It’s that time of year again when you are challenged with matching the perfect wine with Christmas dinner or providing that stellar wine that will be the star of the party. Look no further. Here is your guide to the perfect holiday wine that will be classy enough for Uncle Dean, yet approachable by Aunt Mable. I’ll even tell you what wines you should buy based on where you will be shopping in Thurston County.
Where do I start?
You should probably start with noting what food you’ll be enjoying with the wine. One of the usual suspects—turkey, beef rib roast, or ham? Or something more exotic such as a Chateaubriand, Lamb Wellington, or lobster? I’ve got you covered.
I’m serving turkey, chicken, or pork—what pairs well?
Your best bet is to go with a white wine or a medium bodied red wine. Sure, there are other options, but you can’t go wrong with the recommendations I’ve outlined below. I’ve also included options at a variety of price points.
Pleasing the Crowd
| Type | Wine | Ratings | Price | Where to buy |
| White Wine | Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay 2009 –Pineapple and lemon on the nose and palate, rounded mouth feel, and a satisfying finish. This is a classic Burgundian chardonnay from a very reputable producer. |
n/a | $9.70 | The Wine Loft |
| White Wine | H3 Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay 2008 – Medium-bodied Chardonnay with classic character. Apples, vanilla (from the oak), and pears on the nose and palate.The H3 brand of Columbia Crest puts out a number of value wines that are tasty and very affordable. |
WS 90 | $11.99 | Fred Meyer, Safeway |
| Red Wine | H3 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills 2008 – A wonderfully balanced wine with loads of black fruit, tobacco and spice. You’ll fool your friends that this wine was only $11.99.The list price for this wine is $18.99, but it is virtually on sale all of the time at major grocery stores. Fred Meyer has the best price in the area at $11.99. Wine Loft $12.49. Safeway $12.99. |
WS 91 | $11.99 | Fred Meyer, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, The Wine Loft, QFC, Cost Plus World Market |
Turning a Few Heads
| Type | Wine | Ratings | Price | Where to buy |
| White Wine | Elk Cove Pinot Gris 2009 – Big nose with a bundle of pear, apple, and grapefruit. Well balanced.This wine was in the Wine Spectator Top 100 for 2010. |
WS 90, W&S 92 | $14.50 | The Wine Loft |
| Red Wine | Waterbrook Columbia Valley Reserve Merlot 2007 – A Great smelling and tasting wine with black fruit, charcoal, and molasses on the nose. Beautiful finish. This wine was listed as #46 in the Wine Spectators Top 100 wines of 2010. |
WS 92 | $18.99 | Fred Meyer, The Wine Loft |
Making a Statement
| Type | Wine | Ratings | Price | Where to buy |
| Red Wine | Pahlmeyer Merlot 2007 – This is a prodigious wine that delivers on the nose, palate, and with its decadent finish. The bottle and label are gorgeous as well–this is a perfect wine to give as a gift.The retail price on this is $90, but it’s on sale at the Wine Loft for $40. |
WA 96, WS 94 | $40.00 | The Wine Loft |
I’m serving beef or lamb—what pairs well?
You’ll want to serve a red wine that will stand up to the protein and complement it.
Pleasing the Crowd
| Type | Wine | Ratings | Price | Where to buy |
| Red Wine | H3 Les Chevaux Horse Heaven Hills 2008 – This is a delicious wine. Huge nose. Fruit forward yet carrying old world charm. Highly recommended.Fred Meyer has the best price in town. I’m not sure why Safeway doesn’t carry it. |
WS 91, W&S 92 | $11.99 | Fred Meyer |
| Red Wine | Chateau La Vernede Coteaux du Languedoc Tradition 2007—Old world in style, this wine will transport you to the south of France—layers of tobacco, anise, leather, and earth.This is the wine to buy if you are looking for something different and delicious. |
n/a | $9.70 | The Wine Loft |
Turning a Few Heads
| Type | Wine | Ratings | Price | Where to buy |
| Red Wine | Beaulieu BV Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006– Excellent left-bank Bordeaux blend with blackberry, chocolate, and minerals shining through. Highly recommended.I’m usually not a big fan of Beaulieu, because they are so often overprice and don’t provide quality wines at reasonable prices. Don’t go buying any Beaulieu Vineyards’ wine on the shelf—find this exact one. The Wine Loft has the best price in town, but Fred Meyer is a close second.
|
WE 92 | $17.90 | Fred Meyer, Safeway, The Wine Loft |
Making a Statement
| Type | Description | Ratings | Price | Where to buy |
| Red Wine | Syrah Yakima Valley C’est Syrah Magnifique 2006– Perfectly balanced Syrah with smoke, cassis, and hints of sheep butt (it’s a good thing–trust me). Great wine from a critically acclaimed, local producer right here in Shelton, WA.The Wine Loft has a better price on this—Top Foods, in general, is overpriced.
|
n/a | $40.00 | The Wine Loft, Top Foods |
I’m serving lobster—what pairs well?
| Type | Description | Ratings | Price | Where to buy |
| White Wine | Paul Ginglinger Pinot Blanc 2007—Balanced, with deep minerality and floral notes. This is a wonderful un-oaked white wine from the Alsace region of France. It will make that lobster sing.You’ll want to go to the Wine Loft in downtown Olympia to find this one—you spent the bucks on the lobster don’t skimp out on the wine.
|
n/a | $13.90 | The Wine Loft |
What happens if they don’t have the vintage (year on the bottle) listed above?
Vintage is important. All of these wines have been verified to be on the shelves in the stores listed above, but in the case where they’re out or have restocked with a different vintage (vintage is the year the grapes were grown that are in the bottle of wine)—pick a different wine from the list.
Do you have a favorite holiday or special occasion wine?
Comment on this article below with the name of the wine and where you can buy it locally.
I’m having a dish that you didn’t specifically pair a wine with above?
Comment on this article and I’ll respond with a recommendation.
About the Author
Stephen Backholm is an amateur wine connoisseur and foodie who lives in Tumwater with his wife and 3 kids. He can be reached at sbackholm@gmail.com.
