If today was your last day, how would you spend it? Love those lyrics from Nickelback – every day is a gift which I believe is a great sentiment going into the holidays. These are special times, so my wish for you is that you’ll be able to slow down and take some time to enjoy this time of year. And, what could be more fun than veering a bit off the traditional path when it comes to popping a cork or two of great wine!
If you’re entertaining either on a big scale or a small scale, I’ve got some ideas for fun sparklings and every day party wines—wines that won’t break the bank. Yellow Tail sparklings are less than $10 and are fun and festive for big groups. They mix well too. For another wondereful value I like Lucien Albrecht’s cremants and Baumard’s cremants rosés are my favorite…prices are about $17 a bottle for both producers. Buy a case and get a discount. Cremants, btw, are sparklings that are produced in France or Alsace but not in the official region of Champagne.
As for those festive holiday meals, if you’re a die-hard turkey fan or maybe serving another ‘white’ meat, why not kick things up a notch with a not so predictable wine?
Chances are you’ve got lots of other savory dishes on the table to go with that bird, so why not leave the Chardonnay in the refrigerator and celebrate with a wine from the Rhone wine region in southern France? Chateauneuf-du-Pape is one of the region’s great wines, and it’s fabulous with so many dishes. It’s a medium bodied red with plum and dark fruit flavors…often a hint of chocolate too. It’s balanced, not too big and will compliment a big holiday meal perfectly! (specific recommendations are below)
If your holiday table will be full of heartier fare such as rib roasts, osso bucco’s and such, you can think of even bigger reds like Barolos and Syrahs even a Spanish Tempranillo.
The Barolos will be wonderful with roasted meats that sport earthy sauces, elegant chateaubriand and the like. Barolo’s come from the Piedemont region of Italy and are full of dark fruit, cocoa and coffee characteristics. Barolos have very strong tannins and drink best when decanted for at least a half hour. If BIG Reds are your favorite, Barolo is for you.
Another great red for lamb, steaks or prime rib is a Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo. It’s rich and silky with plum flavors and even some peppery notes. This wine is most likely available at Gabriel’s
Like a wine that’s a bit fruitier? Then, try a Syrah call is Shiraz—either way it’s full-bodied, fruit forward, with hints of spice and sometimes eucalyptus… a wine that you and your guests are sure to like. Syrah grapes, btw, are a big component in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines.
Syrah’s are produced all over the world – I find the domestic Syrah’s to be a bit fruitier and softer in tannin structure than some of the Old World wines.
So, what’s left? A white wine! Simple solution – serve champagne or sparkling wine. Sparklings are wonderful food wines because they pair beautifully with just about anything. Plus, nothing sets the mood of an event like the popping of a champagne cork – instant party!
Prices are approximate…..
Sparkling & White Wine Suggestions
(Most wines available at H-E-B Plus stores & Gabriels on 1604 & Blanco)
Yellow Tail Sparkling – $9
Riondo Prosecco – $13
“Domaine Carneros Brut ":http://www.domainecarneros.com//index.cfm- $22
Barone Fini Pinot Grigio – $12
Roederer L’Ermitage, Anderson Valley – $38
Red Wine Suggestions
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape (splurge!) $90
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon – $45
Vietti Barolo $50+
Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti (lighter than Barolos) – $15
Ramon Bilbao Reserve – $25
Tablas Creek Syrahs – $28+
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