Wines for a cool yule

Given the variety of food served at Christmas, from mashed potatoes to ham to turkey, finding a wine pairing and attempting to please everyone can be a challenge.

For those who prefer white wines, find something with well-balanced acidity and shake things up with a Sauvignon Blanc. With reds, you are shooting for fairly tame tannins that match the flavours of the food. Light fruity reds seem to pair well with turkey. But stay away from big wines and ones with heavy oak and lean towards a Pinot Noir or Shiraz.

At least for my palate, there are a few wines that are a great match to a traditional Christmas dinner. Here are some suggestions for choosing a wine that won’t stretch your budget:  

Yali Wetlands Sauvignon Blanc (Chile; $10.95) is a crisp white wine with citrus-based flavours and mineral undertones, making it a prime pairing contender for turkey and mashed potatoes. Exotic flavours of tropical and citrus fruit are in perfect balance with the wine’s natural acidity. MLCC listed product.

The Chariot Gypsy White (California; $13.99) is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Marsanne that complements savoury stuffing and brings out the fruit in the wine. There is an array of ripe aromas and flavours – pear, honey, peach and vanilla. It finishes clean with a nice lingering hint of spice and orange peel. Available at The Winehouse, Kenaston Wine Market, Banville + Jones and La Boutique del Vino.

Ventisquero Pinot Noir (Chile; $12.99) is a traditional favourite for Christmas dinner. Pinot Noir’s subtle earthy undertones surround the fruit of the wine and tend to complement the traditional flavours of turkey and stuffing. Aromas of red fruits with spice notes and hints of vanilla distinguish this Pinot Noir. Available at all Winnipeg Private Wine Stores.

Yali Reserve Syrah/Shiraz (Chile; $11.95) can bring a spicy edge to the flavours in a traditional Christmas meal. Peppery notes of Syrah/Shiraz will partner well with an herb stuffing and both the white and dark turkey meat. This Shiraz has notes of dark berries, herbs and black pepper. MLCC listed product

Instead of simply settling for one type of wine for your holiday dinner, branch out and provide options to family and friends this festive season.