My Holiday Wine Hacks!
First, buy some Champagne :)
Hello! If you are just picking up the Grape to Table newsletter, thanks so much for joining to learn more about wine, food, and life. We have just wrapped up my origin story (click here to read), and we are diving into fun content mostly focused on meaningful time at the table with delicious wine and food. And there is certainly no better time to celebrate such things than the holidays…or maybe I am wrong! Even as I write this, I know that the holidays can actually bring on a lot of stress. Well, I am here to alleviate all wine pairing stress!!
It’s funny I have written many versions of this newsletter during my years focused on wine, and it honestly never gets old. See, I truthfully believe that with just a few solid tips you can greatly increase your own enjoyment on the pairing side of the holiday table riddle.
While Thanksgiving is unbelievably next week (yikes!), you still have plenty of time to read through my advice and then take some notes into your local wine shop for the most fun part of your holiday shopping!
#1 Bubbles Solve ALL Problems!
When did a glass of sparkling wine put a frown on your face??? Absolutely never!
In my opinion, bubbles are a necessity for holiday celebrations, especially to kick things off (whether it’s a glass of REAL DEAL Champagne or a cocktail featuring other sparkling wine).
(Factoid: Real Deal Champagne comes from the French region of Champagne)
There’s the stereotype of bubbles being PRICEY but there are many options!
Want to go for the real deal? Choose Grower Champagne!
This is Champagne from small, independent producers rather than big companies!
Grower Champagne is usually a bit more interesting and often the same price as big producers (think $50 starting point).
Sparkling Beyond Champagne!
Cava from Spain!
Made in the same method as Champagne = yeasty, croissant like flavors like Champagne
Sadly many bad examples (especially at the grocery store)
Go to your local wine shop and ask for Spanish sparkling made by family producers like Avinyo, Gramona, and Raventos i Blanc (Average pricing: $25ish)
Side note: some of these smaller producers have actually quit labeling their bubbly as Cava because they feel that designation is too vague!
Prosecco from Italy!
Made in a different method from Champagne that yields a fruitier bubbly – making it great for cocktails!
Also many bad examples but once again go to your local wine shop and ask for family producers like Sommariva or Sorelle Bronca (Average pricing: $25ish)
Cremant from all over France (Average pricing: $25-35ish)
Made in the same method as Champagne = yeasty, croissanty like flavors (like Champagne!)
Not as mass distributed in the United States as Cava and Prosecco so there are better odds of getting a good one :)
Made from native grapes of the region of production – for example, in Loire you will find many Cremants made from Chenin Blanc – MY FAVE! (Look for small family producers like Bodet-Herold, Le Rocher des Violettes, and Champalou in the Loire.)
Petillant Naturel aka “Pet Nat” (Average pricing: $25-35ish)
Made in a different method from Champagne that often results in a slightly cloudy bubbly under “crown cap” (like a bottle of beer).
Examples from all over the world; often falls into “natural wine” category
Certainly the ultra-hip option! Gain cool points!
Will definitely need to source this from a smaller bottle shop.
#2 Acid Cuts Richness!
Bright white wines (and reds) prove the perfect foil to a table full of gluttony!
High acid wines like Riesling and the aforementioned Chenin Blanc have to be wine nerds favorite go-to wines for the holidays. (Wide range of pricing but can start in $20s)
These wines are pretty and vivacious and keep your palate primed for that next bite of ridiculousness!
Look for Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley (and some from Cali!)
Look for Dry Riesling from Germany, Austria, Alsace (France), and Oregon.
There’s also the lesser known grape Melon de Bourgogne (aka Melon B) from the Loire Valley region of Muscadet. (Note: this is no relation to Muscadine or Muscadet grapes!!)
Most folks simply refer to the wine as Muscadet and never mention the grape name. Either way it’s the best bang for your buck when it comes to mineral driven DRY white wine that plays perfectly with rich food, and it’s a classic pairing with oysters, which are a holiday/winter staple here in the Lowcountry. (Average price $20ish!)
Domaine Pepiere is one of the oldest and BEST Muscadet producers; I also love Domaine Landron, Domaine Chéreau Carré, and Domaine L’Ecu.
#3 Food and Family Friendly Reds Are a Necessity
This means that maybe you should forgo any heavy, high alcohol bruisers that will send everyone down for the count way too early!
Instead, think of fresh, CHUGGABLE choices :) -- like Gamay and Pinot Noir (which also usually have that great acidity we are looking for!)
Gamay from its homeland in France like Beaujolais! But also the Loire Valley!
Also don’t overlook Gamay from Oregon!
Pinot Noir from its homeland in France (Burgundy)! But also from Cali, Oregon, New Zealand, and more!
Wide range of pricing but many great examples at $25-40 range (of course Burgundy will creep up in price quickly!)
Or for something more esoteric, think Trousseau from the Jura (France)! Also Zweigelt from Austria is a great value!
Cooking something on the meaty side (like Beef Wellington or Rib Roast) then sure, you might want to go with a bit more structure like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, or Syrah – but you can stick with Old World options that are generally lower in alcohol and can also offer more bang for your buck!
#4 Hosting a crowd? Bring in the big guns!
As in – LARGE format!
Splurge on a magnum (that’s 1.5 liters – twice the size of a normal bottle); magnums are DEFINITELY fun and some are reasonably priced, but be aware that sometimes magnums can be more than double the price due to their rarity and expense of glass.
On a budget? How about liter bottles of affordable but quality juice – many Austrian producers bottle in liter format, but also look for liters from Italy and Spain – perfect for a party! (Starting at $16?!)
Or better yet – how about high quality BOXED WINE?! Yep, that’s a thing! I know of several natural wine importers who are working with their small producers to create great boxed wine in cute packaging! Look for From the Tank white,rosé, and red (from Jenny & Francois Imports) and Herisson rosé and red (from Communal Brands Imports); these are certainly more expensive than the Bota box but also much better for the hangover! And still quite reasonable – about $50 for a 3 liter box!
#5 Think that rosé season is over? Think again!
Rosé happens to be one of my favorite holiday pairing partners as it has a knack for going with a myriad of flavors.
I especially love the darker hued options that have a bit more structure. (And no, darker hued rosé does not imply sweetness!)
Feeling Zany?
How about throwing a bottle or two of “orange” wine (aka skin contact white wine) in the ice bucket! It’s like the hipper version of rosé )
It’s a great gateway for all those folks that think they only like red wine but who also need something refreshing (especially if it’s 80 degrees on Christmas day!).
Orange wine can get pricey but some great intros to the category are in the $20s.
#6 Most Importantly – Enjoy Yourself!
Drink what you like and let others do the same!
If your aunt prefers Moscato with everything – then buy her some!
If your brother wants high octane Cali Cab Sauv with everything – then buy him some!
The holidays should genuinely be about enjoying good tims at the table with loved ones – so don’t sweat the small stuff :)
Here’s a handy (and pretty) version of my holiday wine guide! Feel free to print and share! I would also love to hear your go-to holiday pairings — please leave comments!
And tune back in next week for my oyster stew recipe. That’s always fun to make on Thanksgiving Eve as it’s super easy and feeds a crowd!
