Buying affordable wines for your holiday party can be a daunting affair, but with a little planning it doesn't have to be.
The first rule is: Don't go to the liquor store unprepared.
Make a list based on the number of people you expect and your budget. Decide ahead of time what will best suit the mood and the food you plan to serve. Remember, it's not only about what you like to drink but what they like.
Here are a few more things to consider. Be a responsible host. Don't pick wines that are excessively alcoholic, or too heavy on the palate. Lean toward lighter styles and more food-friendly offerings. Also, buy wines that are flexible and easy to pair with a wide number of tastes.
It also pays to have some fun. Be adventurous and introduce your friends to something new. And make sure you have some tasty, non-alcoholic options for designated drivers and other non-drinkers.
There's nothing quite like welcoming somebody to a festive soirée with a glass of something sparkling even more so if it's pink. Here's a couple of sparkling rosés well worth a nod:
Oyster Bay Rosé: When I tasted this Kiwi sparkler a few weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised. A blend of Hawkes Bay Chardonnay and Marlborough Pinot Noir, it delivers appealing strawberry notes without being tootie-fruity, with some nice crisp orange, zesty notes and decent mouthfeel. It also won a spot in Vancouver Magazine's Top 110 Best Value Wine Awards. Check all the winners at vanmag.com (BCLS $22.99, on special BCLS $24.99 until Dec 28).
Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Rose Perle D'Aurore: I was impressed with this Burgundian sparkler from French giant Boisset earlier this year. More subtle red fruit with good acidity and focus, preceded by some nice bubbles in the glass (BCLS $24.99, another Van mag top 110 winner; on special BCLS $26.99 until Dec 28).
The Riesling
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and he's drinking riesling, which is no longer sweet and cloying, although some people still presume that. Modern rieslings are bright and vibrant.
Gunderloch Fritz's 2012: I've tasted this wine on many occasions and it always lives up to its promise. When Fritz Hasselbach introduced it the idea was to help people get by the German label "problem," which means it's not too long and you can not only pronounce it but easily remember it. Floral, honey and citrus notes, quite fruity with a streak of acidity. The alcohol is 10.5 per cent, which means it won't hurt you to sip a big glass and it can carry some spice. Yet another Van mag winner (BCLS $17.99, 89 points).
The Chardonnay (because people will want one)
Mission Hill 5 Vineyards Chardonnay 2012 VQA: It's good to see this value range back in Mission Hill's lineup, and bumped up a notch as it's now all estate-grown fruit. Here's a well-balanced wine that's varietally correct, assertive on the palate, with some nice tropical and apple notes, and not over-oaked (BCLS $15.99, 89 points).
The Easy Red
Castillo de Monseran 2012 Garnach: As easy on the palate as on the wallet, this juicy medium-bodied red sports up-front red berries plus some cherry-chocolate and anise notes with just enough approachable tannins to give it a little bit of heft. Arguably the best $10 red wine deal around. Now in screw cap too (BCLS $9.99, 89 points).
The Beer
Red Racer ESB: This assertive but not overly hopped Extra Special Bitter from Surrey's Central City adds up to the perfect winter mouthful, richly textured, malty and respectably bitter. Try it with tourtière. And if you find yourself on the South Fraser perimeter road between the Port Mann and Pattullo bridges, be sure to check out their impressive new brewery and distillery (BCLS six 375-mililitre bottles $11.90. Also in 650-ml bottles at various locations, 90 points).
Tim Pawsey covers food and wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: rebelmouse.com/hiredbelly, on Twitter @hiredbelly or email [email protected].
