Holiday Spirit!
As we find ourselves in the month of December, the holiday spirit is beginning to build. There are parties to look forward to, and we take time to express our appreciation and affection for others. It is a time of sharing and showing others that we care and wish them well. It is a time to celebrate with loved ones and, along with that, an opportunity to share in great meals with those we hold close in our lives.
Wine, of course, complements the season and the meals that we share with others. It lightens our spirits and brings that sense of celebration to the moment, the meal and the gathering. The question is then, what wine best suits the occasion?
The choice is wide open as many varietals pair well with the type of holiday dishes that are most common. Sweet and savory flavors take the lead during this time of year, and many wines will work well. There may be only two types of wines that may take at back seat in this season; and that would be overly oaked Chardonnays and big, bold tannic Cabernets.
Think of bright sparkling wines to set the tone and bring an air of celebration to the evening or the meal. It need not be expensive to be festive. Prosecco from Italy is a lovely wine that brings the festive notes without a big price tag. Ruffino is one of my favorites – sweet notes with bright bubbles. Another readily available sparkling wine in distribution is Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley NV (non vintage). The release price for this well-crafted bottle is $24, and it should set the stage and add to the mood of the season. If you are looking for something rich and beautiful, consider a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne to savor and enjoy.
Light, white wines are great to pair with the sweet notes of holiday fare. Consider wines that are high acid, non-oaked wines made from semi-aromatic grapes. Think of wines made from Viognier, Riesling or Gewurztraminer. One of my favorites to drink is a slightly sweet German Riesling that will pair well with that delicious holiday meal or by itself as an aperitif. My favorite ones are from Mosel, Germany. The wines are lithe and very versatile to match the mood and the food.
Another varietal that fits this season very well is Pinot Noir. Try to find Walter Hansel’s North Slope (one of my favorites). It is silky and full of bright red fruit. It will match the moment and the fare. Another red to consider is Zinfandel, which can be lush and fruity to highlight the meal and the festive tone. Two excellent producers are Biale and Carlisle. Neither will disappoint the moment.
Above all, celebrate and express your caring for others.
Enjoy!
