Choosing the right variety of wine for your upcoming holiday party doesn’t have to be complicated. Here, Master Sommelier Doug Krenik shares laid-back tips for stocking your cellar and imbibing in style this season.
Break out the bubbles. Crémant, a sparkling wine, is what the locals drink in France; it results from the same production method as Champagne but costs considerably less. Or try a Bugey-Cerdon, an off-dry, sparkling rosé that’s perfect for the holidays.
Pairings don’t have to be impeccable. Holiday meals often have diverse flavors, making pairings tricky. So just relax, open a lighter red like a Barbera or Pinot Noir and an easy white like a Riesling or Pinot Gris, and enjoy.
Keep the party going. Consumption varies from person to person, but a good rule of thumb is to provide two glasses per person for the first hour (one bottle contains six four-ounce pours) and one glass per person per hour thereafter—or about one bottle for every two guests. But you know your friends best.
Give the perfect holiday gift bottle. (Hint: it doesn’t have to be perfect.) When selecting a bottle for that special someone, or even your boss, you don’t have to go over the top with a big-name brand. Opt for something funky, delicious and affordable instead (here’s where a good local merchant can help).
Don’t apologize for Colorado wine. Our grapes grow in some of the highest-elevation vineyards in the world, and the mountain climate provides warm days and cool nights—exactly what grapes like. Check out Denver’s Infinite Monkey Theorem label; $1 of every bottle sold goes to The University of Colorado Cancer Center. It’s giving at its best.
For more tips on serving wine during the holidays, click here.
