Holiday Beverages To Enjoy

In Moderation

During the holiday season, Santa and his elves are not the only ones who find themselves very busy. Between entertaining and gift giving, it is also an extremely busy time of year for those in the wine trade.

To make things just a tad easier for everyone during the holiday crunch, more information certainly can not hurt.

Chardonnay is the most popular white wine today, and Merlot is the most popular red wine. For entertaining purposes, you will rarely go wrong by serving these wines. Many wines are available in 1.5 liter bottles that are quite convenient for parties. A 1.5 liter bottle serves about ten glasses of wine. They sell from $10 to $20 a bottle and are widely available.

Although these wines are not collector’s items, they are tasty and should please most palates. Tasty Chardonnay and Merlot in 1.5 liter bottles can be found from France, Chile, Australia and the United Sates.

Of course the holiday season is also Champagne season. Sparkling wine prices start at about $4 a bottle and after that hit every price into the hundreds of dollars. True Champagne has to come from the Champagne region of France. Prices for true French Champagne start in the mid $20 range.

Fine sparkling wines can also be found from around the world. Do not be afraid to experiment because most wine shops probably have a favorite that is worth trying.

Buying a special bottle of wine for your favorite wine lover should also be easy this year. 1997 was an excellent year for California Napa Valley Cabernet and Italian Chianti Classico Riservas. Those wines should be available in better wine shops. 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Rhone are also excellent and should also be widely available.

Finally, please try to remember to always enjoy your favorite holiday beverage in moderation and have a joyous holiday season.

(Steve Small is a Newtown resident and wine enthusiast.)