When considering the depth and width of entertaining right now, it’s almost hard to go wrong when putting together a case of wine for December. However, I want it to be oh so right, so I asked Bert Stewart for his expert opinion; he’s the sommelier at Paradise Wine in Naples.
He puts a lot of thought into what he likes to eat and serve, from meats in various preparations, to a range of side dishes, while also considering the warming spices used this time of year. Together we came up with this last case of the year.
Bert's Wine Picks
Boodegas Breca Old Vine Grenache ($18)
When baked, ham presents its challenges with its slightly sweet flavor profile. At my house we prefer a Southern-cured country ham during the holidays. In addition to its spicy cured flavors, it’s somewhat salty from the brining. Ham can also be barbecued, in which case, depending on where you are from, the flavorings vary depending on the sauce. That being said, I chose this old-vine grenache from a producer in the eastern Spanish province of Aragon. I have always been a fan (and the critics like it, too) of the ripe red fruits and spicy aromas, supported by a cradle of creamy, toasty oak vanillins … long finish, too.
Bodegas Muga, 2016 Rosado ($15)
Many classic white wines don’t pair well with roasted foods, whereas a rose is about as all-embracing as a wine can be. A personal favorite is this great little Spanish rose; you simply cannot beat it for freshness and its attractive strawberry, peach and floral bouquet. It will not shy from, nor compete with your roasted, spicy side dishes, and it adores cheese. Moreover it is always a good match for ham, a meat with slight sweetness that may clash with dryer wines such as chardonnay or sauvignon blanc.
Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel ($25)
Because turkey, especially the white meat, is comparatively delicate in taste and subtle in flavor, I recommend avoiding many full-bodied dinner wines, such as cabernet sauvignon. My wine of choice for “The Bird” is a zinfandel from the legendary Seghesio Family Vineyards, now five generations in Sonoma County. The rich flavors of raspberry, blackberry, sage, white pepper and licorice will complement your turkey much as the spiced cranberry sauce or other dishes do.
Tenshen WhiteBlend ($22)
Because holiday fare can be spice box on review, the savvy host will search the white department for wines that can handle the heat. This is a California Rhone, an alluring blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and chardonnay; it’s guaranteed to win you head nods and accolades at the table. This critically acclaimed wine delivers flavors of tangerine and ripe melon that lead peach, apricot and vanilla. That’s quite an amazing array of flavors.
Fuedo Maccari Saia Nero d’Avola ($33)
Beef and stews are popular year-round, especially when the temperature dips and during the holidays. Because of the richer flavors of beef dishes, and because they are often served grilled, bigger wines such as cabernet sauvignon, cabernet-based blends, sangiovese or Malbec are sure to punch the ticket. As an intriguing alternative to the aforementioned classics is this Sicilian selection with critically acclaimed Old World beauty. It’s drinking so well now, showing black cherry, sweet tannins, dark chocolate, crème de cassis, dark cooking spices and a super long finish.
Anna Codorniu Brut Rose ($15)
What would a holiday be without bubbles? For over a century, the Champagne region has been marketing its wines as the ultimate celebratory beverage. Apart from Champagne there are a number of high quality sparkling wines made in the classic style that bare a more modest price tag. My favorites are the sparkling wines of Spain known as Cava. Among these, Anna Codorniu is my favorite; sparkling roses of this quality are rare. In the glass you’ll enjoy fine and persistent bubbles along with the classic aromas of strawberries, cherries and hints of green apple — elegant and light on the palate.
Gina's Wine Picks
Justification, 2015 ($50)
Justin Vineyards is one of the wine-making pioneers in Paso Robles, and the new vintages are out. With the 2015 release, this is the 25th anniversary of Justification, a right bank Bordeaux-inspired blend of cabernet franc and merlot. It smells a bit sexy, ripe and round. The cab franc is not in your face. Instead it’s a mouthful of both black and red fruits, along with some savory notes and camphor. The tannins are moderate and the finish is pleasing. It captures the warmth of the season as it sits in your glass.
Champagne Bruno Paillard Extra Brut Premiere Cuvee ($50)
I always liked this wine but fell in love with the brand when I visited the Champagne house in France several years ago. It’s more modern than old school or traditional. While any kind of bubbles is always welcomed, there is nothing quite like a bottle of real Champagne to celebrate the holidays and this is an impressive one. It’s lively, it has finesse, it has thousands of tiny bubbles and it both smells and taste like citrus. It doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find flavors of stone fruits and toasted nuts — more please. — Gina
Castello di Volpaia, Vin Santo
Del Chianti, 2011 ($40 range)
The holidays are a perfect time to break out the dessert wine. An Italian tradition, Vin Santo is chilled and served at the end of a meal with biscotti, almond or pine nut cookies, or something similar — nothing too sweet as the wine has enough on its own. This one is 60 percent trebbiano, 40 percent Malvasia del Chianti, and the grapes are dried to get the right amount of sugar. It’s a beautiful amber color with flavors of almond, apricot, even some orange zest. While it’s sweet, it’s not cloying and provides a nice finish to a big meal.
Domaine Leflaive Auxey-Duresses 2015 ($70)
From Burgundy, this is not your Grandma’s chardonnay. Auxey-Duresses is the appellation, and chardonnay is the grape. In fact, it’s the only grape Domaine Leflaive grows. They take it seriously, so you better believe it’s going to be good. The wine smells like apples and almonds, and you’ll find those flavors floating over your tongue as well, along with vanilla. The fruit is light and fresh, and on the finish there’s some cedar and spice. It’s worth the splurge.
Au Contraire Pinot Noir ($29.99)
I can hardly fathom a case of wine for the holidays without a pinot noir in it; it’s such a versatile food wine. This one is made from a blend of pinot grapes grown along the Sonoma Coast, from Sebastopol to Fort Ross Seaview. The vineyard sites have a cool climate, as they sit above the infamous fog line. The result is concentrated fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry with a long and spicy finish. Buy more than one bottle, because you’ll want more. You can also have fun with this label if considering it for a hostess gift.
Don Melchor 2014 ($125)
I can hear the thoughts in your head, “A $125 cabernet … from Chile?” Countries known for affordability in wine also have rock stars as residents, and this is one of them. This would also make an impressive gift for someone special on your list, with the new vintage arriving just in time. This has both power and elegance and would be a good candidate for aging. It smells like dark fruit, tobacco and mint. It tastes like dark cherries, currants, cocoa, and it just keeps getting better the longer it sits in the glass. Take your time with this one.
*Prices listed can vary. Some of these wines can be found in local wine shops, others are limited production and may require shipment from the producers themselves.