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The Wine Cellar: Holiday Cheer – Elegant and Accessible
By Michelle Morey
If holidays evoke laughter and good cheer, add delicious appetizers with versatile, reasonably priced wine, and transform a modest gathering into an annual tradition. The success of every party, picnic or fireside tête-à-tête is to choose the right food and drink for the occasion. Selection guidelines include experience, preference and budget, but don’t be afraid to improvise and interject playfulness into your menus. Honor your guests by trying to anticipate their desires through your reflection of simple taste, ambiance and joy.
Greet one and all with an inviting glass of bubbly and a toast for the season and New Year. An appetite teaser on its own, as well as the primary ingredient in Cava Sangria and a pomegranate Cava cocktail, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut ($10.00/btl.) from Spain offers a bright, balanced taste of apples, pears, and citrus. Other good values include Barefoot Bubbly Brut ($9.50/btl.) from California, an expression of green apple, kiwi, and peach, as well as, Francois Montand Brut ($9.00/btl.) from Côtes-du-Jura, France, imparting notes of golden delicious apple, Meyer lemon and an inkling of warm brioche. For fans of South African bounty, consider Pongracz Stellenbosch Brut ($15.00/btl.); a delicate floral nose, Granny Smith apples and citrus describe this nuanced example. Little bites ranging from spiced nuts, olives, smoked salmon, marinated goat cheese on baguette and kettle crisps are sure to enhance your love affair with sparkling wine from around the world.
Reach for a glass of chilled Goulart Torrontes ($11.00/btl.) from Mendoza, Argentina when indulging in vegetarian nibbles. Outstanding with white bean bruschetta, arugula and red onion, this aromatic, subtle beauty exudes lemon, pear and white florals. When celebrating Kosher, pair Yarden Golan Heights Chardonnay ($15.00/btl.) with cream cheese, olive, herb rugelach and sweet potato latkes, Indian spiced crème fraîche and pine nuts. A rich, buttery Chardonnay beaming with ripe pear is just right with these appetizers.
As aromas of rosemary walnut biscotti, wild mushroom pizzettes and grilled baby lamb chops encourage guests to gather, open plenty of red wine to accompany your wintry fare. Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages ($9.00/btl.) is a bright, fruity, lighter bodied wine made from Gamay, an inviting French selection ideal for grilled vegetables, cured meats and cheese. Creta Roble Tempranillo ($14.00/btl.) from Ribera del Duero, Spain is an exceptional, smooth-textured drink full of black fruit, violets, and spice, while Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.00/btl.) from Australia presents rich tones of black cherry, plum and chocolate.
Tis time for that well placed cookie or chocolate dipped cannoli with a sip of something sweet. Buller Fine Old Tawny ($12.00/btl.) fortified wine from Australia is heaven in a glass; tones of rich fruit cake, nuts and spice are sure to please, as is Ceretto Moscato d’Asti ($14.00/btl.), a slightly effervescent, delicate dessert wine ideally enjoyed with shortbread biscuits and fruit.
Any gathering of family and friends is an invitation to indulge in tasty food and drink while reconnecting with loved ones. Much appreciation for accessible wines that gladden the spirit, inspire conviviality, and help us forget our cares!
