Champagne styles to pair with your favourite festive film

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, there is no better way to get into the festive spirit than by cosying up and watching a Christmas film. From the nostalgia of vintage classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, to the joy that accompanies modern masterpieces such as Elf, the variety of Christmas movies are spectacular, each offering a different experience of the festive period and catering to a diverse audience.

Much like the extensive selection of Christmas films, Champagne styles also offer unique experiences for individuals, with varying appearances and palettes, evoking different emotions suited to a range of occasions.

For anyone looking to elevate their experience of Christmas movies this year, The Champagne Bureau UK has handpicked a selection of Champagne styles to accompany your favourite festive films.

Vintage Champagne to accompany It’s a Wonderful Life

A classic will always remain a classic, and that’s why we would recommend pairing the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, with a Vintage Champagne: a style that never goes out of fashion as it blends grapes harvested from a specific year. It is aged for at least 36 months in the cellar, and is regarded as an exceptional Champagne worth preserving. The reflective and emotional nature of It’s a Wonderful Life is beautifully mirrored in a Vintage, with both the film and the style representing complexity and prestige.

The more pronounced aromas that are present in this style are the perfect accompaniment to the festive period, with notes of gingerbread, dried fruits, cocoa and raisins. On the eye, the golden colour of a Vintage complements the classic nature of It’s a Wonderful Life: an iconic Christmas film that emerged from the golden age of cinema.

Rosé Champagne to accompany Love Actually

The epitome of a modern love story, Love Actually is the ultimate festive romance, evoking laughter, tears and joy, all whilst stirring up an excitement for Christmas. A rosé style is a fabulous pairing for this film, with its berry notes and warm hues aligning with both the romance of Love Actually and the cosy ambience of the festive period.

Whilst punctuated by elegance, rosé Champagne is playful and bright, mirroring the humorous nature of the film, and the lively entwinement between each character and the intersecting storylines.

Brut Non-Vintage Champagne to accompany Home Alone

Both classic and universally enjoyable, a Brut Non-Vintage Style is a wonderful accompaniment to Home Alone. Known as the ‘Champagne for all occasions’, this style is an essential, much like this film during the Christmas period, with a bright acidity that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. A Brut Non-Vintage is made using blended wines, resulting in an infinite range of possibilities that resemble Kevin’s charming, albeit chaotic, holiday adventure.

Demi Sec to accompany Elf

Wholesome, magical and nostalgic, Elf is the perfect film for anyone wishing to reconnect with the childlike wonder associated with Christmas. A Demi-Sec style is the ideal pairing for this film, as a sweet, dessert-friendly Champagne that mirrors not only the film’s charming message, but Buddy the Elf’s love of sweet-treats.

With a flavour profile that includes candied citrus, honeyed notes and a brioche or pastry richness, Demi-Sec mirrors the sugary flavours associated with the holidays; a style that embodies the indulgent dishes enjoyed at Christmas, and the sweet nature of Elf.

Blanc de Blancs to accompany The Holiday

The ultimate escapism film, The Holiday is a favourite when it comes to themes of romance and discovery, paired beautifully with a Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Made entirely from white grapes, this style has a crispy acidity with a clean and uplifting finish, matching the light and hopeful themes within this film.

The core flavours of a Blanc de Blancs are citrus, green fruit and mineral notes – a perfect style to enjoy in a wintery setting, including a charming Cotswolds cottage.