Cracka Wines
 
Well it is that time of the year again when all the family come over and it’s your duty to feed, and water, the masses with the best wine bottle labels you can find. So here are some tips to get you through Christmas day without any serious wine-related disasters.

Firstly, Sparkling Wine is a must for any celebration and you can’t go past a good Sparkling White or Red on Christmas day. A key to the best turkey around is to pair it with some iconic Australian Sparkling Shiraz. There is nothing like our Sparkling Shiraz on the face of the earth and Christmas Day is the perfect time to enjoy this fabulous style, especially the wines from Central Victoria and the Barossa Valley. And to start the day, a Tassie sparkling or even a glass of French Champagne will certainly do the trick.

Second thing, don’t forget the white wines. With Christmas coming in our Summer, cool white wines are by far the best choice. For a seafood Christmas, chilled Riesling, preferably from the Eden and Clare Valleys in South Australia, or even a fresh little Sauvignon Blanc, perhaps from the Adelaide Hills or Marlborough in New Zealand, are the perfect accompaniment and a great way to cool off. With Turkey, a smart and not too full-flavoured Chardonnay, preferably from somewhere cool, will wash it down with style.

Thirdly, if you have to go for reds try to stick to wines that aren’t too big and powerful. Cool climate Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir can be an absolute treat with ham and turkey but leave the big red monsters until the food is history.

Last but certainly not least is a little sticky wine for pudding with not-too-sweet Botrytis Semillon and Riesling a fine option. Merry Christmas and happy drinking some great wine bottle labels over the Summer break.

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