Photo Credit: Marissa Ross, via saveur.com
Throughout this fall and winter, Whole Foods Market and SAVEUR are partnering with Blog Awards opens in a new tab winners and finalists for In Good Company opens in a new tab, a series of culinary exploits from discovering new beers and sparkling wines to meeting local farmers and foragers.
This week, we’re spotlighting Marissa Ross, a leisure enthusiast and wine writer with WINE. all the time opens in a new tab, which won the SAVEUR Blog Awards Editor’s Choice & Readers’ Choice for Best Wine Coverage.
Q: Does this wine pair with turkey/ham/rib roast/shrimp/turducken/tofurkey/oyster stuffing/mashed potatoes/sweet potatoes/green bean casserole/cranberry sauce?
A: Yes, yes and YES. I don’t care what you have in your basket. If it’s anything besides Boone’s Farm, you’re good to go. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to pair things, but no matter how put together your holiday dinner is, it’s a smorgasbord. You have enough to stress about and there are so many flavors on the table that pairing wine should be the last thing on your mind. Unless you totally get off on that sort of thing, like myself, in which case, may you joyously spend weeks planning. But for those of you who are not total dorks, seriously, don’t worry about it. Buy what you like that is in your price range. The truth of the matter is the people who enjoy wine will enjoy it, and the people who drink beer are going to keep drinking beer and leave more wine for you to enjoy. That being said, of course I have some recommendations for you. I’m a woman on the internet, I have opinions!
Recommendations
Villa Ponciago Fleurie 2012. Beaujolais is the holiday wine. Whether its Nouveau, Village or Cru, Beaujolais is an easy-drinker that is versatile and food-friendly. This Fleurie has plenty of the tart cherry and poppy acidity associated with Beaujolais, but also has unexpected notes of a peppered and smoked bouquet of roses.
J. Brix Vin Gris of Grenache. “Rosé season” is a fallacy, for there is a spot for rosé at the table all year, especially during the holidays. The J. Brix Vin Gris is a personal favorite that serves as a fantastic aperitif to holiday meals. Round and mouthwatering, the J. Brix gets everyone salivating and ready for the main event with lush notes of melon, mint and cherry.
Domaine Bernard et Cristophe Richel Apremont. Reflective of its landscape, the Apremont tastes like sledding through the Alps. Crisp with pine and vibrant citrus, its acidity is refreshing and hits like tiny snowflakes to the face. And just like sledding, this wine is tons of fun and everyone is going to want a turn at it.
Casas Del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc. Don’t forget your greens, or at the very least, wines that taste like them. The Casas Del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc is like a big leafy and herbaceous salad bursting with bell pepper, serrano and grapefruit. No one will blame you for counting each glass as a serving of vegetables.
Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon. I’m a sucker for Cabernet, and love it when it’s cold out. It’s toasty and fuzzy like a favorite sweater. The Ancient Peaks is rich with black fruits, tobacco and oak. It’s robust but soft around the edges, and you’re going to want to curl up in its arms after serving it with steak.
Drink up five more of Marissa’s holiday wine picks in her post Top Holiday Wines opens in a new tab.
Q: What wine should I take to someone else’s house for the holidays?
A: Take something you love and that you know (or think) the host will like. People love drinking wine that other people love. When you love a wine, it spills out of you, and that passion is contagious and it makes the wine that much more enjoyable.
Still having trouble deciding what wine to bring or gift? This handy guide can help.
What’s your go-to wine for the holidays? Let us know in the comments below.
