As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with the warm scents of cinnamon, roasting nuts, and the promise of cherished moments shared with family and friends. Amidst the festive decorations and the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen, one element that can elevate your holiday celebrations to new heights is the perfect bottle of wine. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, the right holiday wines can enhance your dishes and create lasting memories.
In this guide, AJ Kiamie, the Beverage Director at The Sipp on South Lamar and Kiamie Package Store in Oxford, Mississippi, shares a curated selection of red, white, and budget-friendly wines that are sure to impress your guests and complement the flavors of your holiday feasts. From robust reds that can stand on their own or up against hearty roasts to crisp whites that accentuate the freshness of seafood and poultry, we’ve got your holiday wine pairings covered.
AJ Kiamie also understands that the holiday season often calls for larger gatherings. That’s why he put together a batch punch recipe that’s great for sating thirsty crowds. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of vintages, consider this your go-to resource for creating a holiday experience that warms the soul.
White Wines
The most popular types of white wine requested at The Sipp are crisp, bright, and lightly fruity. That means your guests will likely enjoy bottles with similar characteristics.
To start, AJ recommends a Chardonnay with notes of green apple, vanilla, and a drawn-out finish. The Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay has all of those and more. The slightly oaky, buttery finish ensures this bottle will pair well with comforting holiday sides.
Another holiday wine classic is Pinot Gris. With bright, refreshing flavors, slight citrus notes, medium acidity, and a clean, short finish, this Pinot Gris from King Estate out of Willamette Valley, Oregon, is a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with lighter holiday fare. AJ says, “Pinot Grigio is one of the most approachable white wines. It is not as heavy and oaked as a Chardonnay or as acidic and grassy as a Sauvignon Blanc. Basically, it’s not a polarizing or offensive varietal. Think of it as a crowd-pleaser.”
Finally, Sauvignon Blanc is always a safe bet. Experience the vibrant essence of this varietal through New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, with its bright profile, high citrus notes, lemon grass undertones, high acidity, and a medium finish — perfect for adding a zesty kick to your holiday celebrations.
Red Wines
“I love small, intimate gatherings with wine-drinking friends,” says AJ Kiamie. “It allows us to enjoy more expensive bottles that wouldn’t typically serve a larger group. Plus, the smaller group size tends to open up more discussions about the wines.”
Consider this your sign to uncork that special bottle that’s been lingering in your wine fridge for a while. AJ is loving and getting a great response from Daou Vineyards bottle recently. The Pessimist by Daou, one of the Paso Robles-based vineyard’s offerings, is a stellar red blend with complex dark fruit flavors and intense aromatics.
According to AJ, “Cabernet Sauvignon is hugely popular in the United States. Try a cabernet from a different region. Paso Robles Cabernets tend to be less tannic, more approachable, and less expensive compared to their Napa counterparts. Columbia Valley, Washington, is another exciting Cabernet region. Their Cabs tend to be lighter with a velvety mouth feel.”
If you really want a special bottle, try the Daou Soul of a Lion. The 2020 vintage of this silky, unctuous red presents a profusion of black cherry, mulberry, and Oregon blackberry aromas alongside notes of leather, cigar, and dark chocolate.
Budget-Friendly Wines
Everyone loves a party, but not everyone wants to break the bank to throw one! Here are some budget-friendly choices for your holiday gatherings.
Clos du Bois Pinot Grigio is a nice choice for a large gathering. The price point is around $10 per bottle, and the quality is fantastic.
If you’d like to step it up a notch, La Crema Monterey Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also good choices. They retail for around $15 per bottle, an excellent value from a great winery. Add your favorite grocery store, Cabernet Sauvignon, to the lineup, and you can stock the bar with four to five bottles for under $60!
Wine pairings
When it comes to holiday feasts, choosing the perfect wine to accompany your main course can elevate the dining experience to new heights. For the classic centerpiece of a festive table — turkey — consider enhancing the meal with a glass of Chandon Brut. The effervescence of this sparkling wine adds a celebratory touch, and its dry profile complements the succulence of the turkey. Bubbles are known for their versatility, and Chandon Brut, in particular, proves that a dryer style is the way to go when creating a harmonious pairing with this traditional holiday dish.
For those indulging in a succulent ham, the Krutz Magnolia Pinot Noir emerges as a stellar choice. This lighter-style red wine gracefully complements the savory sweetness of ham, creating a delightful interplay of flavors.
When it’s time for a hearty beef dish, consider uncorking a bottle of 1000 Stories Zinfandel. This bourbon barrel-aged Zinfandel brings a robust and rich profile, mirroring the depth of flavors in beef dishes. The parallels between the wine’s boldness and the savory notes of beef create a symphony of big flavors.
Vegetarian dishes find a fitting companion in the Pascal Jolivet Sancerre, a French varietal renowned for its acidity. The crisp and refreshing nature of this wine cuts through the richness of vegetarian fare, offering a delightful contrast that brings out the best in both the wine and the dishes.
Batch Cocktails
An excellent choice for holiday parties — especially when the invite list is long — is a fun batch cocktail in lieu of wine. When preparing a batch cocktail, it is usually best to use a mid-range base alcohol. One of AJ’s favorite holiday drinks is milk punch. His recipe, below, calls for 1.5 cups of bourbon, and he recommends Evan Williams black label for great value and flavor.
Milk Punch
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferably)
- 1 1/2 cups bourbon
- 1/2 cup spiced rum
Served over ice, sprinkle nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish.
In conclusion, don’t let fear of wine knowledge stop you from uncorking all the season’s possibilities! Embark on a flavorful adventure using AJ Kiamie’s tips as your guide. Cheers to making this festive season one to remember!