How can you possibly be expected to pick out a great wine that will work for any number of palates in your holiday household? I have a couple thoughts that might get you through…
1. How about a nice semi-dry starter wine in a white? For example, a Sauvignon Blanc or white bordeaux. Nothing too dry - you might want to pair with a little aperitif of 3 slices of cheese per guest. A goat, a sheep, a cow.
2. Are you serving a traditional Turkey dinner, stuffing, candied yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, some dark green vegetable - brussel sprouts, green bean casserole and the like? I'd suggest staying away from the big Cabernet, and lean more to the Pinot Noir and or a nice jammy merlot, shiraz blend for the main course.
3. If you're a white wine crowd, I'd recommend a nice Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux, or Pinot Gris - very safe and very difficult to go wrong.
4. Allright, so now it's time for pie, that great old American tradition. Personally, I'm selecting a Riesling from Washington State or the Yakima Valley for a not 'too' sweet, but perfectly fruit - y complement to apple or pumpkin. What's that you say? Your family loves a deep chocolate 'jiggly' pie? Ah, well, then you need a nice tawny port or hazelnut sherry, and a small slice of blue cheese on the side. Blue cheese loves chocolate!
Of course, taste is a very personal matter, but there is no reason to be intimidated. The wine industry has gone out of its way to make this selection a "no-brainer"!
On to the Holidays!
