On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me: a case of wine to pair and share. From Christmas Day to Epiphany, here’s what you’ll need to see the season through.
Day One: Grgich Hills 2009 Estate Grown Napa Valley Chardonnay. The biodynamic farming is perfect for the partridge and the wine tastes like fresh pear nectar; rich in flavor, golden in color. ($42)
Day Two: Garnett Vineyards 2010 Monterey County Pinot Noir. Bursting with berry flavors laced with spicy clove, you will be cooing like two turtle doves sipping this silky smooth wine by the fireside. ($15)
Day Three: Georges Duboeuf 2012 Beaujolais Nouveau. Oh, la la! Mon chérie! Three French hens, a standing rib roast and all your favorite party appetizers fare favorably with this year’s Nouveau release. ($9)
Day Four: Standing Sun Wines 2011 Grenache Rosé. This wine is brilliant in color, flavorful in the mouth and spicy to the finish. A wine for all seasons, including the holiday season and calling bird season. ($15)
Day Five: Col Solare 2009 Shining Hill Columbia Valley. This is where the choir belts out “five golden varietals!” Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah aren’t golden in color but they are in flavor. ($40)
Day Six: Riondo Pink, Spago Argento. I count that Day Six is New Year’s Eve. No idea what the geese are doing but it’s time to pop open the bubbly! Soft and delicate with bubbles that make your nose tickle; you’ll love it with fresh strawberries. ($15)
Day Seven: Conn Creek 2009 Napa Valley Herrick Red. As elegant and stylish as watching seven swans-a-swimming, Cabernet, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot and Primitivo give this wine its dark fruit and chocolaty flavors. ($20)
Day Eight: Villa Maria Estate 2011 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc — At a loss for what the eight maids-a-milking have to do with this citrusy, fresh and crisp white wine. Maybe they can bring cheese to pair: brie, ricotta salata and smoked Gouda are all good options. ($15)
Day Nine: Antica Napa Valley 2010 Chardonnay. Nine ladies dancing because this wine is a celebration in the glass. With flavors of peach, apricot, apple and pear, it’ll dance on the palate. ($35)
Day 10: Piccini Chianti Classico DOCG 2009. Red fruits, soft tannins, smooth finish, this wine pairs with all our favorites: pizza, spaghetti, burgers. Maybe the lords should be jumping for joy instead of a-leaping for this Tuscan gem. ($16)
Day 11: Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port. A blend of raisin and hazelnut in the glass, a velvety smooth port meant for bleu-veined cheeses. Ideal for after-dinner drinks or sharing by a roaring fire as you listen to the sounds of 11 pipers piping. (375 ml $12)
Day 12: Lucente Montalcino Super Tuscan 2010. Twelve drummers for the 12 days it took to ferment and 12 months it aged in oak. A blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, this wine is a super way to close out the 12 days of Christmas. ($30)
Cost of 12 Days of Christmas wine case? $264. Cost of a beautifully paired and shared 12 Days of Christmas: Priceless.
This article appears in Dec 13-19, 2012.