Wine expert reveals the unusual variety you should be serving on Christmas Day
Share:
I recently introduced myself at a wine tasting as a '365 rosé girl'. Sipping the pink drink poolside or at a beach club with friends in warmer climates is what we dream of on these grey winter days. But our darling rosé isn't just a summer fling – it's an effortless crowd-pleaser that will delight palates over the festive season just as it does in the sun.
![[Baron Amarillo Rioja Rosado]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/13/93194857-0-image-a-2_1734357279246.jpg)
As the wine expert of the family, I’ve been steadily introducing new traditions in the vino department over the last few years. The most controversial – now fully embraced by our multi-generational table of drinkers – is a magnum of rosé served with our beetroot and gin-cured salmon starter, perfected by my dad, on Christmas Day.
![[La Vieille Ferme Rosé]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/13/93194853-0-image-a-3_1734357285230.jpg)
It's the perfect middle ground for those who don’t enjoy an oaky white, squirm at an aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, brace themselves for the acidity of other crisp styles, or generally 'just drink red'. Rosé isn't just a summer fling, says wine expert Charlotte Kristensen.
![[Domaine Maby Prima Donna Rosé]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/13/93194865-0-image-a-6_1734357356909.jpg)
The British choice is typically a Provence-style pale pink: elegant, fresh, with just the right level of juiciness. However, don't shy away from rosé wines with a bit more colour at Christmas. Certain Spanish styles and deeper-hued French options (see my picks below) are dry and often have more bite than their pale counterparts. A deep colour doesn’t necessarily mean sweetness (unless you’re looking at bottom-shelf White Zinfandel à la Barefoot).
![[Love by Leoube Organic Rosé]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/13/93194859-0-image-a-1_1734357244334.jpg)
If you're not sure what foods to pair rosé with, my advise would be to 'think pink': serve your blush wines with pink-tinged dishes. Below, I've listed five of my favourite festive pairings to try this season, with my rosé recommendations starting at just £5.59.
![[Railway Hill Rosé]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/13/93194863-0-image-a-5_1734357336890.jpg)
