Pairing Wine with Holiday Meals
The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to start planning those festive feasts and gatherings with loved ones. While the food is undoubtedly the star of the show, pairing it with the right wine can elevate your holiday dining experience to new heights. Texas wines, with their unique flavors and characteristics, offer a delightful twist on traditional wine pairings. Whether you’re hosting a grand family dinner or an intimate gathering, choosing the perfect wine can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through pairing your holiday meals with some fantastic Texas wines, ensuring your celebrations are filled with joy and flavor.
1. Traditional Oven Roasted Turkey:
A classic roasted turkey is a centerpiece of many holiday tables. To complement the succulent flavors of this dish, we recommend the 2022 Shamus Dry Rose or the 2022 Viognier, a dry white wine. These slightly acidic wines work wonders by cutting through the richness of the turkey, creating a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds singing.
2. Deep Fried Turkey:
If you’re going for a deep-fried turkey this year, you’ll want a wine that can cut through the indulgent cooking oil. Our suggestion is the carbonated Pizazz, with its refreshing acidity. What’s more, the Pizazz also pairs beautifully with a range of holiday desserts like pumpkin, apple, buttermilk, or pecan pies. So you’ll have the perfect wine to sip from the main course to the sweet finish.
3. Smoked Turkey or Any Smoked Meats:
Smoked meats bring a distinct and smoky flavor to your holiday table. For these dishes, we recommend trying the 2021 Aged to Reflection or the 2021 Mourvèdre. These bold red wines enhance the smoky notes and create a sensational pairing that will delight the senses. The combination of smoked meats and these wines is a match made in culinary heaven.
4. Baked Ham:
Baked ham offers a delicious mix of sweet and salty flavors. For this dish, you have some flexibility in your wine selection. You can opt for the 2022 Shamus Dry Rose, the 2022 Viognier, or even the 2019 Sangiovese. The acidity in these wines beautifully complements the saltiness of the ham, making for a delightful pairing that suits different palates.
5. Non-Traditional Spicy Meals:
If your holiday feast takes a spicy twist with dishes like Mexican, Cajun, Thai, or Indian cuisine, fear not! Our perfect match for these spicy delights is the 2022 Malvasia Bianca. This wine’s crisp finish soothes your palate, making it an excellent choice to balance the heat and enhance the flavors of your spicy meal. It’s a unique wine that can truly elevate your non-traditional holiday dining experience.
6. Our Go-To Food Pairing Red:
For an all-around versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, consider the 2019 Dolcetto. This slightly fruit-forward red wine with a smooth finish is an excellent choice. It helps balance the wine with the food, allowing you to savor every bite and clean your palate between each mouthful.
While these wine suggestions are a great starting point, remember that the most important aspect of pairing food and wine is to include wines that you and your guests enjoy. Holiday celebrations are a time to relish good food, great company, and memorable moments. Texas wines, with their unique and delicious characteristics, can certainly add a special touch to your festivities.
As you prepare for your holiday meals, take some time to explore the diverse world of Texas wines and find the perfect pairings for your dishes. Whether you choose a dry rose, a crisp white, a bold red, or a versatile all-rounder, we wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and delicious wine. Happy Holidays and Cheers!
