Since it is the season for holiday get-togethers and typically this involves large gatherings of family and friends, delicious feasts and accompanying wines, I thought it only fitting to discuss the topic of wine.  What’s appropriate to serve with your holiday dinner or at your hors d’oeuvres party?  What are some great wines to serve that won’t break your holiday menu budget?  These are questions I typically ask myself when I’m planning a party or elegant dinner and I have a feeling I’m not alone.  

I can’t say that I’m a wine connoisseur, however I do enjoy a glass here and there especially with a great dinner.  Over the past few years I’ve discovered some interesting things about wine that have opened up my willingness to explore different varieties.  Unless you are really into wine, most people will say that they prefer red wine or white….and that’s basically it.  What I’ve learned is there is so much more to it!  

I’ve had the tremendous opportunity over the last 2 years to participate in the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado.  This event which takes place over the course of 3 days is packed with wine seminars, food tastings, cooking demonstrations and tastings of literally thousands of wine.  The first year I attended this event, my expectation was that the wines sampled would be financially outside my reach - and I do have to say I was so excited to try the $100 bottle of cabernet or champagne.  But what I discovered was far different.  What I found more interesting was the wide array of wines available for $20-$30 and under.  

The other amazing discovery I made at this event is the fact that I actually do like other varieties than just Cabernet Sauvignon….imagine that!  The beauty of the Food & Wine Classic is you get to taste test a variety of wines without the risk of buying a bottle that you end up not caring for.  Not only do the seminars typically focus on one variety or a region – which allows you to see the difference between the different wines within a variety or region and really taste and appreciate what those wines have to offer.

And finally, my discovery centers around food and wine pairings….or “synergy” as it was referred to in one of the seminars I attended.  Have you ever had an entrée and had it perfectly paired with a wine?  It truly is divine.  The goal is to choose a wine that compliments the food – doesn’t overpower, doesn’t undermine, and certainly doesn’t contradict the food but actually makes the food taste better.  Not properly pairing food and wine is really somewhat unfair.  The food doesn’t shine nor does the wine.

So what does this all mean….well, first the good news is there are many amazing wines out there at a reasonable cost.  Secondly, it’s time to open your mind and palate and start exploring new varieties you may have thought you would never like.  And thirdly, do some research and properly pair your food with the wine you are drinking (this will help you explore those new varieties).  

If you are new to exploring new wines and don’t know where to begin with proper pairings, the Wine Spectator has a great website  www.winespectator.com.  You need to subscribe but you can try it out for $7.95 per month to see if you like it.   One thing I really like about the site is you can find out just about anything you want about any variety, winemaker, vintage, etc. and it also has a very cool section where you can either put in the food you are preparing and it will give you great wine pairings or vice versa - type in the wine and it will tell you what types of food will compliment it.

As I said earlier, I’m not a sommelier or wine connoisseur but I did want to share with our readers some basic pairing guidelines with the more common wine varieties (again for other variety pairings check out  www.winespectator.com.)  I think you will be amazed at how much more you get out of the wine AND the food, separate and together, a truly synergistic experience with these pairings.

Wine Type (Varietal):  Sparkling Wines & Champagne

\Wine Type (Varietal):  Riesling

Wine Type (Varietal):  Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Type (Varietal):  Chardonnay

Wine Type (Varietal):  Cotes du Rhone

Wine Type (Varietal):  Australian Shiraz

Wine Type (Varietal):  Cabernet Sauvignon & Zinfandel

The above food & wine pairings will at least get you started in the right direction.  Now onto the wines.  After researching several wines, I’d like to share my best picks for great wines in several varieties that you should be able to find for under $20.  Nearly all of these wines have received a rating from Wine Spectator of 88 points or above.  I have thrown in a few wines that are currently my favorite – these may be the exception to the $20 and under rule but if you get the chance you should really try them – I think they are fabulous!

Sparkling Wines

Domaine Chandon Brut California Classic NV (No Vintage) – approximately $18 retail
This sparkling wine is an intense, richly flavored wine with hints of pear, ginger and spicy apple.  

Mumm Napa Brut Napa Valley Prestige NV – approximately $18 retail
Nice enticing vanilla flavors.  Intense on the pallet with flavors of citrus, apple and some pear notes.

Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Columbia Valley NV – approximately $12 retail
This wine has lots of fizz with nice lime and tangerine accents along with some pear and toast flavors.

Jean Francois Merleu Touraine NV – approximately $16 retail
This sparkling wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc & Chardonnay and has wonderful pear and citrus notes.

Domaine Chandon Riche California NV – approximately $18 retail
Sweet and spicy yet it has enough acidity to balance it out.  A hint of black cherry and wild berry make this a great dessert wine.

My Favorite:  Schrambsberg Brut Blanc de Blanc Napa Valley 1997 – approximately $29 retail
Rich and vibrant sparkling wine with aromas of cinnamon, vanilla, apple and cherry.

Whites:

Marquee Chardonnay Australia Classic 2006 – approximately $10 retail
A nice chardonnay with hints of nectarine, pear and delicate spice flavors.

Greg Norman Estates Chardonnay 2005 – approximately $13 retail
Long and polished on the finish with great spicy pear and lime notes.

Rosemount Traminer Riesling South Eastern Australia Diamond Label 2006 – approximately $10 retail
Dry and fragrant with nice tangerine, pear and spice flavors.

Covey Run Riesling Columbia Valley Late Harvest Winemakers Collection 2005 – approximately $13 retail
A nice balanced Riesling with sweet pear, grapefruit and pineapple flavors.

Matua Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2006 – approximately $12 retail
Ripe and vibrant with grapefruit, mineral and grass flavors with some lingering notes of lime.

My favorite:  Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Cutrer 1994 – approximately $25 retail
A wonderfully smooth and creamy rich chardonnay with awesome flavors of melon, butterscotch.

Reds:

Domaine De Couron Cotes Du Rhone Villages 2005 – approximately $11 retail
A fresh and ripe wine with lots of plum, blackberry and mocha flavors with a nice creamy finish on the palate.

Yellow Tail Shiraz South Eastern Australia The Reserve 2006 – approximately $11 retail
An aromatic shiraz with a nice combination of plum, blackberry and spices.

Greg Norman Estates Shiraz-Cab Limestone Coast 2003 – approximately $16 retail
Well rounded with blackberry and current flavors with a hint of cedar on the finish.

Dusted Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Stomp!  2003 – approximately $15
Smooth and well-rounded wine with a spicy cherry flavor.

My Favorite:  Owen Roe Sharecroppper’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 – approximately $18 retail
100% Cabernet with blackberry and juniper flavors.  Nicely balanced, full-bodied wine.

The above wines are all great selections for the holidays.  It often gets difficult to choose wine and not break your pocket book for large gatherings of people.  I hope this helps and makes your holiday that much more special.

Cheers!

-Chef Jessica