When there is a celebration, be a holiday, special occasion, holiday gatherings, parties and family feasts. At these times we all start to wonder; what celebration wines should I serve, there are so many choices. I find myself in the same quandary. I decided then, and there I would compile a list. These are some of the wines I’ll have on hand this year. I hope you’ll find this list useful.
I update this list from time to time, based on what kind of wine I find, and what I think would be a fun new wine for others to enjoy. For now, these are some of the wines I’ll have on hand when the occasion arise for a celebration of some kind. I hope you’ll find this list useful.
My Celebration Wines List
When I think of celebration wines, I always go for a good Pinot Noir.
Why?… because Pinot Noir goes with any main course. Really.
“Fruit forward and approachable in style, our 2010 Mirassou Pinot Noir has flavors of cherry, strawberry, and red currant, which are supported by light vanilla and oak notes. This wine is well balanced with a round, full mouthfeel.
“This Pinot Noir exhibits aromas of cloves, vanilla and red berries that are united by well-balanced flavors of cherries and jam. Enjoy this Pinot Noir with a lamb chili, spicy sausage penne pasta and Serra da Estrela cheese.”
“Enticing aromas of strawberry and raspberry with barrel notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. Oak aging rounds out the palate and gives the wine its body. The wine drinks of deep, concentrated raspberry, cherry pie with a touch of cola berry. The wine shows juicy fruit texture and subtle oak.”
A good Cabernet Sauvignon is a must have for any celebration wines list. Your guests will rave about it making it so worth having on the list.
Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
“On the nose you will find aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis, cocoa and some earthy notes. In the glass, there are flavors of black cherry, plum, cassis, chocolate and slight eucalyptus. The 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most elegant cabs the winemaker has produced in recent years.
A fine Cabernet for drinking now and a good value. The wine feels rich and dry in the mouth, with spicy flavors of cherries, cola, herbs, and sandalwood. It’s perfect with a nice charbroiled steak.”
Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
“Classically Cabernet. Classically Oakville, the wine strikes a captivating balance between power and finesse. The delicious core of layered black fruit – crème de cassis, blackberry, and black cherry – is imbued with rich mocha and toasty toffee with subtle traces of fresh bay and black pepper. Already complex and approachable, the sumptuous, mouth filling texture is lifted by refreshing acidity.”
No holiday table should be without a good white wine. Pinot Grigio is the varietal of choice for the very same reason as a good Pinot Noir; it goes with any main course.
“This bright and lively wine reveals a spritz of effervescence complemented by flavors of Meyer lemon and clementine oranges. A refreshing bite of acidity gives this generous wine a crisp and clean finish. Use this crisp wine to prime the palate for any main course.”
“This light, crisp, versatile wine is sourced from two regions: The Pinnacles Bench in Monterey and Clarksburg just outside of Lodi. Pinnacles Bench fruit is influenced by cool coastal conditions while our Clarksburg grapes develop more ripeness owing to fertile soils and a warmer climate. When blended together, we create a wine with full, ripe flavors, and balanced acidity.
Then there are the champagnes or the sparkling wines, my favorite for any celebration are these. They are readily available and easy to find, a must have on my celebration wines list.
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne
“The strength of this golden-yellow wine is immediately pleasing to the nose while its complexity explodes on the palate. The initial notes of fruit are followed by more discreet aromas of brioche and vanilla when the wine is allowed to age in the bottle. It’s a perfect balance of finesse and forcefulness.”
Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Excellence
“The wine is approximately two-thirds Chardonnay and one-third Pinot Noir. The full malolactic style adds a vanilla cream character producing a round and full-bodied wine. After approximately two years on the lees, there are notes of freshly baked bread and pastry that enhances the more fruit forward style of the wine. Finally, after several months on the cork, the wine develops caramel and hazel complexors.”
“Sparkling wine is a wonderful yet often overlooked accompaniment to food. Bright acidity and effervescence cleanses the palate, while the delicate flavors compliment a wide array of dishes. Brut pairs very well with Japanese cuisine, my favorite is with sashimi. Sip with bagels and lox for a relaxing weekend brunch. Style – Not too dry or sweet.”
The dessert wines or aperitifs are not to be missed. Here are few of my choices for this year for my celebration wines list.
“The Saint James Spirits Raspberry Wine is made by crushing the finest raspberries at their peak of ripeness giving you an intense raspberry flavor without the syrup of other brands.”
“A full A full tawny colour with good depth and clarity. It is a smooth, well – balanced Port made from three to four-year-old wines picked for their ability to mature quickly to produce a mellow, rounded flavour. colour with good depth and clarity. It is a smooth, well – balanced Port made from three to four-year-old wines picked for their ability to mature quickly to produce a mellow, rounded flavour.”
“This unique dessert wine expresses ripe, jammy aromas of cherry and blackberry with spicy notes of anise, sage, pepper and cinnamon. Complex and fruity, full-bodied wine offers intense mocha and nutty flavors that give you a well-balanced finish. Serve slightly chilled with chocolate, a chocolate cake or a berry tart. Complex and fruity, this offering from Candlewood Cellars is a good find that you can enjoy today, or 20 years from now!”
These are just a few of the celebration wines I’ll add to my list for the Holidays.
I know as the holidays progress, I will most certainly be trying a few new wines that I will share along the way. For now, these will be the celebration wines I’ll have on hand when I don’t have the time to go in search of a new special wine for our various celebrations. I do hope this is a helpful celebration wines list. Remember-“Live life, laugh often, love always and be happy.”
Time for a glass…
If you enjoyed my “Celebration Wines” list, check out my Wine and Cheese Pairings, Chocolate and Wine Pairings, and Cheese Boards Made Easy.