Christmas in New Zealand is all about sunshine, shared tables, and great wine. And while many Kiwis reach for their favourite Central Otago Pinot or Marlborough Sauvignon, there’s something truly special about gifting, or enjoying, French wine at Christmas. From Champagne to Chablis, France offers wines that tell stories of heritage, craftsmanship, and celebration. For those looking to elevate their Christmas gifting this year, Maison Vauron, New Zealand’s leading specialist in French wine, has curated a selection that’s perfect for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. What French Wine Is Best for a Kiwi Christmas? French wine isn’t just for winter firesides; it’s beautifully suited to New Zealand’s summer festivities. Think vibrant Sancerre with seafood, or a chilled Crémant under the pohutukawa. French wines balance freshness and depth, offering elegant flavours that pair effortlessly with warm-weather fare, from glazed ham to pavlova. When choosing wine for Christmas, match intensity of flavour with temperature and texture. Light, zesty whites love seafood and salads; fuller reds flatter roast meats; and a well-chosen dessert wine makes Christmas pudding or blue cheese shine. Sparkling: Celebrate the Season with Bubbles Does anything say “Christmas” more than sparkling wine? Whether it’s champagne or another sparkling wine type, the pop of a cork over the festive period is something that can be heard in homes and bachs throughout the country. At Maison Vauron, we have a wide range of sparkling wines and champagnes to suit all budgets. Here are some of our top picks: Main Pick: Boizel Champagne Brut Reserve NV - Champagne AOC, France Here at Maison Vauron, we believe Christmas calls for nothing less than exceptional Champagne. Our selection of the Boizel Brut Réserve NV offers just that: a true ambassador of the House style that marries elegance and finesse, perfect for your festive celebrations here in New Zealand. Hailing from the heart of Epernay, where the Boizel family has cultivated excellence since 1834, this cuvée is a precise blend of the three classic Champagne grapes: a majority of Pinot Noir for structure, Chardonnay for elegance and a floral bouquet, and Pinot Meunier for a touch of roundness and fruit. The grapes are sourced from about thirty of the finest crus, with only the first press juice selected to ensure the utmost purity. The result is a Champagne with a brilliant, straw-gold hue and a wonderfully delicate effervescence. On the nose, it is expressive and fresh, opening with aromas of white flowers, white peach, and apricot, complemented by hints of citrus and brioche. The palate is seductive, fresh, and beautifully balanced, developing concentrated notes of candied pear and acacia honey, culminating in a rich, persistent finish. Aged for three years on lees in the historic chalk cellars, this is a wine of complexity and depth that provides a generous aperitif and pairs magnificently with seafood or grilled fish. It is, quite simply, a magnificent expression of the Boizel family's expertise, bringing a touch of authentic French luxury to your Kiwi Christmas table. Pairs with: Fresh oysters, smoked salmon, creamy brie, or even a classic NZ pavlova topped with strawberries. Why it’s a great gift: Universally adored, timeless, and luxurious without feeling ostentatious. Alternatives: - Crémant 56 Brut Blanc de Blancs NV – from the Loire Valley, offering Champagne quality at a friendlier price. - Cuvée JM Rosé NV – a charming sparkling rosé perfect for seafood lunches and festive picnics. White: Fresh, Fragrant, and Made for Summer Tables Main Pick: Sancerre Blanc ‘Terroirs’ 2023 - Loire Valley, France Sancerre, for many, is the quintessential white wine of France, and with the Sancerre Blanc ‘Terroirs’ 2023, we bring you an exemplary Sauvignon Blanc from its spiritual heartland in the Loire Valley. This wine, sourced from select parcels where the chalky and clay-limestone soils impart a distinct minerality, is the perfect companion for a Kiwi Christmas and is a wine that will be familiar to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc lovers. The 2023 vintage presents a wine with a brilliant, pale yellow hue. On the nose, it is both delicate and complex, with aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit, complemented by subtle minty notes. The palate is beautifully balanced, delivering a crisp and fruity texture that finishes long and fresh. This Sancerre’s vibrant character and flinty minerality make it a superb match for a wide array of summer Christmas fare, from freshly caught seafood to grilled chicken or the famous local goat cheese, Crottin Germain. It is a wine that speaks of its origins, bringing a taste of authentic Loire Valley terroir to your festive table. Pairs with: Crayfish, green-lipped mussels, grilled asparagus, or goat cheese salad. Why it’s a great gift: It bridges familiarity and discovery, a natural next step for Kiwi Sauvignon fans exploring French terroir. Alternatives: - Albert Mann Pinot Gris 2023 – from Alsace, full-bodied with notes of pear and honey, pairing well with chicken or pork - Coteaux du Loir ‘Prémices’ 2022/23 – a rare Loire gem offering freshness with hints of white peach and spice. Red: Rich, Relaxed, and Ready for Sharing Main Pick: Corbières 2023 1.5L Magnum - Languedoc, France Corbières, a vast and venerable region in the sun-drenched Languedoc, has long been a source of robust, flavourful reds that speak of their wild, garrigue-scented landscape. Our Corbières 2023 Magnum is a testament to this, offering a bold yet beautifully balanced blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that captures the very essence of southern France. A wine of rich, mouthwatering character, it bursts with ripe red fruit, herbs, and warm spice, all softened by an underlying savoury structure that is perfectly judged. And what better format to celebrate with than a magnum? The larger bottle is not only ideal for gifting or sharing generously around the Christmas BBQ, but its size allows the wine to age more gracefully, preserving its freshness and vibrant fruit profile. This Corbières delivers a generosity of spirit and flavour perfectly suited to the Kiwi festive season, pairing with everything from grilled meats to hearty Mediterranean fare. It is, quite simply, an invitation to savour the New Zealand summer sun, one glass at a time. Pairs with: Glazed ham, roast lamb, chargrilled vegetables, or venison. Why it’s a great gift: The magnum format is festive and impressive, perfect for the host who has everything. Alternatives: - Piron Beaujolais ‘Cadoles’ 2021/24 – lighter and fruitier, ideal for turkey or ham. - Girardin Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 – refined, silky, and a wonderful Burgundy introduction for Pinot fans. Dessert & Cheese: The Grand Finale Main Pick: Ch Coutet Barsac 2022 (375ml) - Bordeaux, France A festive celebration in the heat of a Kiwi summer calls for an elegant and refreshing finale. What could be more fitting than a Barsac 2022? This iconic sweet wine from Bordeaux, presented in a perfect 375ml half-bottle, offers a lighter, fresher expression than its Sauternes neighbours, making it an ideal choice for the occasion. Crafted from grapes affected by the precious "noble rot," this vintage benefits from the unique terroir created by the nearby Garonne and Ciron rivers. The result is a wine with a beautiful golden hue and a vibrant, layered palate. On the nose, you will find complex notes of honey, quince, and candied citrus, with a luscious mouthfeel balanced by a crisp acidity that keeps it fresh and lively. It is a wine that finds its magic not only with dessert but also with an array of savoury pairings, from blue cheese to decadent foie gras. The 2022 Barsac promises an unforgettable experience, offering a touch of classic French indulgence to complete your Christmas feast. Pairs with: Blue cheese, fruit tarts, or Christmas pudding. Why it’s a great gift: A taste of luxury that feels indulgent but approachable. Alternatives: - Cazes Muscat de Rivesaltes 2008 (375ml) – floral, nutty, and aged to perfection. - Joly Jurançon ‘Cuvée Jean’ 2017 (375ml) – golden and exotic with passionfruit and honey. For more French Wine recommendations, read our guide to French Wines for Spring. Pairing Wine with Christmas Dinner A Kiwi Christmas table is diverse, and that’s where French wine shines. Here’s a quick guide to pairing by dish type: Dish Type Best French Wine Match Why It Works Seafood & Shellfish Sancerre, Crémant Blanc de Blancs Crisp acidity and minerality cut through seafood richness Glazed Ham / Roast Chicken Beaujolais, Corbières Juicy reds with soft tannins complement savoury-sweet glaze Lamb or Beef Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Rhône-style reds Earthy complexity balances roasted flavours Salads & Veggies Sancerre, Pinot Gris Fresh, zesty whites enhance herbs and citrus dressings Pavlova / Fruit Dessert Barsac, Muscat de Rivesaltes Sweet but balanced wines elevate summer fruit Why Choose French Wine as a Christmas Gift? French wine carries centuries of tradition, yet it remains relevant, adaptable, and joyous. A bottle from Maison Vauron isn’t just a drink; it’s a story of place, people, and passion. For gifters, it says thoughtfulness. For recipients, it offers discovery. And with Maison Vauron’s expertly curated range, from Champagne to the Rhône, you can gift with confidence, whether your budget is $30 or $300. For more on French winemaking traditions, see our in-depth guide to French wine – French Wine 101 Frequently Asked Questions What makes French wine a great Christmas gift? French wines combine elegance, craftsmanship, and diversity. With options from sparkling to sweet, there’s a perfect match for every palate and budget. What French wine pairs best with NZ seafood? A crisp Sancerre or Crémant Blanc de Blancs complements the freshness of local seafood beautifully. How do I choose the right French red for Christmas dinner? For lighter meats like ham or turkey, choose Beaujolais or Bourgogne Pinot Noir. For richer roasts, try a Corbières or Rhône blend. What’s the best dessert wine to serve with pavlova? A chilled Barsac or Muscat de Rivesaltes balances sweetness with citrus and floral notes, enhancing fruit-forward desserts. With Maison Vauron’s handpicked French wines, Christmas gifting and entertaining become effortless and a little more special. From crisp whites to delicate rosés and light reds, these wines bring a touch of France to your table, blending tradition, discovery, and guaranteed quality in every bottle. Here’s to sunny days, great company, and exceptional wine!