Ten Great Wines
for Holiday Dinners
By Chris A. Hawley
Gudlife Webmaster
FOOD
& WINE
Hearty
Meals
Romantic
Desserts
Tropical
Feast
Thanksgiving up the Wazoo
Living
in Zin
Ten Top
Wines
Cooking
with Wine
Sumarroca Cava Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine from Spain. The bubbles come from a double fermentation process known as Methode Champenoise. A delightful wine, it excites the palatte without being too sweet.
Mirabelle Brut North Coast Sparkling Wine, by Shramsberg. Made from a mix of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, this light bubbly makes a dazzling impression, and leaves virtually no aftertaste.
Airlie Winery 1998 Muller Thurgau, from Oregon's Willamette Valley. A fresh and light lunch wine with natural effervescence and sweetness, and a delicate floral bouquet. In Germany, Muller Thurgau grapes are second only to Riesling in popularity.
Geyser Peak 1999 California Gewurtzaminer. Made from grapes grown in the cool Russian River Valley, this lovely, delicate wine displays numerous spicy and floral elements.
Foris Winery 1999 Gewurtzaminer. A hot, tangy wine, very lively. A refreshing change for those overwhelmed by sweet, floral wines. The taste resembles that of ripe pears and lychee nuts.
Amity 1998 Oregon Dry Gewurtzaminer. A heady, smooth wine with a bold floral flavor, strongly suggesting roses. A wonderful companion to oriental dishes as well as smoked foods and turkey.
Merryvale 1998 Napa Valley Chardonnay. A mature, non-frivolous wine, somewhat floral, with a taste that lingers on the tongue. Made from grapes known for their complexity of fruit flavors.
Bridgman 1998 Cabernet Franc of Yakima Valley. This beautiful red/amber colored wine offers the flavor of fruit, spices and smoky oak. Very easy on the palette with soft, round tannins.
Ballentine 1997 Napa Valley Merlot. A strong, sweet and flavorful wine, beautiful ruby red color with an exciting bouquet. Hidden within is a slight taste of sweet almond.
Ramos Pinto Tawney Port. This superior port carries a delicate ruby color, unlike many traditional golden-hued tawney ports. Very sweet, its caramel/butterscotch flavor goes perfect with a slice of pumpkin pie.
Links
Mirabelle Winery
Airlie Winery
Geyser Peak Winery
Foris Winery
Amity Winery
Merryvale Winery
Bridgman Winery