Newsletters: November-December 2009

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Holiday Cheers

Natural Times November/December 2009

By Brandon Chaplin, Specialty Manager

Once again the holidays are upon us and we are planning like mad for gatherings of friends and family and the meals that go with these special occasions. As always, the event and dishes that you plan to serve dictate the wine you will pair with them. Whether you are planning a large sit-down dinner party, a cocktail party or a romantic dinner for two, I have a few suggestions that hopefully will make your holiday planning less stressful.

For your holiday cocktail parties try a light red, such as a Pinot Noir, or one of my new favorite whites, Grüner Veltliner. This Austrian white has a wonderful crisp tartness that pairs well with hors d’oeuvres. Of course, sparkling wines and Champagnes are excellent for any occasion and are also wonderful for gifting. Most experts agree that the average person will consume approximately two glasses in the first hour and one glass every hour after that. Using this formula can be helpful when buying for occasions such as cocktail parties, while keeping in mind that leftovers are never a bad thing.

For more elaborate sit-down dinners, my recommendations are as follows: with turkey Gewürztraminer is the pairing of choice for many, but a Riesling or a crisp Pinot Grigio can also be excellent choices. Riesling is slightly sweeter than Gewürztraminer and contrasts beautifully with turkey and a tart cranberry sauce as well as spicier dishes that may be less traditional. For those who prefer a drier more crisp wine, Pinot Grigio has a wonderful non-intrusive lightness that pairs well with poultry or even a delicate fish. For those who prefer reds, offer a Pinot Noir or Chianti. For heavier dishes such as a standing rib roast of beef, a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a luscious Petite Syrah is the way to go. For lamb try Cotes du Rhone. This dry regional blend will please you with its complement of earthy notes and characteristic spiciness.

We have added several beer and wine tastings during the holidays. Stop by to try these suggested wines; our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find the perfect wine for your event. Whatever your occasion please have a safe and wonderful holiday season.