A list, checked twice, for those dreaming of a wine Christmas

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/12/2020 (2113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While this year’s Christmas dinner will likely look different (read: smaller) for most, many might still want to opt for the traditional turkey and all the fixings, if for no other reason than to create some feeling of normalcy in a holiday season that is anything but normal.

With that in mind, here are some wines that would work well with the classic Christmas dinner and/or all manner of dishes you might be tempted to try this holiday season, no matter what you’re celebrating…

● Bubbly is a solid way to start any festive feast, and the Santa Margherita NV Brut Rosé ($21.99, Liquor Marts and beyond) is a solid choice. A blend of Chardonnay, Glera and Malbec, it’s pale pink in colour, with pear, melon, crisp peach, green apple and floral notes aromatically. On the light-plus bodied palate it’s mainly dry, with peach, raspberry, strawberry leaf and red apple skin flavours, medium acidity and a dry, almost-peppery finish. Ideal for hors d’oeuvres, snacks and milder cheeses. Bonus: it’s on sale for $19.49 until the end of the month, meaning you can also stock up for your (similarly smaller) New Year’s Eve festivities. 3.5/5

● Riesling is tough to beat when it comes to pairing wine with turkey, and the Tantalus 2019 Riesling (Okanagan Valley, B.C. — $30.63, Liquor Marts and beyond) is one of the best in our market. It’s pale straw in colour, and aromatically brings ripe red apple, pear, subtle peach and very delicate chalky notes. On the light-bodied palate there’s just a hint of sweetness, and the bright green apple, lemon candy and peach flavours, as well as the underlying chalky note, work brilliantly with the vibrant acidity and the long, steely finish. Drink this spectacular Riesling now with your big festive bird, spicier Thai dishes, sushi or salads, or tuck this away for 18 months or more and let it evolve. Outstanding. 5/5

● Another white wine that works with a variety of dishes, including turkey, is Chardonnay — provided it’s not too oaky. There’s also a lovely chalky note to the Louis Latour 2018 Bourgogne Chardonnay (Burgundy, France — $23.99, Liquor Marts and beyond), as well as red apple, pear and melon notes on the nose. On the medium-bodied palate the red apple and peach notes work well, with pear and melon flavours showing nicely with very subtle toasty oak. Drink now — and it’s on sale for $21.59 until the end of December. 4/5

● A dry rosé would also work wonders with Christmas dinner (and more), and the Julia Kemper 2016 Elpenor Rosé (Dão, Portugal — around $25, private wine stores) is pale pink in colour, with raspberry candy, peach, strawberry and light herbal notes on the nose. It’s dry, medium-bodied and rich, with peach, strawberry candy and melon notes, an underlying herbal note that adds complexity, a splash of light acidity and a long, warm finish. Serve with turkey, ham, richer seafood dishes, spicier food and more. Available at La Boutique del Vino. 4.5/5

● On the red wine front, Pinot Noir is always a good choice, and New Zealand producers do as well with the grape as anyone. The Big Sky 2017 Te Muna Road Pinot Noir (Martinborough, New Zealand — $37.70, Liquor Marts and beyond) is a lighter, fruit-forward example of this complex grape, with cola, cherry and earthy aromas and an intriguing underlying white pepper note. It’s dry, light-bodied and fairly complex, with cranberry, raspberry and cherry flavours, medium acidity and a black tea/white pepper note that comes with the light tannins on the finish. Drink now. 4/5

● For a completely different Pinot experience, try the Meiomi 2019 Pinot Noir (Monterey County/Santa Barbara County/Sonoma County, Calif. — $19.99, Liquor Marts and beyond). Aromatically this California Pinot brings cherry and raspberry candy, eucalyptus and strawberry notes; on the medium-bodied palate there’s some definite sweetness, with red candy and vanilla notes leading the charge, a blueberry jam component in there, a cherry cola component and a relatively lengthy (13.7 alcohol), warm finish. A good option with turkey, and a red that could appeal to non-red wine drinkers. 3/5

● Doing a solo holiday dinner this year? Looking for an interesting red? In the smaller-format category the the London House NV red (Ontario — $7.99/250ml can, private wine stores) fits the bill. A blend of Marechal Foch, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Meunier, the nose is brambly berries, a leafy/herbal note and a hint of something a bit gamey that’s compelling. It’s medium-bodied and jammy (but not overly sweet), with black cherry, cassis and balsamic-like flavours, modest acidity, light tannin and a short finish. Chill for 15 minutes before serving; available at De Luca Fine Wines. 3/5

● For heavier dishes and those who simply must have a bigger red, the La Posta Pizzella 2018 Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina — $18.99, Liquor Marts and beyond) is a solid, fruit-forward option. This single-vineyard Argentine red brings mocha, blueberry, espresso, white pepper and blackberry aromas; on the dry, full-bodied and chewy palate the dark berry, raspberry and plum notes are rich, tannins are light and the finish isn’t too hot. A good value for the money — especially while it’s $16.49 until the end of December. 3.5/5

uncorked@mts.net

Twitter: @bensigurdson