Flatter your feast

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If you’re making (or attending) a traditional-ish Christmas-type dinner, there are a number of wines out there that will work well with the big bird and all its accompaniments. (HANDOUT)

It's hard to believe that next Saturday is already Christmas Eve. I worked in retail at wine shops over the holidays for the better part of a decade, and I wouldn't wish the lineups on my worst enemy.

So, dear readers, hit the shops soon -- beat the rush, and get the wines for your big holiday dinner ASAP. If you're making (or attending) a traditional-ish Christmas-type dinner, there are a number of wines out there that will work well with the big bird and all its accompaniments.

Provided it's not burdened with a pile of oak, a Chardonnay will work well with your holiday feast. This is to your advantage price-wise, as most inexpensive Chardonnay sees little to no oak. For those looking to spend a bit more, French Chablis brings both complexity and depth of flavour without the big, creamy vanilla notes of new oak barrel aging.

But I want to talk about a different option: aromatic whites. Typically lighter yet intense on both the nose and the palate, these wines typically have a backbone of acidity to cut through the fattier notes of the turkey skin, dark meat and gravy, and will work the same magic with the classic green bean casserole -- a notoriously tough dish to pair with wine. Turkey and Riesling work well together, as will an Austrian Grüner Veltliner or a Gewürztraminer from pretty much anywhere. In fact, Gewürz also brings a touch of spice on both the nose and palate does remarkably well with savoury stuffing and root vegetables such as sweet potatoes.

While white wine is the ideal for your turkey dinner, there are those that insist upon a red. In this case, stick with a lighter, juicy red like Pinot Noir or Gamay when searching for that perfect pairing. Try a Beaujolais Nouveau if you have some kicking around. Alternately, many entry-level red blends deliver big fruit without heavy, drying tannins.

Regardless of what you pick, enjoy your time with friends and family over a delicious meal, and raise a glass for the holidays.

Excuse my California-heavy picks -- I have the Golden State on the brain, as I'm heading to Napa and Sonoma at the end of January...

MAX MANN 2010 RIESLING CLASSIC

(Nahe, Germany -- $10.91, Liquor Marts and beyond)

Red apple, mineral, lemon and a light herbal note come through on the nose beautifully on this well-priced German Riesling. It's a racy, off-dry, slightly tart white, bringing green apple, lime, firm peach and stony notes with some light acidity. An impressive wine for the price, and a brilliant contender for your turkey dinner. 87/100

CHARLES SMITH 2010 KUNG FU GIRL RIESLING

(Columbia Valley, Wash. -- around $18, private wine stores)

This fun white brings green apple, lime zest, apricot and light honey notes on the nose. There's a hint of sweetness to this light-bodied white, with lots of green apple and citrus that come through on the palate. Turkey-friendly. 88/100

ST. CLAIR 2008 PIONEER BLOCK 12 LONE GUM GEWURZTRAMINER

(Marlborough, N.Z. -- $24.19, Liquor Marts and beyond)

Intense floral notes on the nose are backed by tangerine, mineral, pear, melon and light spice aromas. This medium-bodied white is fermented dry but retains some lingering sweetness -- dried apricot, tangerine and peach flavours are rich, and mingle with intense floral notes. Chill this right down before serving -- as it warms up the floral components overpower the stone fruit flavours. 87/100

CAYMUS 2009 CONUNDRUM

(California -- $29.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

The nose on this blend -- a mish-mash of white grapes -- is outstanding: perfume, light herbal, nectarine, spice, mandarin orange and floral notes are exquisite on the nose. It's light-plus bodied and almost effervescent, with tangerine, peach, melon, ripe orange and lemon juice flavours on the crisp, racy palate. It will work well on its own or with poultry. 90/100

BEAR FLAG NV SMOOTH RED WINE BLEND

(California -- $12.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

A blend of tempranillo, touriga, zinfandel and alicante bouschet, this red shows juicy cherry, raspberry, bubble gum and spearmint notes on the nose. Medium-bodied and with a hint of sweetness, the bubble gum and spearmint notes are prominent on the palate, with raspberry candy, milk chocolate and strawberry notes on the palate, no discernable tannin and a short finish. Chill for 10-15 and serve with your bird. 85/100

CLINE 2009 COOL CLIMATE PINOT NOIR

(Sonoma Coast, Calif. -- $22.31, Liquor Marts and beyond)

Well-known for their Syrah and Zinfandel, Cline has made a nice little Pinot Noir for the price. Raspberry, dried cherry, perfume and a hint of mint all come through on the nose. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir brings the ripe red berry notes on the palate as well, with light tannins providing some structure to an otherwise rich, fruity red. 88/100

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Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 17, 2011 E4