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The holidays are here, and that means entertaining with wine. These picks from wine pro Leslie Sbrocco complement traditional menus and fall under $20, leaving you more money to toast the season in style.
For Holiday Appetizers
With guests dressed for glamour, nothing spells celebration like bubbly. A glass of fizz works beautifully with everything from simple appetizers like nuts and popcorn to extravagant caviar on toast points. The saltiness of these dishes is offset by zesty sparkling wine from around the world.
First, look to northeastern Spain for the affordable sparkler called cava. These bubblies are generally made from native grapes such as Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, lending them juicy flavor and softness. A top pick is Segura Viudas "Aria" Cava ($12), which is a real crowd pleaser.
For a touch of elegance, head to California and uncork the Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut ($20). This dry bubbly blends pinot noir and chardonnay grapes in a crisp classic.
If champagne from France is on your wish list but not in the budget, pick up the Pommery Champagne POP ($11). A single-serve blue bottle containing 187 milliliters, this mini-me size is the equivalent of a glass and a half. Load up an ice bucket with these sleek sippers and kick off your party with class.
With Salads and Starters
Greens with tangy vinaigrette, a colorful vegetable platter, asparagus topped by a sliver of shaved Parmesan or warm goat cheese and fresh bread. All of these fresh first courses call for vibrant, racy whites like the 2005 Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio ($11), hailing from northern Italy's Tre Venezie region.
Another popular pick is the sassy, citrus-laden 2006 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($15) from Marlborough, New Zealand. Topped with the tin roof of progress — a screw cap — it's top quality and trendy.
Chardonnay is still America's favored wine, so for those seeking a rich, round version that's balanced with freshness, the answer is Kendall-Jackson's 2005 "Grand Reserve" Chardonnay ($20) from Santa Barbara, California. It's a wine that will satisfy throughout a meal. For a supervalue wine, reach for the Gallo Family Vineyards "Twin Valley" Chardonnay ($5). Packed with juicy pear and apple fruitiness, it's got party appeal.
With Turkey and Trimmings
The cacophony of flavors on the turkey table — from sweet potatoes to savory stuffing — requires wine with light oak, lower alcohol and a whisper of sweetness. Riesling is a premier bird-friendly pick, so try the off-dry 2005 Gainey Vineyard Riesling ($13) from California's Santa Ynez Valley. The area is close to cooling ocean breezes, which keeps the wines bright and light.
Another aromatic grape variety is gewürztraminer, and the 2005 Covey Run Gewürztraminer comes from Washington's Columbia Valley. Priced at a cool $8, it's spicy, peachy and smooth.
For red lovers, pinot noir is the ideal turkey wine due to its smooth tannins, silky style and red-berry fruitiness. Affordable pinot may sound like an oxymoron, but there are bottles that deliver in the under-$20 category. Try the easy-drinking 2005 Beringer Founders' Estate Pinot Noir ($12) and the earthy and elegant 2005 Cambria Pinot Noir "Julia's Vineyard" ($19) from California's Santa Maria Valley.
With Roast Beef and Lamb
Tender roast beef and lamb infused with rosemary are holiday classics. No tale of beauty and the beef would be complete, however, without a hearty red wine. Shiraz — otherwise known as syrah — and cabernet sauvignon are top picks to echo the meat's richness.
A traditional Aussie blend is the 2004 Wolf Blass "Yellow Label" Shiraz/Cabernet ($12) from South Australia. Velvety and soft but with structure, it's a wine worth twice the price.
For a cabernet to please those who want power reds, seek out the 2004 Turner Road Cabernet Sauvignon ($11) from California's Paso Robles region. Syrah is a spicy, peppery wine that's a natural partner for lamb, and the 2004 Cline "Cool Climate" Syrah ($16) from the Sonoma Coast is complex and classy.
Going to a party and need an impressive yet fun gift? Bring Elvis. The newly released 2003 Graceland Cellars "Blue Christmas" Cabernet Sauvignon ($18) from grapes grown in Napa Valley sports a picture of the King and is an ode to his vintage Christmas tune.
With Holiday Desserts
Sweet endings are a holiday must. Whether you're serving pumpkin pie or Christmas cookies, a dessert wine invites smiles.
A good guideline for pairing is to color match. Try fruit-based tarts and pies like apple and pear with sweet wines such as ice wine or a lightly sweet sparkler. Indulge in the subtle, lightly sweet Bonny Doon Muscat Vin de Glaciere ($16 for a half bottle) or the Chandon "Riche" extra-dry bubbly ($18). (Oddly enough, the words "extra dry" on a bottle of sparkling wine mean the wine is slightly sweet.)
For chocolate or caramel-based desserts, think a deep purple sweet wine like port. A great value is Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Porto ($20) from Portugal. Hints of chocolate and spice in the aromas are fleshed out with ultrarich fruit flavors.
The Holidays' Best Cheap Wines
Create your own wine cheat sheet by cutting out these lists and stashing them in your purse!
