Wine Guy: Christmas Food and Wine Pairings

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Is there an official start date for the holiday food season? Consuming the daily chocolate given by the Advent calendar from December 1 only counts “a little”. Although it is true that, if Hanukkah is observed, the latkes, et al. They’ve probably been on the menu a lot by now.

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Still, here we are in the middle of the month and presumably many are in full menu planning. It seems like a good opportunity to discuss some food and wine pairing strategies.

Kendall-Jackson 2019 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, California ($ 20.99 on sale through January 1, # 296566)

Honestly, a whole newspaper could be full of tips on food and wine pairings for the holidays. Therefore, the following should be considered an extremely edited informal treatise. Take white wine, for example. Riesling, Semillon, Pinot Gris – they all have their place at the Christmas table depending on what food is on hand.

But when comfort and roasted turkey get the call, it’s easy to uncork a bottle of rich, buttery Chardonnay. Well the latest vintage Vintner’s Reserve Chard from KJ fits the bill perfectly. Tropical fruit in a big way meets underlying sweetness touched with vanilla and toast from barrel fermentation, yet the overall style is fresh with a lingering layer of baking spices to finish.

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Bottom line: B, Bring the yam confit and stuffing!

Road 13 2019 Seventy-Four K, British Columbia ($ 25.99, # 78915)

On the other side of the wine spectrum, there are certainly moments that justify a robust red. Especially if, for example, the main dish is breast, prime rib, roast lamb or mushroom ragout.

Road 13’s Seventy-Four K is a Merlot-dominating blend (the rest is a marsh-wine blend of Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Mourvèdre) sourced from grapes grown in the Similkameen and Okanagan valleys. Overall, this easygoing red is robust, rich and round, the kind of wine that effortlessly pleases a crowd, from Grandma to Uncle Bill.

Bottom line: B +, daring but accessible.

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Domaine de la Pépière 2020 La Pépie Côt, France (from $ 26, available at select private wine shops)

Ultimately, if this were a Goldilocks-inspired Christmas wine tale, the story would sit in the “right” middle ground of this brave but punchy red.

Unfortunately, the enjoyment of wine is appropriately subjective and should be a personal journey of tasting and exploration.

However, if the Christmas table has room for a crisp, crisp red, La Pépie Côt’s recent launch is worth checking out. This year’s vintage is actually a blend of Côt (Malbec) and Merlot, but this undyed, free-bleed red is all about pairing thanks to low tannins and vibrant acidity. It’s a great choice for dark meat turkey, tourtiere, or even holiday grilled salmon.

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Bottom line: B +, vibrant red.

The Swirl: House of Funk Solstice Drag Show

Although the winter solstice officially arrives on December 21, there’s no reason why it can’t be celebrated early, especially as North Vancouver’s House of Funk Brewing Co. (350 Esplanade East, North Vancouver) is hosting a Solstice Drag Show. On Thursday, December 16, from 7 to 11 pm, the fabulous evening will be presented by Shanda Leer and will feature performances by Belladonna Von Shade, Jerrilynn Spears and Delica Cee. Tickets to the promising and enchanting event are $ 40 (plus fees) and include a beer or cider. For complete details, go to eventbrite.ca/e/solstice-drag-show-tickets-214216426097 .

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