Vino y Sabor: The Perfect Wine Pairings for Christmas Feasts

Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations are filled with delicious traditional dishes that bring the festive spirit to life. From hearty roasts to sweet desserts, the right holiday wine pairing can elevate these flavors and enhance the culinary experience. Here are some of the best Puerto Rican holiday foods and their ideal wine pairings.

Lechón Asado (Roast Pork)–Wine Pairing: Malbec or Zinfandel

Lechón Asado, a beloved Christmas dish, features tender, slow-cooked pork with a crispy skin. The smoky and savory flavors of the roast pair beautifully with bold, full-bodied reds like Malbec or Zinfandel. These wines offer the right balance of fruit and spice to complement the richness of the pork.

Arroz con Gandules –Wine Pairing: Chardonnay or Grenache

Arroz con Gandules is a staple side dish in Puerto Rican Christmas feasts. The rich, flavorful rice, cooked with pigeon peas and a savory blend of seasonings, calls for wines that can match its depth. A round, fruity Chardonnay complements the dish’s richness, while Grenache brings a lighter, fruitier touch that balances the savory ingredients.

Pasteles-Wine Pairing: Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon

Pasteles are a must-have during the holidays. These cornmeal-based tamales are typically filled with pork, chicken, or beef and wrapped in banana leaves. The bold flavors of Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon pair perfectly with the hearty, spiced filling, offering enough structure and tannin to complement the savory and rich flavors of pasteles.

Tembleque (Coconut Pudding)–Wine Pairing: Riesling

Tembleque is a sweet, creamy coconut pudding topped with cinnamon, making it a favorite holiday dessert. To balance its richness and sweet flavor, pair it with a Riesling. The wine’s bright acidity and floral notes complement the coconutty creaminess, providing a refreshing contrast.

Pudín de Pan–Wine Pairing: Late Harvest Chenin Blanc

This decadent dessert is a traditional Puerto Rican bread pudding, Pudín de Pan, made with cinnamon, raisins, and occasionally a splash of rum. Its rich, spiced flavors pair wonderfully with the luscious, honeyed notes of a Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, which enhances the dessert’s caramelized sweetness and warm spices.

Bacalaítos-Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc

These crispy fried codfish fritters are a popular appetizer or side dish at Christmas gatherings. The saltiness of bacalaitos pairs wonderfully with the crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc, which helps cut through the richness and enhances the flavors of the fish.

Mofongo with Shrimp-Wine Pairing: Albariño

Mofongo, made from mashed green plantains, and served with shrimp, becomes a flavorful and hearty dish. A refreshing, citrusy Albariño balances the richness of the mofongo and sweetness of the shrimp, adding a crisp touch that brightens up the dish.

Pernil en Parcha (Pork Shoulder with Passion Fruit)–Wine Pairing: Merlot

For a festive twist on traditional roast pork, Pernil en Parcha is roasted with passion fruit, adding a sweet-tart complexity. A smooth, fruit-forward Merlot pairs beautifully with the tender, flavorful pork, and the vibrant passion fruit glaze, offering a well-rounded balance of sweetness and savory depth.

Tips for Pairing Wine with Christmas Food

When choosing a wine for your Christmas feast, it’s important to consider the balance of flavors in each dish. Hearty, rich dishes like Lechón Asado and Pasteles benefit from bold red wines like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, while lighter dishes like Arroz con Gandules and Bacalaitos pair well with crisp whites like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For desserts like Tembleque and Pudín de Pan, opt for sweeter wines such as Riesling or Late Harvest Chenin Blanc to complement the richness of the treats.

By pairing the right wine with the right dishes, you can elevate your holiday meal and make your celebration even more memorable. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these wine and food pairings will bring the perfect balance of flavors to your table this holiday season.

For more pairing tips, read our article on pairing wine with everyday BBQ favorites.