A Sommelier's Guide to Festive Wine Pairings

While there are established norms and guidelines in the world of wine pairing, these rules are never set in stone. Camille Lorant, sommelier at The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar in Singapore, encourages experimentation and the joy of discovering unexpected harmonies. She offers her advice for confidently navigating the world of wine this season.

Best wine to kick off the evening

Eric Rodez Dosage Zero Grand Cru Champagne: This dry Champagne — a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay — complements almost anything, but provides a fresh ping to caviar or oysters.
Domaine Siebert, Crémant d’Alsace 2022: Crémant uses a wider range of grape varieties and is made with the same technique as Champagne, but is more affordable. Serve this together with cheese canapés and oysters.

Best wines to pair with foie gras

Château Roumieu Haut-Placey Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc 2020: While quite young for a Sauternes, this wine is very drinkable right now and provides great quality for the price. Sweet with a lot of freshness, it’s a great match with foie gras or dessert.
Chateau Latour-Martillac Pessac-Léognan 2019: The minerality and salinity imparted by ocean currents result in a wine that beautifully complements the salt and pepper typically used with foie gras. This white Bordeaux’s creamy texture would also pair nicely with salty cheese like manchego and parmesan.

Best wines for poultry

Pierre Girardin Les Vireuils 2020: Buttery and complex, this wine from Meursault has just the right curves to pair with creamy chicken dishes or turkey with sweet potato mash.
Fournier Pere et Fils MMM Grande Cuvee Chenin Blanc 2023: This fresh and mineral chenin blanc can be easily paired with seafood, but also goes well with light poultry dishes, such as chicken, turkey and quail.

Best wines for red meat

Fontodi Chianti Classico Grand Selection 2015: Full-bodied with intense flavours of black cherry, plum and tobacco. Well-structured with firm, juicy tannins and a long finish, making it an excellent choice for steaks or braised meat.
Domaine Peyre Rose Belle Leone 2013: A bold, red wine made from syrah and mourvedre, this is great for Christmas feasts. Try with steaks or something on the gamey side, such as venison.

Best wine for dessert

Taittinger Brut Millésimé 2015: The white peach and lime notes bring a dazzling brightness and energy that will accentuate a fruity dessert or a traditional Yule Log with chocolate.
Champagne Sanger Voyage 360 Brut: This is a beautiful cuvée as an aperitif or for dessert. Piercingly fresh, pop this open for a citrusy dessert that isn't too sweet, such as a lemon pie.

All wines mentioned in this article are available at The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar in Singapore, Culina Singapore, Culina Kuala Lumpur, or online. Start planning your holiday feasts and earn Comocredits with every spend.