Holiday traditions are fine and good, but the Christmas dinner wine is one thing that doesn't need to be the same year after year - even if your Christmas dinner meal is.
Holiday traditions are fine and good, but the Christmas dinner wine is one thing that doesn't need to be the same year after year - even if your Christmas dinner meal is.
Liz Avera, owner of Vino 100 on Polaris Parkway, came up with bottle suggestions to match three popular holiday dishes while avoiding the usual picks.
And if you don't have time to try them when all is merry and bright, they're still enjoyable year-round, of course. -Brittany Kress
For turkey:
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs (non-vintage)
Region: Carneros, California
Cost: $23
Flavors: Sparkling, with cherry and strawberry notes and a slightly earthy spiciness
Also pairs with: Cools down anything hot and spicy: Thai food, crab or roast pork
Who'll enjoy it: Prosecco or cava lovers
Liz Avera's advice: "Give sparkling a chance. It's not all brut champagne - that real dry, yeasty flavor. There's more fruit flavor. And with the right food, too, it makes all the difference."
For ham:
Cave de Ribeauville gewrztraminer (2007)
Region: Alsace, France
Cost: $19
Flavors: Cloves, allspice and tropical fruits
Also pairs with: Anything salty; Asian and Indian cuisines
Who'll enjoy it: Riesling, chardonnay or pinot gris drinkers
Liz Avera's advice: "When you first pour it, it tastes kind of mineral-y, and it opens up like a red. Over the course of dinner, you will taste how it changes, which is really kind of cool."
For prime rib:
Niner Wine Estates petite sirah (2007)
Region: Paso Robles, California
Cost: $25
Flavors: Strong dark berry and violet flavors, moderate tannis and a lush mouthfeel
Also pairs with: Marinated meat, especially barbecue
Who'll enjoy it: Cabernet or merlot drinkers
Liz Avera's advice: "Petite sirah is not syrah. There was confusion because originally, in France, they thought it was a smaller version of the same grape, but DNA testing has proven it's a totally different grape."