With the arrival of December, preparations for the Christmas holidays also begin. Families, friends, and companies organize gatherings to celebrate the end of the year and also the 25th, which is one of the most popular dates in the country.

The festival is eagerly awaited by Brazilians from all regions of Brazil. To give an idea of its importance, a survey conducted by MindMiners indicated that... 55% of respondents always celebrate Christmas.. Among those who celebrate, 69% claim to like or really like the date.

Now, when we think about Christmas celebrations, the Christmas dinner menu is always something that comes to mind, isn't it? Some dishes are already a tradition, such as turkey, panettone, Chester chicken, and more.

Another important point is the drinks. At Christmas parties, wine is a very common option, well-suited for family gatherings, corporate events, or get-togethers with friends. That's why we've prepared a complete guide on how to create the ideal wine pairing for your Christmas menu. 

How did the Christmas celebrations begin?

Before we talk about Christmas dinner menus and the best wine pairings, let's understand a little about how Christmas celebrations originated.

Celebrated annually on December 25th, the beginning of Christmas celebrations is still a topic of discussion for many historians. However, studies indicate that the tradition...It emerged sometime between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD. 

For many, Christmas celebrations have a strong religious connection, and another characteristic that gains more strength each year is the sense of togetherness and fellowship. According to a survey by MindMiners,  84% of respondents agree that this is a time to gather with friends and family.

Over the years, some traditions have emerged and give this celebratory date its "face." Christmas trees, Santa Claus, the moment of giving gifts to family members, and the Christmas dinner itself are some aspects that characterize Christmas for many people. 

However, something interesting to point out is that this date is also celebrated in different ways in some countries. For example, In Mexico, between December 16th and 24th, the famous Posadas are held, commemorating the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Russia, India, Ethiopia, and many other countries also have unique celebrations, but unity is always present.

Christmas celebrations: choosing the perfect menu 

Now, speaking about the menu for Christmas celebrations, especially in Brazil, there are dishes that are traditional for Brazilians. Usually, gatherings include options such as meats, side dishes, salads, appetizers, and fruits. 

Regarding appetizers, two standout options are salads and canapés. Fresh greens, seasonal fruits, nuts, and seeds are good choices for assembling a salad, as well as... Sweet and sour sauces or sauces with herbs. 

Canapés can be served hot or cold, with different textures and colors. We even have a complete article about canapés and finger foods on our blog. To check out some tips on the subject, just click [here]. here.

Regarding main courses, there is a wide variety of options. Among the proteins, we have roasted turkey or chicken, which are always good choices. Furthermore, they also pair well with dishes that include red or white wine, for example.

Still talking about meats, opting for fish, such as cod, is a great way to ensure tradition while also offering a more tropical and light menu.

Regarding side dishes, the ideal is to think about combinations that complement the chosen protein. A good option is to move away from conventional rice, so try risottos, rice with nuts, or rice flavored with lemon, which are interesting alternatives to white rice. There's also aligot, a French dish similar to mashed potatoes, which always attracts attention.

Finally, the desserts, and in this category, the pies., panna cotta, tiramisu, and the traditional panettone These are good examples that could be included on the menu.

How to pair wines with the Christmas menu 

Okay, now let's think about drinks. They are a fundamental part of a get-together and give a boost to the chosen menu when the pairing is well done. Thinking about Christmas parties, wines are always present and are a hit with the guests. 

Therefore, to ensure the perfect choice, a good tip is to think about the proteins that will make up the menu. For example, A roast turkey or pork loin can indeed pair well with red wines, which have many admirers. In this case, the suggestion is to consider wines made from Pinot Noir, Merlot, Tempranillo, or Sangiovese grapes. 

Speaking of pairing wines with red meats, know which cut of meat will be used in the dish and its fat content. Leaner meats pair well with Pinot Noir wines that have medium tannins, meaning they have a softer character.

As for fish, the most traditional recommendation is... Citrusy and fresh white wines. If your Christmas party will include any protein of this type on the menu, wines made with Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Pinot Grigio, and Muscadet grapes will ensure a good pairing.

Finally, an extra tip. There are those who can't imagine a Christmas celebration without panettone. So, if your celebration will include this delicacy as dessert, then... For the more traditional ones with candied fruit, pairing with Moscato sparkling wine, a light and refreshing wine, is ideal. However, if it's a chocolate panettone, the recommendation is Port wine, which has either a drier or sweeter flavor.

Clementina Bar e Ristoranti will feature special dishes for the Christmas holidays.

At Clementina Bar e Ristoranti, which, like the Center Convention, is part of the Center Shopping Complex, the Christmas dishes will also be special.

Chef Tyales Veiga, who works in the Food and Beverage team at the Convention Center and also in the kitchen at Clementina, has created two dishes that combine tradition and contemporary flair. Both options are excellent suggestions for Christmas menus and promise to please a wide range of palates. Now, check out the two recipes that will be offered at Clementina and get inspired:

• Christmas RisottoCreamy beetroot risotto with shrimp sautéed in Chardonnay and basil emulsion.
• Christmas CodA classic and extremely tasty recipe for Christmas celebrations. Made with typical seasonal ingredients such as cod, baby potatoes, mini onions, confit garlic, capers, and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

Now, thinking about the ideal wine pairing for Clementina's Christmas dishes, Chef Tyales offers two suggestions:

“For risotto, one recommendation is Villa Campobello Chianti DOCG, which has a ruby red color. On the nose, it is intense and fruity, with a fragrance of violet and a slight touch of cherry. On the palate, it is dry, balanced, and slightly tannic,” he explains. 

“"But for cod, we recommend Tons de Duorum, a new wine." Made with Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Roriz grape varieties. The aromas are dominated by red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and plum. Furthermore, it has a well-integrated acidity within the wine's volume and body,” indicates chef Tyales.

Would you like to hold your event in our space?

Interested in holding your event at the Center Convention? You can check out all the infrastructure available at the Convention Center and throughout the Center Shopping Complex by speaking with our team. Call us at (34) 3239-8300 or email comercial@centerconvention.com.br. You can also reserve a date by clicking [here]. HERE.