Wine always has a special place at the table especially during the holidays with friends and family close. Sharing a bottle of your favorite wine can be part of the tradition. Wine is a conversation starter and the holidays provide the perfect opportunity to introduce your guests to a new selection and to try something new yourself. Who doesn't like to share stories about how we were introduced to a new bottle of wine or what our favorite wine pairings are.
For this month's wine offerings, I'm joined by Janelle Carter of The Cork Chronicles and Danielle Davis of Vino Seduction to bring you a range of choices. The key to successful holiday wine pairings is flexibility to complement so many different spices and seasonings in holiday food. Medium bodied reds like pinot noir and tempranillo work well as do sparkling wines which can be served before, during or after meals. Enjoy!
Selections by Danielle:
Sokol Blosser White Riesling Dessert Wine Dundee Hills Oregon 2009 ($40)
Produced in the same style as a German Ice Wine, this super sweet, medium-bodied, dessert riesling seduces the palate with taste of honey, hazelnut, and vanilla. Ideal pairing for rich or creamy deserts such as cheesecake and peach cobbler. www.sokolblosser.com
Nicolas Feuillate Brut Blue Label Champagne France NV ($29.99)
With a reputation built on history and quality, this golden yellow in color Champagne has fresh aromas of citrus, apples, and pears. On the palate, become seduced with a fresh opening and delicate bubbles. Great with lobster and eggs benedict. www.feuillate.com
Selections by Janelle:
Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2009 ($57)
Merry Edwards has a gift for producing excellent pinot noir. Klopp Ranch is one of my favorites for its complexity, balance and versatility. This Pinot Noir is assertive in revealing its complexity with notes of bold cherry and raspberry balanced by forest floor, smoke and a kick of sweet spices. www.merryedwards.com
Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne NV ($41.99)
This toasty Champagne pops with notes of green apple, apricot, peach and orange blossoms. The depth of its flavors lingers on the tongue and the finish is clean. It will continue to age gracefully. www.champagne-henriot.com
Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé Provence 2010 ($19.99)
Chateau d'Esclans believes that the lighter in color, the higher quality the rosé. Pale pink in color, Whispering Angel will make you a believer too. This divine rosé delicately balances notes of strawberry, kiwi, grapefruit, mineral, straw and pairs wonderfully with salads and seafood.
Glorioso Reserva Especial Tempranillo Rioja 2006 ($20.99)
In contrast to the fresh and fruity "modern" style of tempranillo, this classic tempranillo from Rioja is bold with finesse. It is smooth on the palate with toasted oak and red and black berries.
Selections by Greg:
Morgan Syrah Monterey 2008 ($20)
Syrah is a wine that first impresses with its dark, deep, purple-red color. The taste is dark fruit that powers through peppery spice on the middle and finish of the taste. The wine is a good pair for lamb and duck, but Morgan Syrah is noted for its versatility, so much so that it's become a favorite of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. www.morganwinery.com
Ceja Pinot Noir Carneros 2008 ($40)
Ceja's pinot noir has a delightfully floral nose for a pinot that compliments the wine's taste. On the palate, the wine gives a flavor of bing cherry which holds up against medium meats like turkey, duck and tuna steaks. www.cejavineyards.com
J Brut Rosé Russian River Valley NV ($28)
J's current rosé sparkler comes in a completely clear bottle without any label so that the rosé color shows through, immediately grabbing your attention (this one makes an excellent gift). This brut is made from the classic blend of sparkling wine grapes used in the Champagne region of France; pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier. The taste is a perfect blend of these, with round red fruit, bright orange, tangy lemon zest and a perfectly balanced crisp flavor that will add elegance to any event or dinner. The color is fun, the taste is sophisticated, and the wine is versatile enough to go with anything from salad to meat entrees. www.jwine.com
Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina 2008 ($17.99)
This smooth Italian wine is rich with aromas of sour cherry, raspberry and dried plum and hints of black pepper, vanilla, cocoa powder and expresso bean. Warmth and elegance are achieved with the well-integrated tannins and the finish is both balanced and harmonious. Idea for pairing with barbecued meat and beef stews. www.frescobaldi.it
