2011 Christmas Dinner Wine Suggestions

As Christmas approaches and we start to think about the menu for that fabulous turkey dinner, let us not forget a nice wine selection to enhance the feast. While the choices are mainly a matter of personal choice, there are some wines that typically pair well with turkey and the common accompaniments and side dishes.

I have chosen the following suggestions from the current offerings at the LCBO and/or wine retailers in Ontario.

1. Chardonnay - Most of your guests will prefer a white wine with their turkey. Probably your safest choice will be a dry, oaky Chardonnay. It will pair well with the bird and with the root vegetables.

White wine suggestion: Norman Hardie 2008 Country Chardonnay

2. Sauvignon Blanc - Also a good choice would be a Sauvignon Blanc. It is a little cleaner and lighter than the Chardonnay.

White wine suggestion: Colio 2009 CEV Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc

3. Reisling - A good Reisling or Gerwurztraminer would be another good choice. These are a typically a little sweeter and a little more acidic but favoured by folks who don't drink lots of wine.

White wine suggestion: Fielding 2009 Reisling

4. Pinot Noir - Some of your guests will prefer red wine and the Pinot Noir is a perfect selection. It is light enough not to overpower, yet fruity enough to enhance and not be overwhelmed.

Red wine suggestion: Quail's Gate 2008 Pinot Noir

5. Sparkling wine - A common assumption is that Sparkling wine goes with anything. This may or may not be true, but I have yet to find a food that sparkling wine doesn't agree with. Remember this is the season of celebration and nothing says celebration like a Champagne, Cava or Sparkling wine. They can be served as an aperitif, with the meal and/or with the dessert course.

Sparkling wine suggestion: Peller Ice Cuvee Rose

6. Dessert - a dessert wine is typically sweeter to enhance the sweetness of the dessert. An ice wine is an excellent choice as it can be sipped with or even poured over sweets.

Dessert wine suggestion: Inniskillin Vidal Icewine

Happy Holidays

Katnook Estates 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon

Once in a while I will open a bottle from my cellar that has reached its prime. After all wines are made to be enjoyed not collected, right? This wine you will want to decant at about the 10 year mark. Where do I start with this wonderful example of the winemakers art?

The wine was very complex on the nose as it was being decanted with a promised balance of fruit and some minerality. From the first sip, you will note the full body with excellent mouth-feel. Next fully matured black fruit extremely well balanced with hints of vanilla, allspice and/or cloves. Some wispy cedar notes follow. A delightfully long, pleasant finish.

Pairing: Prime rib, crown rib roast, rack of lamb

Recommendation: BUY

Monte Antico 2007 Toscana

A wonderful blend of Sangiovese, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. Full body, luscious fruits. Very well balanced. Excellent long finish.

Pairing: Pasta, roast beef, roast pork, game.

Recommendation: Buy

Kawin 2009 Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon

Proof once again that "Reserve" and "Private" don't mean anything to many wineries, no matter what language. I havent had a lot of luck with full bodied red wines from Chile. Perhaps I shouldn't generalize, but Damn! Not well balanced. Over-use of sulphites. No real redeeming qualities.

Pairing: n/a

Recommendation: Pass

Ogio 2010 Primitivo

A surprisingly decent offering to a Zinfandel lover considering the price. Med/full body. Good fruit featuring red cherries with just a hint of candied cherry. Good balance. Medium long finish

Pairing: Roast beef, steaks, pork roast.

Recommendation: Buy

La Linda 2009 Syrah

I was pleasantly surprised by this Argentinian Syrah. Full body. Excellent ripe fruit. A bit on the tart side but overall well balanced. Nice long finish.

Pairing: Beef, steak, venison, lamb

Recommendation: Buy

Lamadrid 2008 Reserva Malbec

Cool modern label. Sadly the product doesn't live up to the billing. Medium body. Ho-hum fruit. Ho-hum finish.

Pairing: pork, corned beef

Recommendation: OK

Senor Real Vinas Centenarias 2007 Tempranillo

I was very disappointed by this offering from Spain. Well known for its Tempranillo, this area should have done much better. Sadly overwhelming the fruit was a distinct taste of turpentine. This was the first "dumper" I have had in a while.

Pairing: n/a

Recommendation: PASS

E. Guigal 2007 Cotes Du Rhone

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this economically priced French wine. Full of fruit. Medium body. Excellent long finish.

Pairing: Beef

Recommendation: Buy

Trapiche 2008 Broquel Malbec

I was hoping for something a bit better but should have known by the price that there wasn't much here. Very pretty label. Medium bodied. Very acidic, but a decent finish. Might be ok if left in your cellar for a couple of years.

Pairing: Pasta, grilled meats

Recommendation: OK