Choose wines that everyone will love
The holidays are about choices. Mains, sides, breads, desserts, friends, and family. Not to mention all the dietary choices and preferences/requirements that come with entertaining multiple people at your table, while attempting to balance that many plates can seem overwhelming; to make life easier and your holiday happier, we’ve put together this guide on wine pairings, with ideas that match the appetizers, to the main event to a leftover turkey sandwich, we have you covered. So, you can focus less on planning and more on enjoying your time together.
You have as many wine options for the holiday season as you do for food. That said, like certain conversations with certain family members, there are things you want to avoid.
So, let’s get this out of the way early on: Leave the Pinot Grigio and the Cabernet Sauvignon for another time. Neither will work for this meal. However, he’s a list of what will!
Red like Rudolph’s Nose
Paolo Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo
If you must have a big, bold red on the table that won’t break the bank, save a seat for a Langhe Nebbiolo. This rustic, northern Italian red will appease your family’s Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir fans and even appease the Cab Sauv drinkers. Not to mention the wine enthusiasts, as Nebbiolo is the younger sibling to Barolo, but without the price tag. While Italian food may be the traditional pairing for Nebbiolo, anything with butter, fat, or olive oil will work.
Drink With: Beef tenderloin, Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Bechamel sauce, Root vegetables of any kind, alliums, and any herbs or spices included in your meal. Of course, this will be perfect with your Christmas lasagna!
Paolo Conterno Nebbiolo Langhe – This is a bright red Nebbiolo with roses and red fruit on the nose. A mouth-filling and elegant wine; with complex, slightly spicy flavours and a lingering finish.
PRICE: $33.80 (click on image to purchase)
ZINFANDEL
Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County Zinfandel
Jammy, juicy, smoky and spicy, Zinfandel is a go-to holiday wine as it pairs with dark and light meat as well as that small army of sides that will be on your table. Look to California when seeking good and great Zinfandels. Napa, Sonoma, and Lodi are the holy trinity of Cal Zin-producing regions.
Drink With: Roast turkey, Lamb, Game meats, Salmon, Grilled/Roasted vegetables, Sage, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Coffee or Chocolate spice rubs
Ridge Three Valleys Zinfandel – From a pioneer of Sonoma County Zinfandel comes this bright, delightful and herbaceous-scented example. The warm, full body has generous acidity along with a bramble of berries, spices and pepper. With a long, rewarding finish.
94 Points – Decanter
PRICE: $47.00 (click on image to purchase)
VIOGNIER – EMBRACE FLORALITY WITH THIS UNLIKELY HOLIDAY HERO
Trius Reserve Viognier
Floral, full and with medium acidity this white originated in the Rhone Valley but can be found globally. Like Chardonnay, oaked versions are richer and unoaked versions are leaner. Regardless of the oak level, any Viognier worth its salt will have a mid-palette oily effect which is Viognier’s trademark.
Drink With: Roasted White Meats, Tofu, Flakey White Fish, Lobster or Crab, Woody Herbs, Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks, Cauliflower, Squash, and Cranberries
Trius Reserve Viognier – With over 40 years’ worth of experience making award-winning wines in Niagara, this a great Canadian viognier. Straw yellow with apples and honey on the nose with rich stone fruit flavour on the palette. All are balanced with a medium body and good acidity.
PRICE: $21.90 (click on image to purchase)
CUT THE RICHNESS: CHENIN BLANC’S IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON AGAINST RICH MEALS
Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc
With its apple scents and zippy acidity, it’s hard not to love Chenin Blanc. Beginning in the Loire Valley in France, South Africa has made the grape their own. Planting the most Chenin Blanc in the world. Made in various styles, you can find a Chenin Blanc for every situation you need a white wine for.
Drink With: Turkey dinner, seriously. Roast chicken, Pork chops, Salmon, Halibut, Trout, Brie, Gruyere, Squash, Carrots, Bell peppers, apples and pears.
Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc – From the internationally awarded boutique series named after the winemaker, the Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc is a luxury wine for the holidays at an affordable price. With pineapple, lime, granny smith apple and baking spices on the nose with fresh minerality, stone fruit, oak and a firm texture on the palette. Not to mention a lengthy finish, this is an outstanding choice for your turkey and cranberry sauce. And the leftover turkey sandwiches.
PRICE: $32.40 (click on image to purchase)
Summary: Now go forth and conquer your holiday feast with confidence! May your wine glasses be full and your spirits even fuller. Happy Holidays from your friends at 5 Vines!
Now, you know what to do!
The 5VINES Team