Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

What to Bring? Our wine guy shares his notes for your holiday meal.

At this time of year, conversations often turn to the subject of the upcoming holiday meal.

In my family, tasks are divided between the food and the beverages. Since I don’t consider myself much of a chef, my responsibility is to bring wine that will match the dishes that my relatives create.

Therefore, I was looking for inspiration when I was invited to the Chairman’s Selection tasting this past fall. I sampled many wines and made notes that would keep me up to date when it became time to shop for the quaffs that will make our holidays a memorable occasion.

I hope you find my choices helpful and that they make the holidays brighter for you and yours.

Keep sipping,

Steve.

White Wines
Olivier Lebrin Chateau de L’Aujardiere Muscadet Sur Lie 2016, $12.99, Code #78690
France’s oyster wine with citrus flavors and long finish. Very good.

Jean Cavaille Apremont Cep Noir Vielles Vignes 2016, $17.99, Code #78702
Palate-scrubber from French Alps with citrus fruit and bright acidity. Unoaked.

Domaine V La Grange Viognier 2016, $14.99, Code #78704
Flowery example of Rhone’s great white grape. Excellent holiday table wine. For ham or shrimp.

Red Wines
Rock Point Pinot Noir 2015, $10.99, Code #78686
Savory Oregon Pinot with strawberry nose, cherry and herbs on the palate.

Montague Winery Pinot Noir Reserve 2014, $17.99, Code #78730
Nice Cali Pinot with big mid-palate fruit and a long finish. For turkey.

Z’ivo Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2012, $19.99, Code #78695
Light, easy-drinking Pinot from Oregon leaning towards Burgundy. Velvety finish.

Renato Ratti Barbera D’Alba Battaglione 2014, $11.99, Code #78678
Tasty red from Italy. Spicy and fruity. Good food wine.

Bersano Generala Barbera D’Asti Superiore Nizza 2011, $14.99, Code #78721
Well-balanced red from famous Italian village. Big mid-palate, fruity.

Babylon’s Peak Shiraz-Carignan 2015, $13.99, Code #78605
Spicy, well-layered Rhone blend by way of South Africa. Good beef wine.

Rhebokskloof Cellar Selection Flat Rock Red 2014, $12.99, Code #78606
Another South African blended red with Pinotage and French grapes. Easy-drinking.

Les Vignobles Foncalieu Latoque Reserve 2015, $10.99, Code #78715
Bordeaux meets Rhone in this rich blend from southern France. Tasty.

Domaine Les Evigneaux Rateau 2015, $14.99, Code #78727
Big, punchy Rhone red with a blend of five grapes. Good winter quaff.

Aranleon El Arbol Tempranillo 2015, $19.99, Code #78670
Rich, dark wine from one of Spain’s most well-known grapes.

Precision Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $24.99, Code #78717
Light wine from Napa Valley. To drink now or lay down. For the grill.

Havens Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, $29.99, Code #78663
Delicious example of Napa Valley Cab that won’t break the bank. Very smooth.

Napa Valley Cattle Company Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $29.99, Code #78738             Heavy blend of four Cabs from mountain vineyards. Best to lay down.

Havens Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District 2013, $39.99, Code #78664
Balanced Cab with cassis, blackberry and dusty tannins.

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