– wine tips for the holiday feast
With the holiday season about to land upon your doorstep, it is only proper to offer a drink and a few appetizers to set the festive tone once your guests begin arrive. Can I suggest a range of ready-to-go beverages to accompany the smorgasbord of nibblies that lead up to dinner. As the house begins to fill, keep their glasses topped-up but allow some time between bottles and always pair alcohol with food to reduce the intoxicating effect. Remember as well that not everyone likes to partake and therefore a supply of well chilled bottled water and non-alcoholic refreshments is an essential addition to the otherwise fermented infusion.
After the coat exchange and bombardment of hugs and kisses, try…
Moscato d’Asti – light and refreshing
Unpretentious, unassuming, and uplifting; nothing says ‘welcome, please make yourself at home’ like a glass filled with frizzante bubbles. Typically only 6-8% alcohol, so your guests can enjoy this one without feeling any side effects.
LCBO 212092 | 750 mL
So many people enjoy this style that you really should have a bottle or two on hand to offer your guests as they wait for the turkey to brown. But don’t get too fancy here; I`d go for body and mass appeal over complexity. Australia
VINTAGES | 66738 | 750 mL
If the tasty Aussie doesn’t fill their glass then consider an Alsatian Riesling which tends to be drier than its German counterpart. Pair it with finger foods and appetizers around the island in the kitchen.
VINTAGES | 249631 | 750 mL
Sherry – A little in the soup
Considering soup as a prelude to your feast? My wife makes the best French Onion Soup on the planet and this is the secret... add a half cup of Lustau East India Sherry to the broth. I actually have no idea what this stuff tastes like on its own, but in the soup... OMG!
VINTAGES | 713636 | 375 mL
VINTAGES | 208512 | 750 mL
VINTAGES | 608489 | 750 mL
Amarone – Wow Factor
Arguably the most impressive of the full-bodied Italian reds. If you plan to serve beef rather than the traditional turkey or ham for your holiday feast, consider a bottle this powerhouse red. It is by no means inexpensive, but if you want to make people’s heads spin, this is the wine!
VINTAGES | 413179 | 750 mL
Rioja – Old-world Charm
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I have never had a bad bottle of wine from Rioja. If Burgundy
LCBO | 621003 | 750 mL
Fortified, oxidized, and one that will have them asking questions… after the pressed juice ferments, these wines are heated to extreme temperatures (as far as winemaking goes) and then allowed to mingle freely with the air; a technique unique to this style. Madeira can range from quite dry to a sweet wine called Boal that reflects the character of both Tawny port and Oloroso Sherry but with a richness unique to its home on the tiny volcanic island off the coast of Portugal
VINTAGES | 196857 | 500 mL
Sauternes – Classic sweet Bordeaux
In terms of dessert wines, this is as good as it gets; not pungently sweet like Icewine and less intoxicating than the fortified selections, Sauternes has a refreshing quality that sips well on its own or when paired with a range of sweet dishes.
VINTAGES | 98582 | 375 mL
20 year old Tawny Port
The feast is over and the dishes sit sparkling on the sideboard as they wait for the next occasion; I lay my head on the back of couch and close my eyes...
‘What a wonderful day but dear Lord that was a lot of work’ my wife whispers just above her breath. ‘You were wonderful my dear – a toast to you’, as I raise my glass one last time for the evening.
GRAHAM'S 20 Year TAWNY
‘What a wonderful day but dear Lord that was a lot of work’ my wife whispers just above her breath. ‘You were wonderful my dear – a toast to you’, as I raise my glass one last time for the evening.
GRAHAM'S 20 Year TAWNY
LCBO | 620641 | 500 mL
Happy Holidays
Love how this story ends!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tyler! I love the whole flow. All the best to you and your family for Christmas and the New Year. Carol Ann
ReplyDeleteHi Tyler,
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Cheers,
Julian.
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