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Choosing a wine to go with a festive holiday meal can be a challenge. A bold, celebratory wine seems a good initial choice - but it risks clashing with, or possibly even overshadowing, any of the delicious food cooked for the occasion. But too fruity or light, and the traditional holiday meats might make the wine seem bland in comparison. And, or course, holidays bring together family and friends from all over, and the wine needs to appeal to this diverse group of people. Here, therefore, are some ideas to get you started, along with some specific recommendations, so that the holiday bottle becomes a gift to share, not another source of stress.

Traditional Thanksgiving wines are many. A Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and earthy - a perfect pairing with a herb-encrusted turkey or herb-based stuffing dish. The warm, natural tastes of this particular wine could be the perfect complement. You might try the Beringer Vineyards, Napa Valley, 2004 - these zingy, fruity wines have a great earthy taste. Or, incorporate the grass notes of the $15 Ferrari-Carano from Sonoma County, for a rosemary-based dish. Riesling is another option, good with spicy dishes. A recommendation here is the $18 Pikes Clare Valley Riesling.

The problem, of course, is that one wine for spicy sides and one for the main dish isn’t really ideal. This isn’t a traditional three-course meal, usually, but a family-style extravaganza. But for red wines - traditionally heartier, and better for these wintry months - the Pinot Noir is simple and tasty enough to go with everything. Simple, homey, and sure to please - the perfect family Thanksgiving combination. If you’re feeling more adventurous, however, you might try Beujolais Nouveau. This fruity wine goes wonderfully with turkey - and best of all, it’s perfectly seasonal; it’s always released on the third Thursday in November! For your dessert - if it’s pumpkin pie - bring out a cream sherry; they’re sweet enough to stand up to the spicy confidence of the pie.

For Christmas dinner, a different wine might be an interesting way of making a traditional Christmas meal seem more special. Try serving a nice Zinfandel with the Christmas ham, or a Shiraz with the turkey. Since it’s winter, you’d probably be better off staying with red wines.  With lighter meals - hams or other cold meats - you might try the Chianti Classico 2001 Borgo Salcetino, an Italian wine that can be had for under $15. Its tannin taste complements the oiliness of ham well. For a fat bird like duck or goose, the velvet Chassagne-Montmrachet Rouge, Blain-Gagnard, is a rich Burgundy that will bring out the meat’s richness. For a beef or lamb dish, try a Bordeaux (such as the 1998 Les Pagodes de Cos, St-Estephe, just over $20, an elegant, decadent bottle). Don’t forget to finish off with a good bottle of port!

One more consideration about wine and holiday feasts - you may well receive a bottle or two of wine from your dinner guests. You shouldn’t feel obligated to serve it at all, unless it really is a special wine that goes well, and that you want to share. Otherwise, save it for another time – it’s a gift for you, after all. And, don’t forget to store it properly, in a wine cooler or wine chiller, so that you can enjoy it when you finally do uncork it, for another special occasion. Even a wine cooler that will hold just 12 bottles will do, but you’ll likely find that you’ll fill that up very quickly, so take expansion into consideration. (You can check out a nice wine cooler recommendations guide at WineCoolerreviews.com.) In the meantime, enjoy your holiday meal with your friends and family, along with an excellent selection of wine.

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