The holiday season is a time for gathering with family and friends and sharing meals that are made even more special with the perfect wine. At Rove Winery, we believe that a well-paired wine can transform a meal, enhancing the flavors and making your celebrations truly unforgettable.
With that in mind, we’re excited to present our Wines of the Month for October, November, and December – each carefully chosen to complement the feasts of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Join us as we explore how these wines bring charm to the holiday table, making your meals as memorable as the moments you share with loved ones.
October Wine of the Month: 2021 Reserve Oaked Chardonnay
Tropical and creamy, our 2021 Reserve Oaked Chardonnay brings vibrant flavors to the table, with notes of starfruit, pineapple, and a subtle touch of hazelnut.
Its bright acidity and layered complexity make it an ideal choice for enhancing holiday meals, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. For more about Chardonnays, read All About Chardonnay.
Thanksgiving Pairings
Picture this: a golden-brown turkey fresh from the oven, filling the air with savory aromas. Paired with our 2021 Reserve Oaked Chardonnay, the wine’s tropical fruit flavors of starfruit and pineapple beautifully complement the richness of the turkey and buttery mashed potatoes, while its acidity cuts through the fat and balances the herb stuffing and roasted vegetables.
It’s a wine that enhances both the hearty and fresh elements of the Thanksgiving spread.
Christmas Pairings
As we move into Christmas, the 2021 Reserve Oaked Chardonnay's adaptability again shines. Whether you’re serving a succulent roasted chicken or a creamy, cheesy casserole, the wine’s tropical notes and nutty finish stand up to the richness of the dishes without overpowering them.
A cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie is another perfect match, as the Chardonnay’s oak adds an extra layer of depth to each bite.
Serving Tips
To get the most out of this Chardonnay, serve it chilled at around 50°F. If you plan on serving it with richer dishes, consider decanting it for about 30 minutes to soften the oak and allow the bright fruit flavors to shine.
November Wine of the Month: 2022 Select Harvest Riesling
November brings us our 2022 Select Harvest Riesling, a wine that’s as vibrant as it is versatile.
This Riesling entices with a tropical perfume of kiwi and guava, complemented by candied ginger and dried mango flavors. Elegantly balanced with a fine, lasting finish, it’s the perfect match for both savory and sweet holiday dishes.
For more on Rieslings, read All About Riesling.
Thanksgiving Pairings
For your Thanksgiving feast, the 2022 Select Harvest Riesling is a standout. Its slight sweetness beautifully balances the savory-sweet profile of glazed ham and enhances the caramelized richness of sweet potato casserole.
The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the tang of cranberry sauce, making every bite more harmonious. It’s a wine that brings out the best in a diverse Thanksgiving spread.
Christmas Pairings
For Christmas, the 2022 Select Harvest Riesling truly shines with spiced or lightly sweet dishes. Think ginger-glazed salmon or pork tenderloin, both complemented by the Riesling’s fruit-forward profile and refreshing finish.
Even spicy dishes (like gingerbread desserts) will be balanced by this wine’s slight sweetness and acidity.
Serving Tips
Serve this Riesling chilled at about 45°F. Its approachable sweetness makes it a great wine for appetizers, like a fruit and cheese platter, or as a palate cleanser between courses.
December Wine of the Month: 2020 Merlot
As the year winds down and we gather for Christmas and New Year’s, A red like our 2020 Merlot is the perfect addition to the holiday table.
This Merlot greets you with aromas of bright red cherry, strawberry jam, and a hint of spice. On the palate, concentrated flavors of black cherry and bramble fruits unfold, transitioning into layers of plum, fig, and a touch of dark chocolate.
The finish is smooth and silky, making it as comforting as it is complex.
Christmas Pairings
Consider pairing the 2020 Merlot with prime rib or beef tenderloin for your Christmas feast. The wine’s smooth tannins enhance the juiciness of the meat, while its bright fruit notes provide a luscious contrast to rich sauces and savory sides like roasted root vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
Mushroom dishes (such as a wild mushroom risotto) also pair beautifully with the earthiness of the Merlot, creating a truly indulgent holiday experience.
New Year’s Pairings
For New Year’s Eve, the 2020 Merlot is equally impressive. Picture a charcuterie board filled with cured meats, sharp cheeses, and olives – each bite elevated by the Merlot’s depth and complexity.
It’s a wine that invites celebration and pairs well with a wide array of flavors, making it the perfect companion for an evening of toasts and good company.
Serving Tips
This Merlot is best served just below room temperature, around 60-65°F. For an enhanced experience, decant the wine for an hour before serving to allow its flavors to fully open up and reveal the layers of dark fruit and cocoa that make it so special.
Raise a Glass to the Holidays with Rove’s Wines of the Month
Whether you’re gathering around the Thanksgiving table, celebrating the joy of Christmas, or ringing in the New Year, Rove’s Wines of the Month are here to make your holiday meals unforgettable.
Here’s to good wine, good food, and even better company. Sláinte from Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate!