Christmas drink pairings: what to pour with the whole festive table

Medium-bodied reds with bright acidity, fuller whites and dry cider can all work. The important thing is flexibility: stuffing, gravy and cranberry pull the plate in several directions.

Pinot Noir, Rioja-style reds, richer Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc are useful routes rather than absolute rules.

Sparkling wine, crisp whites and dry gin-based aperitifs work because salt and smoke welcome freshness. Very tannic reds are harder to integrate here.

Alcohol-free sparkling tea or a citrus-led long drink can perform the same refreshing job.

Match intensity. Blue cheese welcomes Port or sweet wine; mature Cheddar can handle ale, cider or robust red wine; soft cheeses often prefer lighter, fresher drinks.

Do not force one bottle to pair perfectly with six cheeses. Choose one or two broad routes and let the board be varied.

Christmas pudding needs sweetness and intensity: fortified wine, dark rum, brandy or rich dessert wine are natural options. Coffee can be excellent when enough alcohol has already happened.

Dark chocolate likes roast, bitterness and spirit weight, which opens stout, whisky, rum and coffee routes.