The Wine RackBy Suzanne and Parks Hall
TOP PICK
Non-Vintage Our top pick this month just had to be a bubbly. Korbel makes quite a few and they’re all good. But we like this one for it’s pretty red (not pink) color. It’s a real show stopper and attention getter when poured into a tall champagne flute. This is a medium-dry sparkler, filled with the rich flavors of black cherries, strawberries and plums. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir grapes, it’s a bubbly for red wine drinkers as well as for sparkling wine lovers. One of the best things about this very drinkable California Champagne, is it won’t break the budget. Especially good with red meats and hearty pasta or seafood dishes, this sparkler also will complement your holiday turkey. Be sure to by enough to toast the New Year with friends and loved ones. If you prefer your sparkling wine in a pale gold color, try Korbel’s Non-Vintage Chardonnay Champagne. It’s priced about the same and very food friendly. OTHER GOOD BETS THIS MONTH
2000 After the name, the aroma is what you’ll notice about this wine. It’s peppery and jumps rights out of the bottle. Filled with the flavor of dark berries and plums, this is a medium-bodied, dry Zinfandel with nice, but not overwhelming tannins. Pairing wines and soups can be tricky. This one, however, will be very comfortable on the table with a highly seasoned bean soup or a rich stew of beef and beans. For a holiday meal, pair it with a standing rib roast or other beef roast. It’s also a natural with sharp Cheddar cheese.
1999 Pale gold in color with the wonderful flavor of green apples, some nice spice and a little oak this white Burgundy is smooth and velvety on the tongue and has a nice balance of acidity and a bit of sweetness. If your holiday dining includes brunch, this is a good choice. Pair it with quiche and other egg dishes or a vegetable tart. At dinnertime, serve it with cheese and fruit as a starter or dessert. Or, sip it with roasted chicken or turkey. Image by S. Parks Hall Back to the Wine Rack index page |
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Drinking wine
is fun. But many people make it too complicated. That’s why for more than 10
years, we’ve tried hundreds of wines and shared what we’ve discovered with
newspaper, magazine and now Travellady.com readers. Our approach to wine
tasting may not be scientific. But it is down-to-earth. Since we believe
wine and food are a natural combination, we consider that when trying wines
and make pairing suggestions for every wine we recommend. You may not agree
with all our choices. But you can be assured that the wines we recommend,
whether priced at $10 or $40, represent good value. And speaking of prices,
please remember that they can vary from city to city and that some wines may
not be available everywhere.