The holiday season is a particularly warm and wonderful time of the year. It is also traditionally a time to dine together with family and friends. Noted below are just a few personal libationary suggestions that, hopefully, will help to bring good cheer to your holiday table and gatherings.
SPARKLING WINE
Arthur Metz Crémant d’Alsace Brut Millésimé, 2011 (France) – This lively rosé sparkling wine is produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. It is salmon pink in color with a delicate effervescence. On the palate there are pleasant notes of cherry and strawberry. A wonderful aperitif, or easily paired with veal, pork, poultry, and a variety of rich fish dishes. ($20.00)
WHITE WINE
Clos Saint Michel Châteauneuf-du-Pape White Rhone Wine, 2013 (France) – Sporting 14% alcohol, this full-bodied white Châteauneuf is a blend of 30% Clairette, 30% Grenache, 20% Bourboulenc, and 20% Roussanne. This is a classy wine, pure and focused with subtle hints of vanilla. If you’re tired of over-oaked, over-priced, and underwhelming California Chardonnays, this elegant and luscious Rhone blend offers a marvelous alternative. 90-points from the Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. ($30.00 – $35.00)
Sartori di Verona Ferdi Bianco Veronese, 2013 (Italy) – Produced from 100% Garganega, this “Super White” has been described as “a great blend between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.” Light gold in color with subtle floral aromas, it is rich and dry on the palate with a long, voluptuous finish. Great marriage with pastas, grilled seafood, and aged cheeses. ($12.00 – $15.00)
Schug Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, 2013 (California) – This is a crisp, clean Chardonnay that’s as easy on the pocketbook as it is on the palate. Juicy, well-rounded, yet not overwhelmed by oak, this is an easily enjoyable, food-friendly wine that is perfect for all occasions. 90-points from the Wine Enthusiast, as well as an “Editors’” Choice.” ($25.00 – $30.00)
RED WINE
Aubichon Reserve Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, 2012 (Oregon) – I’ve sampled many excellent (and not so excellent) Pinot Noirs over the years… but the Aubichon Reserve was, quite literally, “love at first sip.” This is a beautiful and generous wine, exhibiting infinitely more body and texture than most Pinots can muster. There’s a touch of spicy oak, spot-on acidity, waves of silky tannins, and a luxuriously harmonious finish. The perfect wine for elegant holiday dining. ($40.00 – $45.00… and worth every penny.)
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 (California) – This is an all-around excellent Cabernet… and proof that a wine doesn’t have to cost a fortune to deliver the goods. It is, as the Wine Spectator notes in its 90-point review, “easy to approach yet deceptively complex.” There’s a lot going on here: plenty of ripe berry fruit, creamy, supple texture, silky tannins, and a smooth, oaky finish. A simply marvelous wine that will pair nicely with a variety of holiday dishes. (Retails around $30.00; but I’ve seen it on sale for as low as $18.99.)
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino, 2010 (Italy) – Produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this extraordinary wine is intense, fruit-forward, and yet as smooth as silk on the palate. Succulent and enticing, this must-have-wine-for-your-cellar is ready to drink now, but will age gracefully for many years to come. Incredibly delicious and food-friendly, the 2010 is the ideal companion for roasted holiday meats and game. ($43.00 – $75.00; be sure to shop around online for the best price.)
Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2012 (France) – A gift from an old friend, this wine was so incredibly enjoyable that I immediately purchased 6 bottles online. A blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and 5% Cinsault, produced from 50-year-old vines, this 2012 Châteauneuf is vivid ruby in color, exhibits downright sexy aromas of fruit and spice, and bewitches the palate with its velvety texture and long, lingering finish. A perfect balance of power and finesse. ($55.00 – $65.00)
Cheers!
TAD
{ 0 comments… add one now }