| You’ve got your own place, your own car and your own kitchen – you’re all grown up. The time has come for you to cook a holiday feast for the whole family.
How hard can it be? After all, your mom’s been doing it for years and she’s still suspicious of any vegetable that doesn’t come from a can. Besides, this way you can be sure that the meal is completely free of ingredients such as jello or marshmallows. All you’ll need is a plump turkey, assorted veggies, a few potatoes and some tasty pie. After that, with a couple of killer wine suggestions you’re off to the races.
If your family is anything like mine, this is not the time to break out the pricey stuff because you know your old uncle Eddy is gonna have himself three schooners full before the meat pies even hit the oven. Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t drink good wine during the holidays – this is a time to celebrate – but if you’ve picked up a couple of choice bottles, find a nice safe spot in the back cupboard where the prying eyes of thirsty relatives can’t spot them. Otherwise you could find your prize wine mixed into the yuk-a-flux Eddy has going in the bottom of his pint glass.
In general, the holidays command more than your average stock of hooch, so you may want to pick up a few extra things to hep make your evening a success.
BUBBLY
Bubbly is an essential beverage for the festive season. Ever notice how a glass of sparkling wine gives you a buzz almost instantly? It’s because the alcohol molecules bind to the CO2, which is absorbed through your stomach lining instead of having to travel through your small intestine. This little bit of science is especially helpful when your mother-in-law is leaning over your shoulder giving you "helpful tips" on how to prepare your meal. Best idea – cook with one hand, drink with the other.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to find a quality sparkling wine. I recommend trying one of the fabulous Cavas from Spain or a Prosecco from Italy. Cava is made from native Spanish varietals such as Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Viura. Most good examples use the same process used for Champagne, with a slightly shorter period of aging. They generally represent good value and are ideal for larger groups.
One of my favourites is Segura Viudas Brut Vintage 1998 ($16.75) – aromas of citrus fruit are balanced by a nice toasty character and followed by a lovely, fine bubble. Italy produces some fabulous sparkling wines from the Prosecco grape, which have a light, fresh character that is a welcome start to any meal. Vincenzo Toffoli ($13.95, available at The Wine Shop) is a fabulous example for a great price. If you want to spend a little more, try Bellavista ($33) from Franciacorta (Italy’s equivalent of Champagne) – this complex and beautiful wine is classy and elegant, packed with flavour and worth every penny.
ROSE
Rosé is another essential holiday treat. Not the sweet, sticky crap they truck in from Central California, but the dry, fresh style from the Mediterranean. Two great examples are 2001 La Vielle Ferme ($12) and Chateau Lascaux ($19, available at MetroVino). Both these wines deliver intense aromas of wild strawberry paired with subtle spice, making them a perfect choice for turkey dinner.
PORT
Port may well be the ultimate holiday drink. Its rich, thick and silky texture wraps you up like an old blanket, bringing a glow to your skin and warmth to your soul.
Port comes in many forms and prices. For a simple, delicious tawny port, try the Hardys Whiskers Blake ($20) – a great value from Australia with lots of stuffing and appealing notes of toffee and dried fruits. For a more serious tawny, see if you can hunt down a bottle of 1987 Quinta do Noval Colheita ($55) – this fully mature port delivers a mind-blowing array of flavours, all served up on a silky, refined palate.
For lovers of ruby port, Dow’s has just released its 1988 Quinta do Bomfim ($50), a special bottle of limited quantity that is not to be missed.
RED WINE
Of coarse, you will also need some red wine for the table. Good suggestions include Italian Dolcetto, quality French Beaujolais and Pinot Noir from anywhere that manages to make it for less than $20.
A great wine for the holidays can be any wine that makes you happy, but remember, holiday guests bring big appetites and even bigger thirsts – so be prepared. |
