A Summer Christmas Table: What to Pour, and What to Give

Christmas in New Zealand happens in the middle of summer. Lunch is often outside, the ham is glazed, there are prawns or crayfish on the table, maybe a turkey or a butterflied leg of lamb on the barbecue. It’s long, warm and relaxed, and the wine should be too.

Here’s how I’d pour the day, from the first glass to the one you’re still holding as the sun goes down. I’ve also put together a Christmas collection with everything in one place.

Start with bubbles

Something sparkling as people arrive sets the tone. Amisfield Brut Méthode Traditionnelle is Central Otago sparkling made the traditional way, and one of our most gifted bottles. For a lighter, fresher start, Nino Franco ‘Rustico’ Prosecco from Valdobbiadene is a joy. And if it’s that kind of year, Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée never disappoints.

See all the Christmas bubbles

For ham and seafood

Glazed ham loves a wine with a little richness and good acidity. Chardonnay is a natural fit: try Dog Point Chardonnay or the TW Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay. With prawns, oysters and crayfish, a crisp, dry Riesling like Dicey Bannockburn Riesling is hard to beat, and a pale, dry rosé such as Rameau d’Or Petit Amour goes with almost everything on a summer table.

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For turkey and lamb: lighter reds, lightly chilled

On a hot day, big reds can feel heavy. Pinot Noir and Gamay are lighter on their feet, and twenty minutes in the fridge makes them even better. Nevis Bluff ‘The Bluff’ Pinot Noir is lovely with turkey, and Dicey Gamay Noir is bright, juicy and made for barbecued lamb.

See all the summer Christmas reds

When the evening lingers

As it cools down and the cheese comes out, it’s time for something special. Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Syrah, Man O’ War Ironclad and Amisfield Breakneck Reserve Pinot Noir are all worth saving for that moment, or for the New Year.

See all the special occasion reds

Wine to give

Kiwis love to give Kiwi wine. Our most gifted bottles are the Amisfield Brut, Man O’ War Dreadnought Syrah and the Amisfield Breakneck Pinot Noir, and you’ll find them in our Sophisticated NZ Christmas Gifting collection. For lovers of the classics, European Christmas Gifting has Champagne, Chablis and more.

Not sure what they drink? A Wine List gift card arrives by email on the day you choose, with your own message.

A few practical things

Couriers get very busy in December, so I recommend ordering by Tuesday 15 December to have your wine in time for Christmas. Delivery is free on orders over $600, and $14 otherwise. We don’t deliver on Christmas Day.

If you’d like help planning the wine for your day, call or text me on 021 591 500. I’m always happy to talk it through.

Merry Christmas,
Laura