The end of the year is fast approaching, and you are surely already making gastronomic plans for the holidays. Fried carp or schnitzel with potato salad is a Czech tradition, but many of you are surely thinking about pairings other than just Pilsner Urquell. Not to mention that the choice of dishes for various occasions is very wide today, and it would be a shame not to pair them with fine wines of corresponding quality.
Christmas Eve (December 24)
On Christmas Eve, families gather around a lavishly set table, making it the perfect time to enjoy white wine. We recommend Juno Chenin Blanc, which is very popular in South Africa. This wine has a wide range of flavors, from fresh citrus and apples to honey tones. It is great with fish dishes, turkey, or even traditional Christmas salads.
Another great tip is Spier Seaward Sauvignon Blanc – with its typical taste of green figs, blackberry leaves, and ripe tropical fruit, it goes well with light appetizers and salads and is a pleasant companion for a festive evening.
Christmas Day (December 25)
On Christmas Day, richer dishes are often served, which allows for the selection of red wine. We recommend Pinotage, a characteristic South African variety. For example, the mysterious Barista Black represents a distinctive and elegant version of this South African icon – 100% Pinotage from the Western Cape region. This wine combines the richness of a traditional variety with a modern style: a dark ruby color, aromas of black fruit, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and subtle oak, making it an ideal accompaniment to roasted red meat or duck.
In addition, Shiraz is also suitable for this day, offering strong spicy tones and dark fruit, which go well with dishes such as roast beef or game. This is especially true of The Chocolate Block, a distinctive South African red cuvée from Swartland, composed mainly of Shiraz complemented by Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Viognier.
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Nothing sparkling should be missing on New Year's Eve! Methode Cap Classique (MCC) is a South African alternative to French champagne. These wines have a rich flavor, fine bubbles, and balanced acidity. Ideal for toasting the start of the new year. MCC pairs well with appetizers such as platters of smoked fish or cheese, and simply creates a celebration that everyone will enjoy.
And why not make New Year's Eve a little rosier! Spier Cap Classique Brut Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir. The wine is full of finesse and energy, with a lively aroma of ripe strawberries, cranberries, and notes of honey apples on the palate, with a balanced flavor and lingering acidity and minerality.
New Year's Day (January 1)
To ensure that luck does not fly away on New Year's Day, red meat dishes are usually served. Merlot is an excellent choice to pair with these dishes. It is smooth and fruity, and perfectly complements New Year's dishes. For example, La Bri Merlot is an elegant red wine from Franschhoek Valley in South Africa, made from grapes grown in clay vineyards. Its aroma features notes of smoked bacon, violets, and mulberries, while its taste offers juicy dark fruit, delicate chocolate, smooth tannins, and balanced acidity.
We must not forget to mention the royal variety, Cabernet Sauvignon. And since it's New Year's Eve, why not try the best South Africa has to offer? Meerlust Rubicon is an iconic red cuvée from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa, composed of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. The wine has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma of violets, black plums, blackberries, cedar wood, and delicate spices.
If you want to try something new this Christmas, wines from South Africa are definitely a great choice. Thanks to the stable and sunny climate, they are concentrated, full-bodied, and consistent in quality across vintages. You definitely won't go wrong.
We wish you happy holidays and a great start to the New Year!