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Article Summary
- 9 Sommeliers Reveal Their Most Desired Wine for the Holidays
- Key Takeaways
- Introduction: The Art of Choosing the Perfect Holiday Wine
- The Classic Choices
- The Unexpected Selections
- Pairing Considerations
- FAQ Section
- 1. What is a sommelier?
- 2. How do sommeliers choose their wines?
- 3. What is the best wine for the holidays?
- 4. How important is it to pair wine with food?
- 5. What is a biodynamic wine?
- Conclusion: The Joy of Discovery
- Revisiting the Key Takeaways
9 Sommeliers Reveal Their Most Desired Wine for the Holidays
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Key Takeaways
- Wine preferences for the holidays vary greatly among sommeliers.
- Classic wines like Champagne and Burgundy are still favorites.
- Some sommeliers prefer lesser-known wines for their unique flavors and stories.
- Pairing wine with holiday meals is an important consideration.
- Personal taste and the joy of discovery play a significant role in wine selection.
Introduction: The Art of Choosing the Perfect Holiday Wine
As the holiday season approaches, many of us start thinking about the perfect wines to accompany our festive meals and celebrations. But what do the experts choose for their own holiday tables? We asked nine sommeliers to reveal their most desired wines for the holidays and their answers might surprise you.
The Classic Choices
Despite the vast array of wines available, some sommeliers stick to the classics for the holiday season. “There’s something about the effervescence and elegance of Champagne that makes it perfect for celebrations,” says Michael Madrigale, a sommelier based in New York City. He recommends the Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve for its “balance of richness and freshness.”
For Master Sommelier Laura Maniec, Burgundy is the go-to choice. “I love the earthiness and complexity of Burgundy. It pairs well with a variety of holiday dishes and has a comforting, familiar taste,” she explains. Her top pick is the Domaine Faiveley Mercurey Rouge.
The Unexpected Selections
Other sommeliers prefer to surprise their guests with lesser-known wines. “I like to introduce people to new flavors during the holidays,” says Pascaline Lepeltier, a Master Sommelier based in Paris. She recommends the Hervé Villemade Cheverny Rouge, a biodynamic wine from the Loire Valley.
Similarly, San Francisco-based sommelier Eugenio Jardim opts for a Portuguese wine, the Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines. “It’s a rich, full-bodied wine that stands up to hearty holiday meals,” he says.
Pairing Considerations
When choosing a wine for the holidays, pairing it with the meal is a crucial consideration. “You want a wine that complements the flavors of the food without overpowering it,” says Madeline Triffon, a Master Sommelier based in Detroit. She recommends the Ramey Chardonnay for its “versatility and balance.”
For sommelier Aldo Sohm, the key is to choose a wine that can handle a variety of flavors. “Holiday meals often involve a mix of sweet and savory dishes, so you need a wine that can handle that complexity,” he says. His choice? The Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer.
FAQ Section
1. What is a sommelier?
A sommelier is a trained wine professional who specializes in all aspects of wine service, as well as wine and food pairing.
2. How do sommeliers choose their wines?
Sommeliers choose their wines based on a variety of factors, including the type of meal, the occasion, the preferences of the guests, and their own personal taste.
3. What is the best wine for the holidays?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal taste, the type of meal, and the occasion. However, many people enjoy classic wines like Champagne and Burgundy during the holiday season.
4. How important is it to pair wine with food?
Pairing wine with food can enhance the flavors of both the wine and the food. However, the most important thing is to choose a wine that you enjoy.
5. What is a biodynamic wine?
Biodynamic wine is made using organic farming methods and a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to production.
Conclusion: The Joy of Discovery
While there are certainly some common themes in the sommeliers’ choices, what stands out is the diversity of their selections. From classic favorites to unexpected discoveries, these experts show that choosing the perfect holiday wine is as much about personal taste and the joy of discovery as it is about pairing and tradition. So this holiday season, why not take a leaf out of their book and try something new?
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Revisiting the Key Takeaways
- Wine preferences for the holidays vary greatly among sommeliers, reflecting the diversity of the wine world.
- Classic wines like Champagne and Burgundy are still favorites, but some sommeliers prefer to surprise their guests with lesser-known wines.
- Pairing wine with holiday meals is an important consideration, but personal taste and the joy of discovery play a significant role in wine selection.
- The sommeliers’ choices show that choosing the perfect holiday wine is as much about personal taste and the joy of discovery as it is about pairing and tradition.
