7 Reds & 7 Whites for the Holidays

This will be my last post until I return from Ohio following Thanksgiving (either 11/30 or 12/1). I hope you enjoy!

This past week I ran a column in the Nashua Telegraph (Thanksgiving recommendations from the experts) that paired terrific Thanksgiving inspired recipes with their perfect wine pairings. The contributions came from a panel of truly creative and talented chefs, restaurant owners, a sommelier and even a trailblazing winemaker.

The final installment of my Thanksgiving recommendations is straight forward. I wish to simply put forth a list of 7 red wines and 7 white wines that can't miss when paired with traditional Thanksgiving fare. The price range for these wines varies greatly, however, I have gone through great lengths to find values at every price level. The way I look at it, if you are having a special meal, offer special wines to accompany it!

As I mentioned in the article, there are a few simple rules to remember when pairing food and wine:

• Choose a wine you enjoy.

• It is generally safe to pair hearty dishes with hearty wines and conversely lighter dishes with lighter wines.

• Pay attention to the accompaniments of the dish. Some wines may go well with turkey and mashed potatoes, but not the brussels sprouts or horseradish being served with them.

• Don’t stress about it; wine is meant to elevate, not tear down. You are with loved ones who will likely appreciate your effort.

With that being said, here are the wines. They have been selected with equal parts quality and food-friendliness taken into account. Also, all of these wines are well stocked at the NH Liquor Store off Exit 6 behind the Nashua Mall, as well as many other locations.

The Whites (pictured above)

- 2008 Kris, Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie, Italy - $11.99 (reg. $14.99)

- 2007 Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica, Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington - $16.99 (reg. $20.99)**

- 2007 Benton Lane, Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon - $18.99

- 2008 Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand - $21.49**

- 2007 Joseph Drouhin, Chablis, Beaune, France - $21.99 (reg. $23.99)

- 2006 Mer Soleil, Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, California - $36.99

- NV Moët et Chandon Nectar Imperial, Champagne, Epernay, France - $38.99

The Reds (pictured above)

- 2007 Chateau Pesquie Terrasses, Rhone Blend, Cotes du Ventoux, France - $10.99 (reg. $12.99)

- 2008 Chalone, Pinot Noir, Monterey, California - $12.99 (reg. $15.99)

- 2005 Castano Solanera, Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon, Yecla, Spain - $13.99

- 2004 Antinori Villa Toscana, Cabernet Blend, Tuscany, Italy - $21.99

- 2008 Seghesio, Zinfandel, Sonoma, California - $22.99**

- 2007 Benton Lane, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon - $25.99

- 2007 Domaine Drouhin, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon - $43.99**

I know that it is cliche to say "life is too short to drink bad wine", but it is true. There are a tremendous amount of wines out there that are crafted by winemakers whose sole intention is to share their artistry with you. The wines above are a good introduction to food-friendly wines that are crafted with love. This Thanksgiving I ask you to invite them into your homes to help enhance your memorable Thanksgiving dinners!

** indicates my top 2 picks per category

7 Reds & 7 Whites for the Holidays

The Big 3-0!

Yesterday was a watershed moment in my life. Not only did I turn the big 3-0, but I also left my day job of over five years at Fidelity Investments. At this point I do not know which is more significant. Most people look at turning 30, 40, or 50 as major milestones and I hardly disagree with that. However, leaving Fidelity will likely be the far more significant event. As of right now, I don't know what direction I am going, but there is no doubt in my mind that it will be better than where I was (shouldn't be too hard).

Regardless, yesterday was my 30th birthday, so my wife and I decided to celebrate in style. We popped a bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial early on and the crisp, lively and reinvigorating nature of red fruit exhibited by that Champagne felt like an appropriate awakening to a new chapter of my life.

Later in the evening we decided to go to Corks at the Bedford Village Inn (as a side note, they offer one of the most complete wine experiences I have partaken in). As always with places like that, the experience was memorable and noteworthy. After we took advantage of their terrific by the glass selection (Christine had a Spanish Flight and I chose a glass of Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc) we decided to indulge in a terrific bottle of California Syrah to pair with our peppered sirloin steaks.

2007, Pax Syrah Cuvee Christine, North Coast, California

What a delicious wine. The nose was of rich raspberry and a tremendous mix of pine needles and forest floor. The palate was alive with rich dark fruit and the aforementioned underbrush and presented a medium to slightly full body. The Cuvee Christine is a very classy and opulent wine in the style of the terrific wines of the Rhone Valley. Far bigger than I have grown accustomed to from California Syrah.

Robert Parker rated this in the 90-92 range and it certainly does fit his traditional preference for a robust wine. Personally I would put this a bit higher at 94 points as it certainly exhibited many terrific traits.

All together yesterday was a terrific day. Hopefully there will be plenty more where it came from!

The Big 3-0!

Happy Anniversary!

I thought that this would be the proper forum to wish my wife, Christine, a Happy 2nd Anniversary.

Christine is an amazing woman and has been exceptionally supportive and patient of my endeavors. Ever since we were married, she has been continually growing in her appreciation of fine wine. I attribute a lot of this to Olivier Magny of Ô Chateau, who got us even more excited about French wine while on this trip.

The day after our wedding, we boarded a plane leaving for Paris and began what would be an amazing life experience. Today’s entry is our way to look back at a few of the memories and a way to share them with you.

On the plane ride home, we each made a list of our favorite things about our honeymoon. We hope you enjoy them!

Christine's List

Arc d'Triomph
Bicycles everywhere!
Chanel

Decorative Old Buildings
Diversity
Eiffel Tower
Lancel (She loves her Lance)
Mercedes Taxis
Mona Lisa
Scottish People in Kilts (In Paris during the Rugby World Cup)

Seine River Cruise
Vineyards of Champagne

Erol's List
Arc d'Triomph

Champs-Élysées
Eiffel Tower
Everyone Riding Bikes

Louvre
Moët & Chandon
Mona Lisa
Ô Chateau (Olivier!)
Rediculous Cars (Both tiny and super high-end)
Unique Fashions (Urban Myth: The Smiling Parisian Woman)

Happy Anniversary!