Wine Box Experience - Alex Salazar

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 Domaine de la Janasse Côtes du Rhône Villages Terre d’Argile from France. This is an excellent choice for the holiday celebrations due to its versatility, warmth, and ability to complement a wide variety of seasonal dishes. Côtes du Rhône wines are typically blends, often dominated by Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This combination results in wines with a perfect balance of fruit, spice, and structure, making them adaptable to an array of holiday dishes, from roasted turkey and ham to hearty stews and braised meats.

Not to be left far behind we bring you the Haut Monplaisir Cahors Cuvée Prestige also from France. This is an exceptional wine because of its bold structure, rich flavors, and historical charm as the birthplace of the Malbec grape. These wines are well known for their robust fruit notes of blackcurrant and blackberry that pair beautifully with roasted meats and glazed hams. With a complex structure showcasing acidity and tannins that make for a food-friendly wine which keeps the palate clean between bites of fatty and rich foods known to be on the table during the holidays.

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.