Food & Beverage Director
Juan Blanchard, CS
Holiday Wine Selections…
As we roll in to December entertaining and celebrating is on our minds! The holiday wine conundrum seems to cause a bit of stress for the host. When the price of all the delicious comfort foods start to stack up, how do you save a few in the wine department and still pour something tasty? Here are some of my suggestions for some affordable wines that will work well for the holidays.
What holiday meals are all about is variety, with a plethora of smells and textures, I also like to provide variety in wine that is being served at the table. The most important aspect of the wine is that it is easy to drink because after all those days of labor, everyone wants to relax and not worry about any more fuss. My recommendation for such a diverse setting is to go with a diverse group of flexible food wines. Here are five wines that you might enjoy.
If you are enjoying some turkey, wait more turkey; yes this usually happens in the Blanchard household, I love a great Vouvray or Riesling works wonderful as well. The slight sweetness in these wines will stand up to that new spice rub you are putting on the bird. If someone prefers red, varietals such as a Pinot Noir or Gamay would be great. A Cru Beaujolais from Morgon would be impressive and not break the bank. Another red that pairs fantastic with food is a Sangiovese from Italy. Sangiovese is the grape from Chianti. It has a great mouth watering character that makes for a great match to all the different textures and flavors that come with a holiday feast. Last but not least let’s enjoy some bubbles! There are many sparkling wines from around the world that offer great value and are delicious. If you want to stay in France and not pay the high prices of Champagne, grab a nice bottle of Cremant. My favorite is Pierre Sparr Cremant d’ Alsace Reserve Brut Rose.
I hope these recommendations help you with planning your holiday festivities. Remember the best wine is the wine you love to drink so pop a cork and enjoy!
Happy Holidays,
Director of Food and Beverage
Sommelier, CMS
Juan