Alanna's Wine recommendations for the Holidays.

This time of year involves a lot of entertaining therefore it's wise to keep your “cellar” stocked with a selection of wines for the occasion. I've recommended wines that will partner well with anything from classic party appetizers & cheese plates to the full holiday feast with all the fixings.

BUBBLY – A must have! The perfect way to welcome guests at the door and great aperitif before moving onto fuller bodied white wines or red wines. The bubbles cleanse the palate and tantalize the taste buds. Serve your fizz with hors d'oeuvres, classic antipasti & cheeses.   

Masottina Extra Dry Prosecco, Italy            $26

Montaudon Champagne, France                  $48

RIESLING – A light bodied, high intensity white wine with wonderful acid/sugar balance is sure to please a range of palates, especially when sipping pre-meal or with finger foods. An off dry Riesling with zippy acidity and a hint of sweetness pairs well with the holiday ham and spicier foods. 

Sileni Riesling, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand $19

CHARDONNAY – A lightly oaked, fruit forward, and soft creamy style white wine offers comforting aromas and pairs well with fuller flavoured fish like scallops & lobster and a great choice for Turkey dinner.

Spires Barossa Valley Estate Chardonnay, Australia $18

Spy Valley Chardonnay, Marlborough New Zealand $29

PINOT NOIR – A light bodied, soft, silky red with bright cherry flavours and a hint of earthiness is an extremely food friendly wine – it has enough body to pair with full flavoured fish like a cedar planked salmon, earthy sweet mushroom risotto or gamey dishes such as duck. Also a great choice for traditional Turkey dinner.   

William Cole Pinot Noir, Casablanca, Chile                        $17

Quails Gate Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada      $33

 
SYRAH/SHIRAZ – A full bodied and spicy red wine soothes the senses and warms the soul in the dead of winter. Try a Shiraz with hearty meat dishes – wonderful with lamb tangine or with herb crusted rack of lamb. 

Glen Carlou Syrah, South Africa                  $27

ICEWINE - Don't forget to have something sweet on hand. Nova Scotia icewine is a nice way finish off a meal and compliments cheese/fruit plate.

Benjamin Bridge Borealis Vidal Icewine                  $35,95 (200ml)


For further information please visit: http://www.bishopscellar.com/