zinfandel

This holiday season I have opted to repeat my blog from last year because the films obviously remain classics and the pairings still apply.

It is the busy season at Premier, so I am just doing one large blog for the Holidays. I have listed 10 of my favorite Christmas movies with one bonus film many of you probably have never seen or heard of, but should take a look at. For each movie I have suggested a wine or spirit to go along with your viewing pleasure.

1. A Christmas Carol (1951): My favorite all-time Christmas movie with the incomparable Alistair Sim. It’s full of dark, brooding, Victorian London along with cheery snowy street scenes and lovely carols. A figgy and nutty Tawny Port like Niepoort Ten Year is just the thing to sip along with a slice of Christmas cake or pudding as you view this ideal Christmas movie.

2. A Christmas Carol (1984): My second favorite version of Dickens’ classic with wonderful set

In a couple of days the weather is going to turn wet and cold. Sad to say after a day like Thursday which reached the high seventies, we must endure another meteorologically challenged weekend. Unfortunately for us wine lovers, the words cool and refreshing may not be what you are considering when drinking wine this weekend.  You might want to forgo the crisp whites or thirst quenching Roses for something a bit more bold and substantial.  How about an old vine Zinfandel that could warm you up a bit?

The 2013 Perseverance Old Vine Zinfandel is a slightly lighter bodied Zinfandel that still retains the deep, rich purple color of the classic California wine.  Dark plum and cherry fruit and spice with a mocha finish help deliver a perfect wine for this weekend.  So whether you are cooking sausages, burgers, or hot dogs on the grill (and possibly dodging raindrops) or enjoying burritos inside while binge watching your favorite show, this wine is going to satisfy. 

Several years ago my wife and I visited Northern California where we spent time in San Francisco and points north. Most of our trip was spent in Mendocino County which I found to be geographically diverse and beautiful. There was coastline, hills, redwood forest, farms, scenic fishing villages, costal hamlets and several vineyards.

Here is my list of some favorite wines for Thanksgiving. Some of these are typical choices, while others may seem out in left field. All are interesting and worth your time. With a couple of exceptions, these wines will fall under $15.00 a bottle.

WHITES

1. Les Lys 2014 Vouvray - There are apricot, almond and slight honey notes complemented by a fair amount of acidity, yet this wine still is very creamy and has a round finish. It will be a crowd pleaser at Thanksgiving.
2. Dom Lafage 2014 Centenaire Cotes du Roussane - A light straw colored blend of Grenache Blanc and Roussane, this wine is crisp and has peach and green apple notes with good minerality.
3. Ressia 2014 Evien Bianco - This wine is very aromatic with intense flavors of peach, apricot, orange blossom, lychee (somewhat reminiscent of a Vouvray) and a hint of anise in the finish.
4. Willm 2013 Gewurtztraminer - a bit creamy and juicy, with smoke, apple, melon, lime, and ginger flavors.

Now that it’s November, we can put away the plastic skeletons, rubber monster masks, finish off the candy corn and toss away the rotting pumpkin.  Before you go jumping on the Christmas shopping and decorating bandwagon, take a chill and remember Thanksgiving. 

Recently I tried a new California Zinfandel and wondered what film I could tie in with it?  There are loads of great California movies but how could I decide?  Then I considered that three of the major constants in American culture have to be California, cars, and Rock n’ Roll.  Well, one came to mind that had those three major constants and that was American Graffiti. It is a perfect film for California, cars, and Rock n’ Roll.

With the temperature dipping back into the teens and possibly single digits, you might want to think about a hearty wine to keep the blood flowing for the next few days or so. The 2011 Baus Family Zinfandel is just the ticket.

How about a wine that will work for you rain or shine? Because- let’s face it. The sun is out as I write this, but hey, this is Buffalo and it could pour at any moment. If you need to be flexible in this magical land of quick change weather, try the Ringside Zinfandel. This dark purple beauty has plenty of black berry and cherry flavor, enhanced by clove and other baking spices. It’s somewhat jammy but finishes nicely with a smidgen of black pepper.

If it rains this zinfandel pairs wonderfully with quesadillas from your kitchen or if the sun is out and you are into the grilling mode, try this wine with grilled veggie burgers topped off with sharp cheddar, smoked gouda or bleu cheese.
Right now you can enjoy the Ringside Zinfandel for $7.00 a bottle with our “ Double up for a Buck “ sale.