These days it’s not a guarantee that turkey will be atop the holiday table — mine included.
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What to sip with holiday meals? Admittedly, in years past the focus of this column would be turkey wines. But honestly these days it’s not a guarantee that turkey will be atop the holiday table — mine included. That said, any time a bountiful meal enjoyed with a larger gathering is taking place the same general approach applies: keep it food-friendly. I certainly would enjoy sipping any of these picks while sharing a meal over the holidays.
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Domaine Ostertag 2022 Vieille Vignes Sylvaner, France
($38.99, #182703)
When was the last time you sipped an old-vine Sylvaner? Well it’s the season, especially when the bottle will go grand with roast turkey, baked ham, heck even salmon or stuffed squash. Featuring festive floral and orchard fruit aromatics, this 100 per cent Alsatian Sylvaner from biodynamic, Demeter-certified vineyards is a study in delicious contrasts. It comes across soft and honeyed, yet carries a liveliness throughout. Fruity and expressive, a hint of bitterness lands on a balanced finish. It’s a curveball pick that should stir up fun conversation at the holiday table.
Bottom line: A-, Fulsome yet structured.
Madia Torre Zambra 2021 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy
($19.99, #487655)
From the hillsides and seascapes of Abruzzo arrives this cheery Italian red. Cracking it open you can almost smell the warmth of the Montepulciano vineyards through the wine’s lush dark fruit, vanilla, and underlying herbs. A smooth entry and robust but engagingly intense style make this an easy crowd favourite. Fruitiness builds to a full yet fresh finish, setting this wine up as a versatile food partner. Turkey still works, as does roast duck or a roast in general. Earthier plant-based dishes are other great options, say stuffed mushroom caps or charred eggplant.
Bottom line: B+, Festive yet fresh.
Field House Nanaimo Bar Imperial Dessert Stout, B.C.
($9.49 for 500mL, #319825)
What to serve with the dessert course? How about just serving liquid dessert? True it’s not wine, but it’s just too festive to pass up. Further, while this decadent and dense pour would make for a great end of the meal on its own, it will also marry with dark chocolate-based treats. Part of Field House’s limited edition, Brrl Room series, at 10.7 per cent alcohol this bottle is certainly made for sharing — and slow sipping. And indeed it’s reminiscent of a Nanaimo Bar, with overt aromatics of mocha, coconut, and a nuttiness before a lingering, sweeter chocolate finish.
Bottom line: A-, Robustness for days.
The Swirl: Bonus stocking stuffer can
There’s still time for stocking stuffers! Nothing like finding a can of something special in the holiday hosiery, and a can of local LoLo Honey Paloma Fizz (around $19 for four-355mL cans, available at private liquor stores) will have them dreaming of sunnier times ahead. Tequila-based, along with soda, real grapefruit juice, B.C.-made honey, and electrolytes — it’s fresh, fun, and portable.
Bottom line: B+, Easy sipping.