��������

The recommended wine for holiday turkey seems to always be Beaujolais, a wine region in eastern France. Like liquid cranberry sauce, wines from Beaujolais exhibit tart strawberry and other fruity notes — plus the acidity balances with rich sauces that often accompany our sacred bird.

Instead of buying a simple Beaujolais, why not try a Cru Beaujolais (“Cru” meaning a vineyard or group of vineyards of recognized quality) from one of the northern villages of the region, such as Broilly or Juliénas.

Recommended:

• Michel Tête Domaine du Clos du Fief Cuvée Tradition, Juliénas, France

Prefer something a bit richer or more savory? Try a Pinot Noir, which happens to be a perfect match for heartier stuffings. To keep it American, head to Oregon for lighter, earthier versions. If you prefer more ripe fruit flavors, a Northern California Pinot would be a better choice.

Recommended:

• Montinore Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

While rich and buttery foods pair well with Chardonnay, salty foods also love a touch of sweetness. Why not try a local Riesling from New York's Finger Lakes region? Personally, my holiday meal plan features goose, so for a little more richness and spice, I might jump to a Finger Lakes Gewürztraminer.

Recommended:

• Grgich Hills Chardonnay, Napa, CA
• Frank Konstantin Semi-Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, NY
• Eminence Road Farm Winery Elizabeth’s Vineyard Dry Gewürztraminer, Finger Lakes, NY

Lest we forget: celebrations call for bubbles. Sparklers — especially rosés, are flexible wines that pair with a variety of foods. Champagne, of course, is a reliable choice, but U.S. winemakers are producing fine sparkling wines all around the country.

Recommended:

• Gruet Brut Rosé, Albuquerque, NM
• Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé, Napa, CA

Don’t let dessert stand alone — a semi-sweet or sweet bubbly wine always works, but for something richer, a ripe Muscat would be a nice choice. The stone fruits, orange and floral notes of a California Muscat might just be the perfect cap to your meal.

Recommended:

• Quady Essensia Orange Muscat, San Joaquin Valley, Madera, CA

The reality is that holiday spreads contain dishes with a multitude of tastes and flavors, so a selection of wines might be required. Let your guests have fun making their own match — after all, what could be more fun than sipping your perfect pairing surrounded by the ones you love?

Learn more about Intensive Sommelier Training at ICE.