A Christmas Eve Toast: Cheers with Sourdough

December 24, 2024

Sourdough & Wine Pairings for a Festive Christmas Eve

Celebrate Christmas Eve with the perfect pairing of sourdough and wine.

Christmas Eve is the perfect time to bring together delicious food, festive cheer, and good company. While many focus on the main course and desserts, sourdough can be the perfect partner to elevate the entire dining experience—especially when paired with the right wines. Sourdough’s rich, tangy flavor offers a perfect balance to both light and full-bodied wines, making it a versatile companion for your Christmas Eve feast.

In this post, we’ll explore the best sourdough and wine pairings that will make your holiday meal feel extra special.


The Basics of Sourdough and Wine Pairing

Sourdough is an artisanal bread known for its depth of flavor. Its tangy, slightly sour notes and chewy texture offer a unique taste experience. When pairing wine with sourdough, you want to consider the bread’s flavors, the richness of the wine, and how they can complement each other. Here are a few general guidelines:

  • White wines with higher acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pair well with the tanginess of sourdough, enhancing its crisp texture.
  • Red wines with medium body, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, can highlight the bread’s hearty texture while balancing its sourness.
  • Sparkling wines, like Champagne or Prosecco, offer a lively acidity that refreshes the palate and pairs beautifully with the richness of sourdough.

Now, let’s dive into specific pairings for your Christmas Eve feast!


1. Classic Sourdough with Chardonnay

Perfect for creamy dishes and roasted meats.

Chardonnay is a crowd-pleasing white wine that pairs wonderfully with sourdough. The rich, buttery texture of a well-oaked Chardonnay complements the tanginess of sourdough while enhancing its flavor.

  • Pairing Tip: Serve with creamy dishes like mashed potatoes, buttered vegetables, or roasted chicken. Chardonnay also pairs beautifully with a classic sourdough stuffing, where the richness of the wine helps balance the savory and herbaceous notes in the bread.
  • Why it works: The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of creamy dishes while harmonizing with the slight tang in sourdough. The oaky undertones in the Chardonnay bring out the depth in the bread.

2. Sourdough with Sauvignon Blanc

Bright and zesty, a perfect match for holiday appetizers.

Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing wine with bright acidity and citrus notes that work wonderfully with the tanginess of sourdough. Its sharpness complements the bread’s flavor while enhancing the overall taste experience.

  • Pairing Tip: Serve this pairing with lighter appetizers like smoked salmon, goat cheese, or a salad with lemon vinaigrette. Sauvignon Blanc is also great with a platter of sourdough crostini topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
  • Why it works: The high acidity of Sauvignon Blanc works in harmony with the sourdough’s tang, while its citrus notes bring out the bread’s subtle nuances. This makes it a great pairing for fresh, light dishes or appetizers.

3. Sourdough with Pinot Noir

Light red wine for a cozy and comforting Christmas Eve meal.

Pinot Noir is a light, fruit-forward red wine with soft tannins and bright acidity. It pairs wonderfully with the hearty and slightly sour flavor of sourdough, providing balance without overpowering the bread’s complex flavor.

  • Pairing Tip: Pinot Noir is perfect with roasted turkey or ham, especially when paired with a side of sourdough stuffing. The wine’s delicate fruit notes enhance the earthy flavors of roasted meats while complementing the richness of the stuffing.
  • Why it works: The light body of Pinot Noir doesn’t overwhelm the sourdough, allowing both the bread and the wine to shine. The wine’s acidity enhances the flavor of the bread, while its subtle fruitiness highlights the savory flavors of roasted meats.

4. Sourdough with Merlot

Rich and round—ideal for heartier holiday meals.

Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine with smooth tannins and flavors of ripe fruit, such as plum, blackberry, and cherry. The wine’s soft texture and moderate acidity make it a great match for sourdough, especially when paired with heavier dishes.

  • Pairing Tip: Merlot works wonderfully with roasted meats like beef or lamb, as well as hearty dishes like sourdough bread pudding or a rich cheese platter. Serve it alongside a sourdough sandwich stuffed with roasted meats, cheese, and greens for a delightful Christmas Eve meal.
  • Why it works: Merlot’s softness and fruit-forward notes complement the chewy, tangy texture of sourdough without overwhelming it. The wine’s round mouthfeel balances out the slight acidity of the bread, making it a perfect pairing for rich, savory dishes.

5. Sourdough with Prosecco

For a festive and sparkling Christmas Eve celebration.

Prosecco is a light, sparkling wine that offers refreshing acidity and bubbles that cleanse the palate. It’s a wonderful choice to pair with sourdough, especially for those who love bubbly drinks with their bread.

  • Pairing Tip: Prosecco pairs beautifully with a sourdough charcuterie board, featuring prosciutto, salami, and aged cheeses. The effervescence of Prosecco refreshes the palate between bites of sourdough and cured meats.
  • Why it works: The bubbles in Prosecco cut through the richness of charcuterie and cheese, while the wine’s crisp, citrusy flavors complement the tanginess of sourdough. It’s a fun, festive pairing that adds sparkle to your Christmas Eve celebrations.

6. Sourdough with Zinfandel

Bold, spicy, and perfect for Christmas Eve feasts.

Zinfandel is a bold red wine with rich fruit flavors and a spicy finish, making it a great choice for pairing with hearty dishes and bold-flavored sourdough.

  • Pairing Tip: Zinfandel is ideal with spiced dishes like sourdough stuffing with sausage, roasted pork, or a rich Christmas casserole. If you’re serving a spicier holiday dish, the bold flavors of Zinfandel will hold up beautifully.
  • Why it works: Zinfandel’s bold, spicy character enhances the hearty flavors of sourdough, while its fruitiness balances out the bread’s tang. The wine’s robust profile makes it an excellent choice for pairing with flavorful, savory dishes that complement the sourdough.

7. Sourdough with Champagne

The ultimate celebratory pairing for Christmas Eve.

What better way to celebrate Christmas Eve than with Champagne? The elegance and effervescence of Champagne make it a luxurious pairing for sourdough, creating a festive and refined dining experience.

  • Pairing Tip: Serve Champagne with a sourdough bread basket filled with different types of sourdough (including seeded and rye variations) and an assortment of spreads like butter, honey, and cheese. It’s also great with smoked salmon or caviar for a true holiday indulgence.
  • Why it works: The acidity and bubbles in Champagne help balance out the richness of sourdough and its toppings. Champagne’s crisp, refreshing qualities cleanse the palate and add an air of celebration to your Christmas Eve gathering.

8. Sourdough with a Rich Port Wine

Sweet, rich, and perfect for a dessert pairing.

For a sweet finish to your Christmas Eve meal, pair your sourdough with a glass of port. This fortified wine is rich, sweet, and full-bodied, making it a great choice for dessert or a post-dinner treat.

  • Pairing Tip: Serve port with sourdough bread pudding or a decadent slice of sourdough French toast. The richness of the port complements the caramelized sweetness of these desserts, creating a warm and indulgent ending to your holiday meal.
  • Why it works: The depth of flavor in port, with its notes of dark fruit, spices, and chocolate, pairs perfectly with the sweetness and richness of sourdough-based desserts. The wine’s sweetness balances the tanginess of sourdough, making for a perfect holiday indulgence.

Conclusion: Toasting to a Wonderful Christmas Eve with Sourdough and Wine

Christmas Eve is the perfect occasion to enjoy fine food, good wine, and the company of loved ones. With the right sourdough and wine pairing, you can elevate your holiday meal into an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to accompany your appetizers or a rich Zinfandel with your Christmas feast, sourdough offers endless possibilities for creating delightful pairings.

So, this Christmas Eve, gather your loved ones, break out the sourdough, and raise a glass to celebrate the joy and warmth of the season.