Des Moines Wine and Food Connection: Holiday Wines

Coming into the holidays and people are wondering, what wine to drink? Of course pinot noir, gewurztraminer & rose's work well with turkey, ham & the fixins' but what else? Casa di Vino poured a wonderful Garnacha (same as French Grenache) from Abrazo(Spanish) at our holiday show this past Saturday. Bright red cherry and raspberry like a pinot but just a bit spicier. The wine was a hit and works well with these meals also. Regio Zinfandel from Lodi, California is our Zin for the season. Nice fruit, a great nose and not too big, alcoholic nor jammy. A good red for white meats and even a good firm piece of fish. For those that prefer prime rib or lamb, CDV has a wonderful Cabernet Franc/Carmenere blend from Chilean winery Oveja Negra (Black Sheep) or a fruit-forward Syrah from Washington winery Wines of Substance. These are all good wines and great wine pairings that this wine and food guy is featuring this holiday season and beyond. As far as other whites go, CDV has two different Chardonnays that we're sweet on this season. Brownstone Chardonnay from California has nice apple & pear notes riding on top of subtle oak tones. From Australia, Grant Burge Barossa Chardonnay has brighter tropical fruit on a soft, lush body. Both will compliment your pork or poultry. Finally, if you're looking for something fun to pair with dessert, Casa di Vino has the Pacific Rim Vin Glaciere Riesling out of Washington. A small glass of this alongside a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie will finish off the evening just right. Whichever way you decide to go be sure and let the folks at the Casa (me!) guide and assist you. Also, if you need recipe ideas see our website. Recipes that we featured at our holiday show are posted there.