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McLaren Vale Wines to elevate your Christmas Feast!
Elevate your festive feast to extraordinary heights, by matching each delectable dish to its perfect McLaren Vale wine counterpart.
The art of wine pairing can transform each course into a symphony of flavours, elevating your entire dining experience to new heights. For starters, a refreshing chilled Sparkling Shiraz offers a wonderful opening to awaken the palate as you begin your celebrations. Next, as the entrées dance upon your palate, the subtle acidity of a crisp and vibrant white wine cuts through rich flavours leaving a refreshing sensation that prepares your taste buds for the culinary journey ahead. As the main course emerges a robust red wine steps into the spotlight, it's velvety texture embraces the succulent meat or hearty vegetarian main, imbuing the meal with layers of complexity that coats your palate in flavour. As the sweet crescendo that is dessert arrives, the sweetness of a luscious fortified wine tames the richness of desserts. All-in-all an exquisite harmony that leaves your senses in a state of blissful equilibrium!
Now that your mouth is watering, we've curated a selection of delectable McLaren Vale wines that are certain to elevate your festive feast:
Appetiser
Anchovies on crostini + Sparkling Shiraz
McLaren Vale Sparkling Shiraz offers a sensory experience like no other, with aromas of dark berries, spices, and hints of chocolate. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of ripe fruit, velvety tannins, and a touch of sweetness - an exquisite choice for those seeking a sparkling wine with a rich and full-bodied twist!
Enjoy these McLaren Vale Sparkling Shiraz's as a Christmas appetiser:
Fox Creek Vixen Sparkling Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc NV
Samuel's Gorge Comets Tail Sparkling Shiraz 2020
Patritti Lavoro Sparkling Shiraz NV
Shingleback Black Bubbles Sparkling Shiraz
Entrée
Oysters + Picpoul
Picpoul wine, originating from the Languedoc region in southern France but now growing in popularity in the McLaren Vale Wine Region, has long been considered a perfect pairing with oysters. This exquisite wine, known for its crisp acidity, vibrant citrus flavours, and mineral undertones, harmoniously complements the delicate and briny nature of oysters. The high acidity of Picpoul acts as a palate cleanser, refreshing the senses after each bite. The vibrant citrus flavours beautifully complement the oceanic taste of oysters, while the subtle mineral undertones provide a unique and intriguing element.
Try these examples of McLaren Vale Picpoul with your oysters:
Lloyd Brothers McLaren Vale Picpoul 2023 | Winner: Best New & Emerging White Wine in the McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023
Coriole Piquepoul 2023
Larnook Picpoul 2023
Ministry of Clouds Picpoul 2022
Prawns + Fiano
Fiano wine, hailing from the Campania region in Italy but rapidly finding its second home in the McLaren Vale Wine Region, is an excellent choice when it comes to pairing with prawns. This textural wine, known for its intense aromatics, vibrant acidity, and complex flavours, beautifully complements the succulent and delicate nature of prawns. The vibrant acidity of Fiano cuts through the richness of the prawns, balancing the flavours and adding a refreshing touch. Additionally, the complex flavours of Fiano, often including hints of honey, almonds, and spices, create a delightful symphony of taste that elevates the natural flavours of the prawns.
Try these examples of McLaren Vale Fiano with your prawn dishes:
d'Arenberg The Sun Surfer Fiano 2023 | Winner: Best Fiano in the McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023
Chalk Hill Wines Fiano 2023
Hugo Wines Fiano 2023
Oliver's Taranga Vineyards Fiano 2023
Mains
Fish + Rosé
Fish, whether grilled, poached, or baked, possesses a delicate texture and mild flavour that requires a wine that won't overpower it. McLaren Vale Rosé, with its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward profile, effortlessly complements the natural flavours of fish without overwhelming them. The wine's crispness and refreshing character act as a palate cleanser, making each bite of fish feel like a new experience. Additionally, the diverse range of flavours found in McLaren Vale Rosé makes it a versatile companion to various fish dishes. From the subtle sweetness of shellfish to the rich, buttery flavours of salmon, the wine's versatility allows it to adapt and enhance the taste of different types of fish.
Try these examples of McLaren Vale Rosé with your fish dishes:
Alpha Box & Dice Tarot Rosé 2023
Hugo Wines Rosé 2023 | Winner: Best Rosé in the McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023
Hither & Yon Mataro Rosé 2023
Willunga 100 Grenache Rosé 2023
Turkey + Grenache
McLaren Vale Grenache pairs exceptionally well with turkey thanks to its inherent characteristics that perfectly complement the flavours of roasted bird meats and vegetables. The versatility of Grenache allows it to adapt to various cooking styles and seasonings, enhancing the natural flavours of the turkey without overpowering them. Additionally, the fruit-forward profile of McLaren Vale Grenache, with its vibrant red fruit flavours, adds a delightful contrast to the savoury and earthy elements of the roasted turkey. The wine's subtle spiciness further amplifies the flavours in both the wine and the dish, creating a harmonious dining experience. Overall, McLaren Vale Grenache's ability to complement and enhance the flavours of turkey makes it an ideal pairing choice for this beloved Christmas centrepiece.
Try these examples of McLaren Vale Grenache with your Christmas turkey:
Serafino Reserve Grenache 2021 | Winner: Best Grenache at the McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023
S.C Pannell 2021 Old McDonald Grenache | Winner: Best Two Year Old Grenache at the McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023
Bondar Wines 2022 Rayner Vineyard Grenache
Chapel Hill 2021 Old Vine 1952 Grenache
Beef + Shiraz
McLaren Vale's diverse terroir and winemaking expertise allows both full-bodied and medium-bodied Shiraz wines to shine, catering to a wide range of preferences and occasions. Whether you seek a bold and powerful expression or a more nuanced experience, McLaren Vale has something to offer every Shiraz enthusiast.
McLaren Vale's full-bodied Shiraz is an exceptional choice to pair with beef main dishes due to its robust and full-bodied nature. The wine's rich and intense flavours of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum perfectly complement the bold and savoury flavours of beef. The dense tannins in the Shiraz help to cut through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced and harmonious taste experience. The wine's peppery and spicy notes also add depth and complexity to the pairing, elevating the flavours of both the wine and the beef.
While, the medium-bodied nature and softer tannins of McLaren Vale's medium-bodied Shiraz's are a perfect match for the richness and tenderness of beef. The wine's vibrant fruit flavours, such as blackberry and plum, complement the savoury and umami flavours found in beef dishes, adding depth and complexity to each bite. Additionally, the subtle hints of spice and pepper in the wine harmonise beautifully with the bold flavours of grilled or roasted beef.
Try these examples of McLaren Vale Shiraz with your Christmas beef and red meat dishes:
Thistledown Cunning Plan Shiraz 2022 | Winner: Best One Year Old or Younger Shiraz at the McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023
Shingleback Unedited McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 | Winner: Best Three Year or Older Shiraz at the McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023
Robert Oatley Signature Series Shiraz 2021 | Winner: Best Two Year Old Shiraz at the McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023
Hardys Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2019 | Winner: Wine of Provenance at the McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023
Dessert
Christmas Pudding + Fortified
McLaren Vale fortified wines are a perfect match for Christmas pudding due to their rich and complex flavours. Our region's fortified wines are often aged in oak barrels, which imparts a unique depth and nutty character to the wine. These flavours complement the rich, fruity, and spicy notes found in Christmas pudding, creating the perfect pairing. The sweetness and viscosity of the fortified wine also provide a luscious contrast to the dense and moist texture of the pudding. Additionally, the higher alcohol content in fortified wines helps to cut through the richness of the dessert, cleansing the palate and leaving a satisfying and lingering finish. McLaren Vale fortified wines truly elevate the enjoyment of Christmas pudding, creating a memorable and indulgent experience during the festive season.
Pair these McLaren Vale Fortified Wines with your Christmas pudding or rich desserts:
Battle of Bosworth Vintage Fortified Cabernet Sauvignon
Foggo 'Oblivion' Syrah Fortified
Lino Ramble Mr Wolf Liqueur Muscat
Woodstock Multi-Vintage very old fortified
With Christmas approaching fast, don't delay in purchasing McLaren Vale wines for your Christmas table!
Cover Image: The Currant Shed