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