Local experts recommend wine and champagne to pair with this year’s holiday feast
From Jeff Kreston at Kreston Wine & Spirits
Stewarts Point Skaggs Springs Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
From Dry Creek Valley and stunning! This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon begins with notes of coriander and cardamom on the nose. Lush flavors of blueberry, blackcurrant, and blackberry are beautifully layered on the palate and lead into a unique, subtle hint of vanilla. The finish is accented with flavors of mocha and is refined by the velvety French oak. ($19.99)
From Ed Mulvihill at Peco’s Liquors
Field Recordings Fiction Red Blend Paso
For a delightful holiday wine pairing, consider Field Recordings’ “The Field” blend. This vibrant wine, with its juicy notes of cherry and plum, complements festive dishes beautifully. It pairs well with roasted meats and savory sides, making it an excellent choice for holiday feasts. Its lively acidity and subtle spice add a festive touch to your gatherings, ensuring each sip enhances the seasonal cheer. Cheers to a wonderful holiday celebration! ($22.99)
From Joe Hiester at The Wine & Spirit Co. of Greenville
Now that fall is here, it’s time to switch to some heartier wines. I’ve been enjoying the exceptional syrahs from Pax vineyards in Sonoma County and Mendocino, California. These cooler climate syrahs and syrah blends are quite special. Since 1997, all of the Pax wines are whole cluster, crushed by foot, fermented using ambient yeasts, and crafted without the use of unnatural additives. Three selections from Pax — “The Bench Vineyard” Syrah, Pax GSM, and Sonoma Hillside Syrah — are available here at The Wine & Spirit Co of Greenville. All three pair especially well with grilled foods, BBQ, or just sitting around a campfire with friends.
From Linda Collier at Colliers of Centerville
Lancelot-Pienne Accord Majeur Brut Champagne
The holidays are not complete without a bottle of Champagne, which — as everyone who knows me realizes — is one of my many loves in life. This year we are going to a lovely grower in Champagne, Lancelot Pienne Accord Majeur Brut, which is 70% pinot meunier, 15% each pinot noir and chardonnay — all adding up to 100% delightful.
It is creamy, dense and a touch hedonistic. Full-bodied with an elegant mousse. Brioche, white peach, almond, quince, apple and spice and quite complex.
Begin your evening with Comté and then treat yourself to a lovely lobster dinner or you could even bring out the duck or lamb. Whatever you chose, be it just a glass in front of the fire, you will be delighted. ($59.99)
From Dave Govatos at SWIGG Real Wine
Vina Zorzal, Garnacha, Navarra Spain 2022
I enjoy pairing the savory and sweet flavors and rich textures of the Thanksgiving table with red wines showcasing loads of vibrant upfront fruit that are framed with tangy acidity. Vina Zorzal’s humble Granacha bottling fits the bill perfectly. The fruit is ethically farmed by three brothers who produce the wine in a natural manner. In the glass, the wine displays crushed red fruit and earthy spice aromas that play perfectly with the richness and umami like flavors of the holiday table. ($19)
From Frank Pagliaro at FranksWines
Ancient Oak Cellars 2018 Pinot Noir
Let’s get real: Thanksgiving is basically the Super Bowl of holidays. It’s not only a time to showcase your culinary expertise, but also a chance to flex your wine knowledge. After all, what better way to elevate the holiday requisite smorgasbord than with an expertly chosen wine… I am here to help!
My go-to this time of year is pinot noir. The one I love drinking right now is from Sonoma, California. This beauty has all the ripe cherry, plum, vanilla oak, and fall spice you expect. It is perfectly balanced by vibrant acidity and with six years in the bottle it has mellowed nicely to give you a silky, velvety mouth feel. Better grab two, it’s that good! ($34.99)
From Kathryn Shockcor at Moore Brothers Wine Company
Anna Reimann’s dry German Riesling, der Gärtner ($27), would be an excellent white wine choice. The low alcohol, vibrant acidity and crisp, apple flavors would be a refreshing match for the flavors on the table. Anne Sery’s Trousse-Chemise Pinot Noir ($24) would be an all-American red wine selection, full of bright, red cranberry fruit and finishing with fresh, lively acidity. Conclude your meal with the luscious, creaminess of St. Eufemia 10 Year Tawny Port ($30).