The Wine Lover: A spirited gift

What is Christmas without wine? Wine has been an important part of the Christmas tradition for hundreds of years. Even Jesus himself enjoyed a glass here and there.
Here are some wine tips to make you a Christmas hero:
For starters, wine makes for an excellent gift! The only people who aren’t excited when they receive a bottle of wine are religious fanatics and children younger than 10. Not only that, but a botella de vino is oftentimes an inexpensive gift, as well.
Many local wineries make excellent wines on sale for less than $20. Hunter Hill sells some of its red wines at the discounted price of $10 right now, and Soquel Vineyards’ Trinity is only $16.
If you stick around after the gift recipient opens the bottle, you tend to get to try a glass, as well.
What wines to pair with dinner is also an important consideration. Even though we’re already sick of turkey-mayonnaise-stuffing sandwiches, Christmas dinner is usually somewhat similar to Thanksgiving fare. Many people do another turkey, while some will do pork or duck.
With turkey and duck, my first choice would be a pinot noir. Turkey and duck are not heavy meats, and pinot noir is a lighter-style red wine that won’t overpower them. Cabernet sauvignon and turkey can be kind of like a bull in a china shop in your mouth.
With pork, I would go for a syrah, though there are many red wines that go well with pork. I mention syrah because it’s usually a safe bet that it won’t be too overwhelming.
If you’re thinking white wine for Christmas — and I am always thinking white wine — then try Riesling. A dry Riesling often has the necessary acidity to cut through the thick sauces in a typical Christmas dinner.
There is an excellent Riesling by an Alsatian producer called Trimbach available at Shopper’s Corner for only $18. If they are out of that, the pinot blanc by the same producer is just as good. By the way, Trimbach started producing wine about the same time Shakespeare was producing plays.
Another important Christmas wine is Champagne or sparkling wine. A classic bubbly that you probably already know is Veuve Clicquot, which usually runs from $30 to $50.
If you are keen on shopping locally (I sure am!), then try the sparkling wine that Equinox Cellars produces. They are off Swift Street on the west side of Santa Cruz and produce an excellent yeasty, bubbly wine.
If you want something a little higher-end, try Billecart Salmon’s Rose or anything by Pol Roger. Billecart is an all-around, well-balanced wine, and Pol Roger will knock your socks off. Roger’s champagnes are the reason God made bubbles.
Merry Christmas, and cheers!
• Austin Twohig is a certified sommelier and partner in The Santa Cruz Experience, which conducts winery tours in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Contact him at [email protected].