I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas

I live just a couple of hours from where I grew up, but going home for the holidays always seems like such an event to me. I don't get home as often as I should, and because it's Christmas and my brother comes home from Arizona I get especially excited to do it every year.

There's a few things that are representative of being home for me, the constants that I count on every year. On my drive through town I will inevitably see someone I went to high school with hanging off the outside deck at the Whip City Brew, one of the local "establishments". My mother will automatically take whatever laundry I walked in with and throw it immediately into the washing machine. Don't get me wrong, it's great to still have Mom do your laundry but sometimes there's things that need to be separated or washed on a certain cycle but nope, Mom will throw it all in together before I've even taken my shoes off in the house.

And then there's Cavit Pinot Grigio, the big bottle. You all know it, you've all seen it. It's the epitome of jug juice in my opinion and despite countless attempts on my part to educate my dear family on the less expensive Pinots out there that do not taste like they were made in a bathtub, the Cavit bottle is ever present in my house at Christmas.

While it may be too late to save my own mother, I can at least attempt an effort to save our 5 faithful readers. Being that Pinot Grigio is such a popular white wine order, check out the below for an upgrade in quality without much of an upgrade in price.

2011 Fontana Candida Pinot Grigio $12

From Northeast Italy, this variety has fruity flowery notes and is a crisp delicate wine. This is the perfect wine to serve at the beginning of Christmas dinner or any festive occasion. Great with appetizers, shrimp, crostinis or whatever festive treats you have. This fine example is sure to please the pinot loving crowd.

2010 Puiatti Zuccole Pinot Grigio, Italy, $13

Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2011/10/19/1832597/the-perfect-complement-2010-puiatti.html#storylink=cpy

This Pinot Grigio from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy is a unique full bodied Pinot Grigio that Tricia and I used to serve all the time at Bacaro. I've had customers tell me "I don't like Pinot Grigio but I like this". That's probably because it has a bit more body to it and can stand up to a heavier meal. While the first wine mentioned is a fabulous starter wine, I would say this one would be perfect with the main course as well. Remember with wine, there are suggestions but no rules......just fun.





     

2010 Montinore Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon $12

You may or may not know that Pinot Gris is the same grape as Pinot Grigio, just with a different pronunciation. This Pinot Gris is fruity with tropical notes and flavors of melon, apple, and lime zest. It has a fruity yet crisp finish, displaying characteristics atypical to the usual Pinot Grigio. This wine is one of my favorites and it goes well with just about everything. I love it with prosciutto and melon or cheese with spicy mango chutney. Try it with all your Christmas appetizer delights. Goes very well with seafood also.






From Dave and Tricia, have a very happy Holiday season. Cheers!