Holiday Wine Pairings: A Weekly Guide
December is here, bringing festive cheer and the perfect opportunity to pair wines with delicious dishes that elevate your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting family dinners or enjoying quiet evenings, our weekly wine and recipe suggestions will help you savor the season with style.
Week 1: Château Nicot, Entre-Deux-Mers Blanc 2021
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sémillon,
10% Muscadelle
750 ml | 12 packs
90pts Decanter | Sustainable
Pair with: Winter Salad with Citrus and Fennel
A fresh, aromatic white wine with zesty citrus notes and herbal undertones, Château Nicot beautifully complements a vibrant winter salad.
Time: 15 minutes
Level: Easy
Serves: 4 pers.
Ingredients
2 oranges (peeled and segmented)
1 fennel bulb (thinly sliced)
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup toasted almonds
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
Combine greens, orange segments, fennel slices, pomegranate seeds, and almonds in a large bowl.
Toss with the dressing just before serving.
Pour a glass of Château Nicot, Entre-Deux-Mers.
Enjoy!
Week 2: Silenus Tyros Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot
750 ml | 6 packs
90pts Wine Spectator| 90pts Decanter
Sustainable
Pair with: Herb-Roasted Chicken
This robust, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon brings out the savory richness of poultry dishes, making it a perfect match for herb-roasted chicken.
Time: 2 hours
Level: Intermediate
Serves: 6 pers.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
2 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
1 lemon (sliced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place lemon slices inside the cavity.
Roast for 1.5–2 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Pour a glass of Silenus Tyros Cabernet Sauvignon.
Enjoy!
Week 3: Elio Filippino Barbaresco Riserva ‘Serra Capelli’ DOCG 2016
100% Nebbiolo
750 ml | 6 packs
Pair with: Braised Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce
The complex flavors and bold tannins of this Barbaresco Riserva balance perfectly with the richness of slow-cooked, saucy dishes.
Time: 3.5 hours
Level: Advanced
Serves: 4 pers.
Ingredients
4 lbs beef short ribs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion (diced)
3 carrots (diced)
2 cups of red wine
2 cups of beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Brown them in olive oil over medium heat, then set aside.
Sauté onions and carrots until softened. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in red wine and broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add thyme.
Return short ribs to the pot, cover, and braise in the oven for 2.5–3 hours, until tender.
Pour a glass of Elio Filippino Barbaresco Riserva ‘Serra Capelli’.
Enjoy!
Week 4: Champagne Forget-Brimont Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru
100% Chardonnay
750 ml | 6 packs
92 Wine Enthusiast | Sustainable
Pair with: Smoked Salmon Blinis
This elegant Champagne, with its delicate bubbles and citrusy brightness, delights with the savory, creamy flavors of smoked salmon.
Time: 30 minutes
Level: Easy
Serves: 8 pers.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter (melted)
1/2 cup sour cream
200g smoked salmon
Fresh dill for garnish
Preparation
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk in egg, milk, and melted butter to make the batter.
Heat a non-stick pan and cook small dollops of batter until golden on both sides.
Top each blini with a dollop of sour cream, a slice of smoked salmon, and dill.
Pour a glass of Champagne Forget-Brimont Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru.
Enjoy!
Celebrate in Style
This December, elevate your holiday meals with these perfectly paired wines and dishes. With Château Nicot’s freshness, Silenus Cabernet’s richness, Barbaresco Riserva’s depth, and Champagne Forget-Brimont’s elegance, there’s a pairing for every celebration.
CHEERS!
Grand Cru Imports Team