The season’s food demands variety in wine flavors and textures – especially when you consider what’s on the plate. This is why it’s so important to choose quality wines and to pair them with holiday food.
What should you look for in a wine? Here are some tips from Rodney Strong Wineries in Sonoma County, Calif.
* Chardonnay -; While excellent with pork and poultry, this wine is ideal for seafood, especially if it’s an un-oaked version, which is rising in popularity these days. This wine is light and refreshing, with no oak flavor. It also goes well with vegetables and salads. Sonoma Vineyards has an un-oaked Chardonnay, which will be a wonderful addition to your holiday table.
* Pinot Noir -; With its popularity continuing to rise due to its versatility with food and fame from the movie “Sideways,”Pinot Noir is the perfect wine for a dinner party. It is 99 percent guaranteed that it will pair well with any meat or lamb on your menu. Rodney Strong Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from Sonoma County is a wonderful choice with its smooth texture, variety of flavors and great taste.
* Cabernet Sauvignon -; This is a great holiday staple. This wine pairs well with strong cheeses, as well as a wide range of meats like beef, lamb, and game. Rodney Strong Vineyards 2004 Reserve Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon makes a great choice.
* Zinfandel -; Zin, as those fond of this wine will refer to it, varies from spicy to fruity, depending on the winery’s style. You can pair them with holiday dishes, but you should try both. Ask your wine shop for recommendations.
Visit www.wine-tips.com for more wine information. www.rodneystrong.com.
