‘tis the Season for Great Holiday Wines!
by
Maureen Rooney
Wine Consultant, Siesta Key Wines
Another holiday season is upon us as we ponder and race to find the perfect gift for our friends and family. No need to stress! For centuries wine has been a universal gift of appreciation, love, joy and celebration. Whether it’s an elegant wine as a hostess gift for a dinner party or a monthly wine club for Uncle Bill, wine is one of the most versatile gifts of the season.
Choosing a wine as a gift can be easier than you think even if you’re not sure whether to give a red or white wine. It can really be as easy as deciding what type of wine you would serve yourself for the occasion.
An extremely popular white wine for the holiday season is a beautiful German Riesling. But you’re thinking, isn’t that too sweet? Nonsense! Rieslings have consistently had their place in winter holiday menus and should be appreciated for all that they have to offer. Whether served as an aperitif with a dry cheese like a Spanish Manchengo, grilled salmon for the Feast of Seven Fishes or with desserts, such as pumpkin pie or caramel cheesecake, Rieslings complement many aspects of the meal.
Our pick for this holiday season is Joseph Friederich’s 2014 Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett from Mosel, Germany. It is said that the best Rieslings in the world come from the banks of the Mosel River and this Riesling is no exception. Traditionally Piesporter Rieslings are among the lightest in Germany, these wines usually contain about 12% to 14% alcohol and they are generally delicate, fresh, and bursting with flavor. This wine in particular blossoms with its flowery tastes and aromas. Try this Riesling with turkey or pork roast this Holiday season at your next dinner or cocktail party. Once you try it you will fall in love with the great flavor and versatility of this spectacular Riesling and you will be enjoying it well into Spring.
Another great wine for this holiday season comes from the Controguerra territory in Abruzzo, Italy. Lumen by Illuminati is a 2008 Reserve of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Illuminati Family has been growing grapes in the region for over 120 years and continues to produce wines that are true to the Controguerra territory. Lumen is intense ruby red in color with notes of blackberry, red currant, and ripe red fruits on the nose. These flavors continue onto the well-balanced, well-structured, elegant palate and finish.
This wine is more than your typical Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – a traditional Italian wine that pairs with most Italian cuisine. It is full of the varietal’s berry flavors and smooth finish, but it is also enhanced by the intense, robust complexity of Cabernet. This intensity helps the wine pair well with red meats, game, lamb, and aged cheeses as well as heavier Italian fare. The complexity and smoothness of the Illuminati’s Lumen makes this a wine that is sure to impress even your most discerning guest or hostess. Lumen presents a full bodied wine with an incredible smoothness that will leave your guests amazed and asking for more.
No holiday or festive occasion is ever complete without an extraordinary bottle of the bubbly. How many times have you settled for a Blanc du Blancs, a Cava, Prosecco or even a California sparkling mystery wine? You really owe it to yourself to splurge on the real thing! There is a reason why Champagne – real Champagne, from Champagne, France costs more than other sparkling wines from other regions of the world. Champagne is born from the best tasting grapes, grown in the best region and soil in the world. Our favorite Champagne is a collaborative effort of 1800 growers in the Champagne region to make the most incredible Champagne that I’ve had in a long time. Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique is a balanced and complex Champagne featuring 40% Chardonnay which adds freshness and delicate aromas to the wine, 30% Pinot Noir for structure and 30% Pinot Meunier which rounds out the fruit flavors of the grapes. The wine is pale yellow with tints of white gold and a stream of fine dancing bubbles. Fresh pear, fig and almond are prevalent on the nose along with hints of orange flower and honey. Enjoy this exceptional Champagne as an aperitif with cheese and fruit, with Belgian chocolate and strawberries for dessert, or let the wine shine on its own. Perfect for enjoying New Year’s Day when you have time to slow down and savor the flavor!
Call or email us with your wine questions and we would be happy to help you. Our featured wines are available in our shop on Siesta Key and are available to ship to most states.
We wish all of you a safe and joyous holiday season and much time to sip, savor and swirl! Cheers.
Siesta Key Wines is located in the Siesta Key Village. Email us at drinkwine@siestakeywines.com or give a ring at 941-552-9105. Remember…we ship!
Wines available at Siesta Key Wines & Gifts. Shipping available.
Siesta Key Wines
5138C Ocean Blvd.
Siesta Key, FL 34242
941-552-9105
http://www.siestakeywines.com/
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