‘Tis the season for eating! Just when we’ve gone up one belt notch from Thanksgiving, we are already loosening the next in anticipation for Christmas dinner, not to mention the cookies, candy and cocktails we will enjoy between the two holidays.
While many of us swear that we gain five pounds each and every December, did you know the average person only gains one pound? Music to our ears! Let the feasting continue! In celebration of this very merry statistic, allow us to recommend the perfect wines to accompany some classic Christmas dishes.
Herb Roasted Turkey with 2010 Fume Blanc or 2008 Barbera – Our Fume Blanc is a dry white wine with aromas and flavors of green apples and herbs. It is surprisingly robust and will stand up well to the slightly smoky flavors of roast turkey. For all you red wine fans out there, we think you will love Barbera, a medium to full bodied wine with aromas of blackberry and vanilla. Not too dry, Barbera will compliment the unique flavor of turkey, rather than overpower it.
Ham with Rose Spumante – Yes, Spumante is a sparkling wine and, no, many people don’t drink a bubbly with dinner. But, isn’t Christmas a celebration? Therefore, doesn’t it call for a wine with some pizzazz? Rose Spumante has aromas of strawberry, grapefruit and pineapple with flavors of apple, strawberries and a kiss of fizzy sweetness. It will take your sweet, smoky ham to a heavenly level.
Prime Rib with 2008 Syrah – Prime Rib isn’t an everyday, ordinary main course, so it deserves a wine with some oomph. Whether you rub your rib with garlic and herbs or a mustard paste, Syrah will be a divine companion with its bold flavors of black plums, dark chocolate and smoke.
Fruitcake with 2010 Moscato or 2009 Late Harvest – Ah, the Christmas fruitcake. The dessert that has allegedly been re-gifted for years has gotten a bad reputation. Snide joking aside, the fruitcake can actually be delicious. Put dried fruit, warm spices, nuts and, well, liquor together and you’ve got something pretty tasty. If you’re still not convinced, try a slice with our sweet, sparkling Moscato or Late Harvest wine. The former has vanilla aromas with apricot and lemon flavors, while Late Harvest is juicy with notes of blueberry pie, clove and cinnamon.
Chocolate Buche de Noel with 2008 Zinfandel Port – The classic Yule Log dessert makes its presence known on many-a-Christmas table. Instead of serving it with coffee this year, why not try something new? Our Zinfandel Port has been fortified with brandy to create a sensational dessert wine that tastes of black plums, dates and chocolate with a bit of orange and clove. Its 18% alcohol level is all the fire you’ll need for this log!
What classic Christmas fare will you be serving this year? And what wines do you plan on serving?
What are you serving for Christmas dinner and which wines will you drink?
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