White Wine & Christmas Turkey: A Match Made at the Festive Table

The festive table is incomplete without the perfect wine to accompany your Christmas turkey. Let's explore why white wine is the ideal companion. 

When it comes to the Christmas lunch, few things bring people together quite like a beautifully roasted turkey at the centre of the table. At our farm shop, we’re often asked which wines go best with our free-range turkeys, and while reds get a lot of attention, a well-chosen white wine can be a revelation.

1. Chardonnay (But not too oaky)

A classic choice and one I always return to. A good Chardonnay, especially from Burgundy or a lightly oaked New World bottle (think South Africa or Australia), pairs beautifully with roast turkey. The creamy texture works well with bread sauce and stuffing, while the acidity cuts through the richness of roast potatoes and pigs in blankets.

I usually go for a Mâcon-Villages or Chablis Premier Cru – they’re elegant, rounded, and not too overpowering. Perfect if you’re serving a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

2. Viognier

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem. Viognier has a lovely aromatic profile – think apricot, peach, even a bit of spice – which pairs really well with turkey, especially if you’re doing something slightly different, like a glazed bird or one with a fruit-based stuffing.

It’s got a lush, velvety feel that stands up nicely to strong flavours without taking over. Serve it slightly chilled and let it open up in the glass. It’s often a real conversation-starter at the table.

3. Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio

Now, I’m not talking about the light and zippy Pinot Grigios you might sip in summer. I mean the fuller-bodied Pinot Gris styles, especially from Alsace. These wines have a touch of sweetness and spice, which makes them ideal with cranberry sauce and roast parsnips.

They’ve got a gentle richness that works brilliantly with turkey – smooth and slightly honeyed, but still with enough freshness to keep things balanced.

4. Riesling (Dry or Off Dry)

If you haven’t tried turkey with a dry or off-dry Riesling, I’d highly recommend it. Riesling’s bright acidity and citrusy zest cut right through the heavier elements of the meal, while the touch of sweetness in off-dry styles beautifully complements the sweeter sides of the plate.

Look out for Rieslings from Germany (like a Kabinett or Spätlese), or dry styles from the Clare or Eden Valleys in Australia. It's an unexpectedly delicious match.  

A Final Tip

Whatever you choose, the best wine is always the one you enjoy drinking. If you’re unsure, pop into your local wine specialist retailer and chat through some recommendations. 

Personally, I’ve come to love white wines with Christmas turkey – they bring a freshness that complements the richness of the meal. The key is to find a wine with enough body to stand up to all the trimmings, but enough brightness to lift every bite.

Cheers to a delicious Christmas!