide to choosing the best wine for Christmas Eve.

Red Wine for Christmas Dinner

Most Danes opt for red wine for Christmas dinner, and for good reason. With rich pork roast and duck, we recommend a red wine with good acidity, smooth tannins, and balanced fruit flavors. A Pinot Noir is a popular choice, as its light, fruity profile complements both duck and pork without overpowering the dishes. A classic Burgundy or a South African Pinot Noir are excellent options.

For those who prefer a bolder wine, Syrah, Grenache or a Zinfandel/ Primitivo can be great choices. These wines are high in alcohol with intense flavors of dark berries and spices, which pair well with the fatty Christmas dishes and the sweet caramelized potatoes.

White Wine for Christmas Eve

While red wine is often the go-to choice, white wine can also be a fantastic companion for Christmas dinner, especially if you prefer lighter wines. A Riesling with a touch of sweetness and high acidity is a great match for pork roast or duck, as it cuts through the richness of the dishes. A barrel fermented Chardonnay is another excellent choice, as its full-bodied character pairs well with creamy sauces and sides like red cabbage.

Sparkling Wine for Christmas Lunch

For Christmas lunch or as an aperitif before dinner, sparkling wine is a great choice. A dry Champagne, MCC, or Cremant adds a fresh and festive start to the evening. The bubbles cleanse the palate and prepare the taste buds for the rich dishes to follow.

Wine for Risalamande

When it comes to dessert, there’s no doubt: Risalamande (rice pudding with cherry sauce) calls for a sweet wine. A classic Port, Sauternes, or Moscato d’Asti is a perfect match. The sweet wine complements the cherry sauce and enhances the almond flavor without being too heavy.

Final Thoughts

When choosing wine for Christmas dinner, the key is to find a balance between the wine’s acidity, sweetness, and body, and the flavor profile of the dishes. Whether you prefer red, white, or sparkling wine, remember that Christmas Eve is about coziness and enjoyment. Choose a wine you love and that suits your company. Cheers and Merry Christmas!

This guide will help you find the best wine for Christmas Eve, making this year’s Christmas dinner an unforgettable experience.