For many people, the holidays are often an exercise in attempting to please everyone – picking out the perfect gifts, attending the proper mix of company parties and school events, serving both whole berry and jellied versions of cranberry sauce, etc. So when it comes to wine, stick to straightforward wines that pair well with a variety of foods.Most importantly: “Drink what you like!” If you don’t really enjoy white wine, don’t force yourself to drink one because you’re serving white meat. If you don’t typically enjoy a certain varietal, don’t feel like you have to follow any particular recommendation.The most common question is, “What wine goes best with turkey or ham?” Fortunately, there are a number of wines that pair nicely with the full range of holiday fare. For whites, try a Viognier or an off-dry Riesling. Viognier is a versatile wine, somewhere between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay in terms of fruitiness, crispness, and body. Similarly, “off-dry” Rieslings (like the German Kabinetts) are not totally dry and also not too sweet, providing a good balance.For the red wines, I recommend Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. Fuller-bodied Pinots are still delicate and somewhat fruity, while the lighter-style Zins offer a little more structure and a hint of spice without being too jammy or alcoholic. Look for Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley or the Willamette Valley in Oregon; Lodi Zinfandels are typically great wines and good values.When it comes to holiday celebrations, Syrah is a personal favorite, and these winesgenerally fall in the middle range of flavors, body, alcohol, and tannins. They can be sipped enjoyably over a few hours or paired with a range of hors d’oeuvres. Syrah is another good option for your holiday meal, as well. You can find great examples of these varietals for under $30; quality entertaining doesn’t have to break your budget! Happy Holidays!
