Wine Box Experience - Kelly Craig

Cheers to the Festive Feasts (December Edition)

The December holiday season brings a variety of festive meals, from rich roasts to indulgent sides and sweet desserts, making wine pairings an essential part of the celebrations. Classic grape varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay shine during this time. Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold structure and dark fruit flavors pair beautifully with hearty dishes like beef roasts or lamb, while Chardonnay’s creamy texture and hints of vanilla and spice complement buttery mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, and savory stuffing.

For those looking to keep it light and festive, a sparkling wine like Brut or Brut Rosé pairs wonderfully with appetizers, seafood dishes, and celebratory toasts, adding a touch of elegance to any gathering. For a more adventurous approach, consider thinking outside the box with wines like Grenache or Gewürztraminer. A fruit-forward Grenache offers versatility, pairing well with glazed ham, roasted root vegetables, or even spiced side dishes. Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic notes of lychee, ginger, and floral notes, is an enjoyable choice for dishes with complex spices or sweet elements, like honey-glazed carrots or cranberry sauce.

Other wine selections can really standout not just because of how well they complement, but also how they elevate the overall experience by keeping your wine selection interesting and dynamic. Let’s look at what selections are being brought to you this month.

First up let’s take a look at the Chateau Gombaude-Guillot Clos Plince Pomerol from France.  This is an excellent choice for holiday celebrations because of its elegance, complexity, and ability to enhance a wide range of festive dishes. Red Bordeaux wines are typically blends of grape varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, which create a harmonious balance of dark fruit flavors, savory undertones, and refined structure. This complexity pairs beautifully with holiday dishes that feature layers of flavor, such as herb-crusted roasts, savory stuffing, and roasted vegetables.

Not to be left far behind we bring you the Leonetti Cellar Aglianico Serra Pedace Vineyard from Washington state. A fantastic choice for December holiday celebrations, offering bold flavors, robust structure, and a unique twist on a classic Italian varietal. Known for its deep flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry which pair beautifully with hearty holiday dishes like roast lamb, braised short ribs, or glazed ham. The bold, rich personality of this wine brings a uniqueness and celebratory feel to all gatherings.

Thinking creatively with your wine selections allows you to bring a fresh and unexpected element to the holiday season. Whether sticking with timeless varietals or exploring something new, thoughtful wine pairings can elevate your December holiday celebrations, bringing out the best in both the food and the parties.