Of all the times to celebrate with a Champagne toast, the holiday season is one of the best.
An excellent choice is Veuve Cliquot Brut ($65.99) with the deep yellow label.
Expect an elegant mousse with a citrus and toasty bouquet and a dry, full-bodied elixir of apple and shortbread with crisp minerality.
Sparkling wine is the most versatile style of wine and can be enjoyed with prawns, oysters, turkey, duck; the list is endless.
For cheaper alternatives, uncork Spanish Cavas from Spain. Seguria Viudas Brut ($14.49) is my go-to favourite.
Other popular alternatives Include Prosecco’s from northern Italy such as Lamarca ($16.99) and local bubblies like Sumac Ridge Steller’s Jay Brut ($22.99)
For white meat dinners, match the wine with the food.
The white meat is lean and light so a lot of white wines would fit the bill. Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc ($14.99) and Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay ($21.49) are good picks.
I’ve also become fond of Montes Twins White ($15.99), a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier.
After my trip to southern Italy I’ve become a fan of Fiano.
The Codici Masserie Puglia Fiano ($14.99) is a fresh dry white wine with notes ranging from floral to mild citrus and pear.
Australia’s winemakers are also realizing how good Fiano can be.
Oliver’s Tarango Vineyards 2014 Fiano ($21.99) from McLaren Vale is superb! Vibrant, citrusy, and floral.
Switching to the darker side of the bird, rosés are a wise choice.
Uncork the Seguria Viudas Brut Rosada ($14.49).
With its cranberry colour, red berry bouquet, and cherry flavour it’s the right stuff for turkey thigh with cranberry sauce. For a delicious rosé from the Okanagan without the sparkle, I was impressed with Time 2016 Syrah Rosé ($22.99).
Switching to reds, Pinot Noirs that are light and fruity with less tannin and oak fit the bill.
Moraine Pinot Noir ($23.49) from Naramata and Eau de Vie Pinot Noir ($21.90) from the Similkameen are two local choices. From California, enjoy Meiomi Pinot Noir ($26.99).
Malbecs from Argentina would be another route to take.
I am fond of Montes Twins Red Wine ($15.99) from Chile with a blend of two tasty grapes.
The Malbec makes it smooth and velvety, the Cabernet provides richness, cassis, and structure
Another choice is Peter Lehman Layers ($17.49), a delicious blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, and Grenache from Australia’s Barossa Valley.
All of the rosés and reds I’ve listed would also be yummy with a baked ham served with glazed cherries.
Avoid serving wine with dessert; it’s challenging to make a winning combination.
Instead, serve any of the whites, rosés, or reds after dessert with a variety of cheeses.
Then get a bottle of Tawny Port (your choice) from Portugal, or a tawny from Australia or South Africa.
Crème brulée in a glass!
Perfect with aged and blue cheeses.
Eric Hanson is a retired Richmond teacher and wine educator. Email Eric at [email protected]
