| Holiday Wines for Fall & Winter of 2009 | | | | white dessert wines pair well with pumpkin pie. |
| As you host, or join celebrations of this season, | | | | This is because pumpkin pie tends to have a |
| consider some of the following suggestions. The | | | | savory edge, and is not overly sweet. Make sure |
| trick to choosing great wines for your holiday | | | | the wine you serve is sweeter than the dessert |
| party is to find something you had and liked in the | | | | you are pairing with. |
| past. Have more than one bottle on the table to | | | | Try to complement a slice of warm apple pie with |
| choose from — at least two reds and two | | | | an extra dry sparkling wine or demi sec. Extra |
| whites — with a taste variety and grape | | | | dry actually means that the wine is a little sweet |
| variety. Find a few wines that are crowd pleasers | | | | while the demi sec indicates that it is even |
| and are easy sipping wines. Today everyone is | | | | sweeter. |
| aware of the health benefits of red wine, and | | | | Add wine to your celebrations this year. |
| people keep asking for the red wines, more than | | | | Remember that wine consumed with your food |
| white. Don’t shy away from offering sweet | | | | actually helps improve overall health. The key |
| reds, sparkling reds, light reds, and really great | | | | however, is to enjoy wine in moderation. One to |
| reds. | | | | two glasses of wine a day is a healthy habit with |
| Main course reds and whites: Gewürztraminer | | | | your meals. |
| and Riesling are fragrant and fruity white wines | | | | There are side effects to wine too. It is not for |
| which will work well with a Thanksgiving meal. | | | | everyone. You can get migraines, and, put on |
| Pinot Noirs and Zinfandel are red wines with a lot | | | | weight as wine is calorie packed. This holiday |
| of fruit and balanced tannins that will complement | | | | season enjoy it responsibly. Here are some tricks |
| the varied flavors of turkey and its many side | | | | to cutting the calories. (1) Think before you drink. |
| dishes. | | | | (2) Start with a nonalcoholic beverage to quench |
| In December, holiday tables often feature red | | | | your thirst. (3) Reduce calorie and alcohol content |
| meats, such as filet mignon or roast beef. If that's | | | | by making a wine spritzer. (4) Plan ahead: Save |
| true for you, reach for full flavored red wines. | | | | some calories during the day. |
| Cabernet Sauvignon is great with meat and | | | | “This is my wish for you: peace of mind, |
| cheese because of its complex flavor. Try a | | | | prosperity through the year, happiness that |
| Cabernet from Chile or a Bordeaux style blend | | | | multiplies health for you and yours, fun around |
| from California. Lamb lovers might try a glass of | | | | every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy |
| smooth, earthy Cabernet Shiraz blend. | | | | to fill your holidays!” -- D.M. Dellinger |
| And with your desserts and pies, Sparkling | | | | Have a fantastic Holiday season. May all your |
| Moscato D’ Asti is a good choice. I would also | | | | hopes and dreams come true this holiday season. |
| recommend a nice port wine with dessert. Wine | | | | Cheers! |
| can make a dessert extra special. Lightly sweet, | | | | |