6 Christmas Wines to Add Sparkle and Flavor to Your Holiday Feasts

The holiday season is all about creating memorable moments with friends and family. From decorating the Christmas tree to preparing delicious meals, there’s always joy. And what better way to spread those festive vibes than by sipping on a glass of exceptional wine? Whether you plan a cozy dinner or a full-blown celebration, wine can be the perfect companion for the season.
So, to make this Christmas even more special, here’s a curated list of six exceptional Indian wines that will sleigh (slay, hehe) your taste buds and add charm to your festive gatherings. These wines, sourced from renowned Indian wineries, have unique characteristics, fragrances, textures, and pairings that are perfect for Christmas meals. So, get ready to uncork some magic with these wines that will make your Christmas a toast-worthy affair! Let’s go, tchin-tchin!

1. York Sparkling Cuveé Brut, Nasik, India
York’s Sparkling Cuveé Brut is a lively and refreshing sparkling wine, making it the ideal start to your Christmas meal. With its fine bubbles and crisp, dry profile, this wine greets you with an elegant nose of fresh green apples, citrus zest, and a delicate hint of brioche, thanks to its traditional production method. York Sparkling Cuveé Brut captures the essence of celebration in every sip.

Pairings with Indian Food:
York Sparkling Cuveé Brut works wonderfully with appetizers like vegetable samosas, chicken tikka, or dhokla. Its acidity cuts through the richness of these dishes, making every bite more flavourful. For the main course, try pairing it with butter chicken or paneer makhani— the effervescence of the wine complements the creamy textures and spicy notes of these dishes.

Price:
Priced at approximately ₹1,500-₹2,000 per bottle, York Sparkling Cuveé Brut is a great option for those who want to enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank.

2. Grover Signet Shiraz (French Barriques), Nasik, India
Grover Signet Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine that stands out with its elegant profile. Aged in French oak barrels, this wine carries the perfect balance of fruitiness and spice, making it a wonderful choice for a Christmas dinner.
On the nose, you’ll experience aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and a hint of pepper, with subtle undertones of vanilla from the oak.

Pairings with Indian Food:
Grover Signet Shiraz pairs beautifully with robust and flavourful Indian dishes. Consider pairing it with mutton kebabs, lamb rogan josh, or grilled chicken tikka. The wine's tannins and spice complement the richness and intensity of these meats, creating a delightful harmony.

Price:
At a price point of ₹2,500-₹3,500 per bottle, this wine is a great investment for any festive meal.

3. Grover Chene Grand Reserve, Nasik, India
The Grover Chene Grand Reserve is a refined, aged red wine that offers a complex and rich flavour profile. This blend of Bordeaux varietals is made from carefully selected grapes, with aromas of dark cherries, black currants, and a hint of earthy undertones. On the palate, it’s well-rounded with soft tannins and flavours of ripe fruit, tobacco, and a touch of oak. The finish is long and elegant, making it a perfect wine for slow sipping.

Pairings with Indian Food:
This wine’s rich profile makes it an excellent companion for tandoori meat. It also pairs well with cheese platters featuring strong cheeses like cheddar.

Price:
Priced around ₹3,500-₹4,500 per bottle, Grover Chene Grand Reserve is on the higher end but is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with a high-quality wine.

4. The Source Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Nasik, India
For those who prefer white wine, The Source Sauvignon Blanc Reserve is an excellent choice. Expect a fragrant bouquet of tropical fruits such as pineapple, passion fruit, and citrus, with a subtle grassy note typical of this variety. On the palate, the wine is crisp, clean, and light, with a zesty finish that makes it incredibly refreshing.

Pairings with Indian Food:
This wine pairs beautifully with fish curry, prawn masala, or vegetable korma. Its light body and citrusy freshness complement the spices and creaminess of these dishes, balancing out the heat and richness.

Price:
At around ₹2,000-₹2,500 per bottle, it offers great value for those looking for a quality white wine.

5. Fratelli Sette 2023, Akluj, India
Fratelli Sette is a sophisticated red blend that has become a favourite among wine enthusiasts in India. Known for its depth and complexity, it’s a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, which makes it versatile enough to accompany a wide range of dishes. The wine opens with aromas of ripe dark fruits like blackberries and plums, intertwined with spicy notes of black pepper and clove.

Pairings with Indian Food:
Pair Fratelli Sette with bold and flavourful dishes like mutton biryani, or chicken chettinad. The wine’s bold flavor profile makes it a perfect match for hearty, spiced meats.

Price:
At ₹3,000-₹4,000 per bottle, this wine is a bit of a splurge but worth it for special occasions.

6. Fratelli J’Noon Red 2022, Akluj, India
Fratelli J’Noon Red 2022 is another fantastic wine from Fratelli, but this one is a more youthful expression of Indian wine. Made from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, it’s meant to be enjoyed young and fresh. Expect a burst of bright red fruit aromas—think raspberries, strawberries, and cherries—along with subtle herbal notes.

Pairings with Indian Food:
This wine is ideal for lighter Indian fare such as chicken saagwala, vegetable tikka, or paneer butter masala. The wine’s freshness and fruitiness pair wonderfully with these dishes, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.

Price:
At ₹2,500-₹3,000 per bottle, Fratelli J’Noon Red offers excellent value.

This Christmas, take your festive celebrations to the next level with these exquisite Indian wines. From the effervescent joy of York Sparkling Cuveé Brut to the bold, rich flavours of Grover Chene Grand Reserve, there’s a wine to suit every palate and every dish on your Christmas spread. Whether you’re enjoying spicy tandoori meats, creamy curries, or fresh seafood, these wines will add a perfect touch of sophistication and delight to your holiday feast.
So, uncork, pour, and toast to good health, good food, and great company this Christmas! Cheers to making memories and creating new traditions with the best Indian wines on the market!