Christmas Wine Pairings for Turkey and Leftover Recipes
By Faye Yarlett
When the big day is over, the fridge is full and the drinking doesn't need to stop. Leftover turkey is one of the most versatile festive meats — and the right wine makes every recipe better. Here are our pairing suggestions using current DrinkWell wines, all confirmed at 0g sugar per 125ml.
Classic turkey sandwich
Turkey and cranberry sauce is a sweet-savoury combination that needs a light red or dry rosé to balance it. A light-bodied red with red fruit character won't overwhelm the delicacy of the sandwich.
Creamy dishes need a wine with enough acidity to cut through the fat. A dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is the go-to — the citrus acidity lifts the dish rather than clashing.
Mild to medium turkey curries pair best with a dry white that has some body. Sauvignon Blanc's herbaceous quality complements warming spices without fighting them.
B&G Sauvignon Blanc — French classic, grapefruit and citrus, dry finish. 83 kcal. 0g sugar. £11.99
Turkey and leek pie
Rich, buttery pastry and a creamy filling need a wine with freshness and body. A full-bodied Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal.
When the big day is over, the fridge is full and the drinking doesn't need to stop. Leftover turkey is one of the most versatile festive meats — and the right wine makes every recipe better. Here are our pairing suggestions using current DrinkWell wines, all confirmed at 0g sugar per 125ml.
Classic turkey sandwich
Turkey and cranberry sauce is a sweet-savoury combination that needs a light red or dry rosé to balance it. A light-bodied red with red fruit character won't overwhelm the delicacy of the sandwich.
El Ninot de Paper Grenache Shiraz — Light, fruity Grenache blend. 76 kcal. 0g sugar. £9.99
Creamy turkey and mushroom pasta
Creamy dishes need a wine with enough acidity to cut through the fat. A dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is the go-to — the citrus acidity lifts the dish rather than clashing.
TRACES Sauvignon Blanc — Crisp, herbaceous, bone dry. 78 kcal. 0g sugar. 11% ABV. £9.99
Piattini Pinot Grigio — Zesty Italian Pinot Grigio, excellent with creamy pasta. 82 kcal. 0g sugar. £10.99
Turkey stir-fry
Asian-style stir-fries with soy, ginger, and garlic call for a crisp, aromatic white that can match the bright flavours without being overwhelmed.
Il Badalisc Pinot Grigio DOC — Fresh and mineral, good acidity for Asian flavours. 80 kcal. 0g sugar. £11.49
Turkey curry
Mild to medium turkey curries pair best with a dry white that has some body. Sauvignon Blanc's herbaceous quality complements warming spices without fighting them.
B&G Sauvignon Blanc — French classic, grapefruit and citrus, dry finish. 83 kcal. 0g sugar. £11.99
Turkey and leek pie
Rich, buttery pastry and a creamy filling need a wine with freshness and body. A full-bodied Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal.
Vino Pomona Pinot Grigio — Pear and apple, zingy citrus, crisp finish. 80 kcal. 0g sugar. £10.99
Boxing Day cheese board
Soft cheeses: dry Sauvignon Blanc or dry rosé. Hard, mature cheeses: structured red. Blue cheese: sparkling or a bold red with residual acidity.
Les Oliviers Grenache Cinsault Rosé — Dry, versatile rosé, excellent with both soft and semi-hard cheeses. 69 kcal. 0g sugar. £12.49
Skinny Witch Prosecco Brut DOCG — With Brie, Camembert, or Gorgonzola. 80 kcal. 0g sugar. £16.99
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