Whether dining with Dad in Mesa, or the cousins across town, there will no doubt be a bottle of wine – or two – on the table. Good food, good wine and Yuletide simply go together.
A gift of wine is always appreciated, just bring a second one to open with dinner. And don’t worry about whether it’s white or red or bubbly, just about any bottle works this time of year. White wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are great for pre-dinner sipping or just lounging around talking. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and other reds pair well with hearty, meaty dinners.
This Examiner scoured the aisles of Total Wine & More, BevMo and neighborhood grocers Fresh & Easy and Marketside for inspiration. Here are a few bottles for sipping or giving as a gift. Cheers!
• Antica 2009 Estate Chardonnay, California. If you want to impress Mom, this is the one. Developed by the Antinori family that dates back 600 years of winemaking in Italy, this is from their Atlas Peak vineyard in Napa Valley. The wine speaks of Burgundy with pear, apple and minerals, but this is pure California. $33. Also bring Mom a bottle of Antica’s Napa-grown olive oil.
• 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, California. Named after the ideal latitudinal measurement for growing this regal variety of grape, the bottle lives up to all the hype with rich blackberry, plum and earthen notes. $15.
• Souverain 2009 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc, California. Have enjoyed the wines of Souverain for a long time. They’re consistently delicious and great with food. This wine offers just the right balance between bright, crisp varietal character and a gentle touch of barrel influence. $14.
• Parducci 2007 True Grit, California. Bring this for the “pilgrim” in your group. Sure, the name is a conversation piece, but so is the wine. This dark, inky Petite Sirah (88 percent) and Syrah (12 percent) saw 34 months in oak before bottling, which makes for a smooth ride. All that time in wood would even tame Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon. $30.
• Villa Sandi Prosecco “Il Fresco” Spumante DOC Brut, Italy. We’re all cost conscious nowadays and Italian Prosecco or Spanish Cava sparkling wines are a good way to save a few bucks over more expensive French and California counterparts. Plus, they’re great for mixing. This one is so pretty, however, I prefer to chill and sip on its own with canapés or shellfish. $14.
• Picket Fence 2009 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, California. Yum! I’ve been back on a Pinot Noir binge after drowning myself in the stuff a couple year ago, and love this bottle – and especially its price. To the nose, it pangs of raspberry-cherry pie, which then transfers to the palate with some earthiness. Sip with duck or pork. $18.
Contact Phoenix Drinks Editor Mark Nothaft via e-mail and click here and follow him on Twitter.
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