The holidays are a time when many of us get together with family or friends to enjoy a meal together; hopefully with a glass of wine.  Here are a few last-minute suggestions of wines you can pair with traditional dishes for the holidays.  Enjoy.

Wine Pairings for Roast Turkey

– Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the rich flavours of roast turkey. Hester Creek Estate Winery Chardonnay 2023 would work in this pairing. It delights with a bright, clear lemon hue and enticing aromas of ripe pineapple, pear, and a touch of oak and butterscotch. On the palate, it offers a medium-plus body with a luscious mouthfeel, showcasing ripe pineapple and pear with a hint of oak that grows with decanting. The medium-plus finish balances tartness with oaky dryness, accented by buttery and peppery notes.

– Viognier: An aromatic Viognier pairs well with turkey. Try the Blasted Church Vineyards Viognier 2022.  A wine with medium-plus intensity aromas of pine needles, citrus, orange, grape stem and a touch of pear. Dryish, medium-plus body, with a round thicker mouthfeel. Citrus (lemon and Iime) with touches of orange, pineapple, pear, peach, and grape stem. Pine needle flavours come out with air.  Medium-plus to long length.

– Pinot Noir: A juicy Pinot Noir can enhance the turkey experience. The Haywire Wines Pinot Noir 2022 would work well. It has a medium-intensity clear garnet colour in the glass. Medium-intensity aromas of red fruit, sweet red plums, sweet and candied cherries, toast, and a hint of nutmeg. This wine is dry, with a soft, smooth and round mouthfeel. Raspberries, brambleberries, red cherries, candied red cherries plus a touch of toast and oak on the palate. Light, fine tannins and medium acidity. A medium-plus length.

Wine Pairings for Roast Ham

– Riesling: The slight sweetness and acidity of Riesling complements the flavours of roast ham. Try Australia’s Pewsey Vale Estate Eden Valley Riesling 2022. It has a clear, bright lemon-green colour.  Medium-minus intensity aromas of citrus mainly, with lesser amounts of stone fruits, spearmint and white flowers.  This wine is off-dry, lighter-bodied, and has higher acidity.  Mostly citrus flavours, along with lesser amounts of floral, mineral and pepperiness.  Stone fruit flavour and grape stem flavours noted after decanting.  A longer length.

– Pinot Noir: This versatile red wine also pairs nicely with ham. I suggest trying California’s La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2022.  This wine has a medium-intensity, consistent translucent garnet colour. Aromas of smoky toasty raspberries, red plums, plus red fruit and sweet spices. It is dry but has a fruity sweetness. Red fruit, raspberries, and red cherries flavours along with light integrated smoky toastiness. Smooth on the palate. A medium-plus length.

Wine Pairings for Baked Salmon

– Chardonnay: An unoaked Chardonnay complements the lightness and brightness of the salmon, especially if it is drizzled with lemon juice. You may want to try Maison Louis Latour Ardèche 2020 from France. It is a bright, medium-bodied Chardonnay with a mix of citrus, stone fruit, and toasty flavours, complemented by subtle hints of apricot, honey, and flint. The palate is round and buttery with a light peppery finish, while the nose offers fresh aromas of citrus and a touch of flint, evolving slightly with decanting to reveal honey and pineapple notes. The finish is medium-plus in length, marked by ripe stone fruits, pepper, and a touch of tartness, with minimal difference observed after decanting.

– Rosé wine:  Rosé wines tend to have fresh red fruit flavours and bright acidity that will mesh nicely with baked salmon. Solvero Wines Rosé 2023 (BC $25) is one wine I can recommend. A light, bright pink salmon colour.  Light strawberry and strawberry leaf aromas.  Medium body, smooth with a viscous mouthfeel.  Rhubarb, red fruits and minerality on the palate.  Tart, brisk acidity.  Medium-plus length finishing with tart red fruit, medium pepperiness and light tannins. 

Of course, if you cannot find these wines in your local wine shop or government liquor store, pick a wine of similar style. 

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