FESTIVE FIZZ: ZERO PRETENSE

Every Christmas needs some sparkle, but there’s no need to reach the stiff formality of Champagne when there are fizz options bursting with festive cheer and a more relaxed vibe. Enter the Crémant, the mischievous cousin of Champagne who left the Côte des Blancs behind and learned to dance. Whether it’s the local pride of Luxembourg’s Crémant, the razor-sharp brilliance of Crémant de Jura or a Winzersekt from Fred Loimer.

These are the wines that know how to party. And let’s not forget the irreverence of pet-nats – those cloudy, rustic sparklers that fizz with untamed energy. They’re the life of the party, less polished, more punk rock. Crack open a bottle of Domaine Inebriati​’s joyfully Petillant Naturel or Benoit Rosenberger​’s ​“Desaltero­fille” and watch the room light up, a playful reminder that Christmas need not be stuffy to be delicious.

RED TO KEEP THE FEAST ROLLING

When it comes to Christmas reds, we’re looking for wines that bring warmth without the weight, wines that beg to be refilled without demanding serious con­tem­pla­tion. You want something that stands up to roast dinners, cheesy leftovers, and all the accidental napkin spills with a grin rather than a grimace.

Beaujolais, naturally, takes center stage here. A well-chosen cru like a supple Morgon or a juicy Fleurie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with bright cherries, soft tannins, and that subtle hint of spice that feels tailor-made for winter feasts. Grab a bottle of Louis Claude Desvignes​’s silky-smooth Morgon Côte du Py and watch it disappear faster than the roast potatoes. 

But perhaps you’re craving something with a bit more rusticity, a bit more ​“let’s huddle by the fire and swap stories.” This is where Southern Rhône blends step into the spotlight. A grenache-heavy Ventoux from Dambrun or a soulful Languedoc red offers just the right amount of plushness, with warming notes of dried herbs, plums, and a delicate trace of garrigue. Alexandre Hote​’s Lirac, brimming with sun-soaked fruit and a hint of peppery wildness, is the kind of bottle you can pour liberally – easygoing yet full of character.

WHITES WITH ZING AND ZEST

Christmas white wine should be as vibrant as the con­ver­sa­tion. You want freshness with a side of flair – something that cuts through the rich dishes yet still feels celebratory. This is where aromatic whites come into play, bringing a burst of citrus, floral notes, and minerality that keeps the palate lively even after the fifth serving.

Take a look at the Loire, this time for its crisp, saline Muscadet. Domaine Jo Landron​’s ​“Cuvée Haute Tradition” is a pure expression of tangy lime and wet stone, a veritable palate cleanser that slices through creamy gratins and buttery pastry with finesse. Or lean into the textural delights of Chenin Blanc, with its combo of quince, pear, and honeyed depth – a pairing made in heaven for turkey, root veg, and all things baked. For example, ​“CuvéeIn­so­lite” from Domaine Roches Neuves.

And let’s not forget Riesling, the ultimate multi-tasker. Whether it’s bone-dry or with a touch of sweetness, Riesling handles Christmas fare. The Mosel’s Clemens Busch offers a stellar rendition, with a dry Riesling that dances on the palate with crisp green apple, stone fruit, and a bracing acidity that’s as refreshing as a winter morning. It’s proof that a great white wine deserves its place in the spotlight, ensuring it won‘t be over­shad­owed by the season‘s parade of reds.

THE WILD CARDS: MAVERICK BOTTLES FOR MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Sometimes the best part of Christmas wine is the unexpected – those bottles pulled from the back of the rack, carrying a touch of uncon­ven­tion­al­i­ty, made for adventurous drinkers. Think of funky orange wines with their tangy, tea-like grip, perfect for sipping alongside charcuterie boards and pâté. A bottle of Domaine Trapet’s Ambre ( macerated Gewürz­tramin­er from Alsace ) with its amber glow and layered complexity adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the table – a talking point as much as a drink.

Or go deep and dark with an earthy red from Italy’s forgotten corners. A Nerel­loMas­calese from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna brings smoky cherry notes, a pinch of ash, and a structure that’s both robust and refresh­ing­ly lean. The wines of Terre Nere, with their brooding energy and wild aromatics, are the kind that spark curiosity and debate in equal measure – a fitting choice when want to add a new touch to old traditions.