By Michaela Morris, Westender. Images: Submitted
All I ever really want for Christmas is a table surrounded by family and good friends. The more the merrier.
No matter who shows up, I consider myself very lucky. Besides first-rate company, the food is always tasty and of course the wines are too. This doesn't necessarily mean going overboard though. When the guest list keeps expanding, I see no point in going bankrupt. Rather I look for well-priced wines that will satisfy everyone's thirst and keep the chatter flowing.
The other key consideration is ensuring that the wines are appropriate for the banquet. Don't worry, this is pretty straightforward. Usually Christmas dinner means turkey (perhaps ham) with a whole lot of accompaniments. So a friendly wine that will get along well with an array of dishes is the goal.
Whatever you drink should make you want to eat more. Think lively and quenching whites like Riesling, Albariño and Carricante. Other powerfully scented wines such as Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Torrontés have the character to match a flavourful feast. An equally aromatic but off the beaten track red like Frappato could be a fun conversation starter. Better-known reds that often grace my table are light but bright Pinot Noir and Gamay. If you want to go richer, a fruit-forward Grenache or Zinfandel will also work like a charm.
I recommend you pick up a few fun bottles now. Who wants to be standing in line on Christmas Eve?
2013 Paul Zinck, Pinot Blanc • Alsace AOC, France • $15.99, BC Liquor Stores
Subtle smoke with pear, delicate white flowers and vibrant citrus notes. This fantastic value Alsace Pinot Blanc makes for a lovely aperitif but it will also refresh the palate while feasting.
2013 Valckenberg, Gewürztraminer • Pfalz, Germany • $17.49, BC Liquor Stores
Gewurz is a classic suggestion for a holiday meal. Its bold personality has the ability to stand up to an array of flavourful side dishes. Cinnamon spiced peach and dried rose petals with a hint of sweetness, the Valckenberg is like an extroverted guest who contributes stimulating conversation without monopolizing it.
2011 Bodegas Piqueras, 'Castillo de Almansa' • Almansa Reserva DO, Spain • $11.29. BC Liquor Stores
A blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell, the Castello de Almansa is savoury and rich yet so approachable with plum, vanilla and leather notes. I think of it as an old friend who is always welcome at the party, especially when the guest list is robust. Also conveniently available in magnums for $23.49.
2013 Vignamaggio, 'Monna Lisa' • Chianti Classico DOCG, Italy • $22.99, BC Liquor Stores
Here'a a new Chianti Classico that's worth introducing to the gang. Besides flavours of dark cherry skins, juicy raspberry and sweet tobacco, it has plenty of mouthwatering acidity and enough tannin to scrub your mouth out between bites.
2014 SpierHead, Pinot Noir • Okanagan Valley, BC, VQA • $23-27, winery direct & private wine stores
If there is any remote possibility of celebrating the season with out-of-town guests, you gotta have something local on hand. I applauded the past vintage of SpierHead recently but the new release is even better. From the warm 2014 summer, it offers lush summer berries, underlying toast and a bright red currant finish.
• Prices exclusive of taxes.
