Mom's The Word

Holiday Wine Recommendations from the Expert

If you are like me you entertain far more and attend far more parties during the Holiday Season than any other time of year. One of my go-to items for a host gift is a bottle of wine and it is great to shake things up and try something new. But often I don't know where to start and with the chaos of the season I don't have time to spend researching the hot wines for the Holidays. Well, now you won't have to because we went straight to the expert!

We were lucky enough to get the scoop on this season's wines straight from wine expert, Nick Keukenmeester: 

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Originally from Adelaide, South Australia, Nick joined Lifford Wine Agency in Toronto, Canada to head up their Private Client Sales department in 2007. 

Prior to joining Lifford, Nick spent six years working in the wine trade in London, England. 

Nick holds a Diploma in Wines and Spirits from the UK's Wine and Spirits Education Trust and now lectures for them here in Toronto with the Independant Wine Education Guild. Nick lives with his wife and young son in Toronto, Canada. 

He sucks at golf and ice-skating, but keeps trying in order to fit in.

We asked Nick for recommendations on 3 reds and 3 whites and tasting recommendations that will please any pallet. 

Here are Nick's Tasting Notes:

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Villa Sandi  Prosecco - Who doesn't love bubbles?  Great for mimosas on Christmas morning.  Citrus notes and hints of ripe golden apple, the dry, fresh and clean sensation on the palate is followed by a fruity aftertaste.  Also an excellent aperitif to accompany savouries, with steamed shellfish, or as the principal ingredient for Bellini's, or Sunday Brunch.

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SM Pinot Grigio - Easy drinking white.  This dry white wine has a straw yellow color.  Its clean, intense aroma and bone-dry taste (with an appealing flavor of Golden Delicious apples) make Santa Margherita's Pinot Grigio a wine of great personality and versatility.  Excellent as an aperitif, and ideal with seafood salads or pasta and rice dishes based on fish and shellfish. Also perfect with white meats, boiled or grilled fish and soufflés. 

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Ironstone  Obsession - Highly aromatic with a touch of sweetness. Obsession Symphony is an ideal complement to many types of cuisine, especially ones that are on the spicy side. Obsession is exceptional with Pad Thai or other Thai dishes. The hot curry found in Indian cuisine is cooled by Obsession's fresh fruit flavors. It's also a great choice with grilled fruits. 

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Negrar Ripasso - Classic Italian elegance.  Its colour reveals a strong ruby red with hints of violet.  Its bouquet is complex aromas of red fruits, vinous and spicy.  The flavour is well balanced, full-bodied, velvet-smooth with harmonious tannins.  Best served at a temperature of 18°-19°C in very large glasses.  Uncork the bottle at least 1 hour prior to serving.  A fine companion for all meat dishes, both grilled and braised and also good with farmhouse cheeses.  

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Red Knot Cabernet Sauvignon - Big red with a fun Zork closure.  Deep red.  Dark cherry conserve, cassis and cranberry fruit aromas along with hints of mint chocolate and roasted coffee lift from the glass. The richly structured, full-bodied palate is filled with ripe blackberry flavours and textured with velvety tannins and lingering French oak. Fresh acidity complements the long, sweet fruit finish, resulting in a wine with immediate appeal and varietal presence.

Junior.jpgJunior Shiraz - Smooth, easy drinking full-bodied red.  Bright black fruits on the nose with a subtle spice component. The palate is rich with firm savoury tannins and a long, generous finish.  Drink with barbecued eye fillet, served with pan seared mushrooms, green beans and creamy potato mash.

Fabulous suggestions! A wine for every taste. And here's your chance to win a Gift Basket from Lifford Wines. Just comment below and let us know whether you are a red, white or bubbly and tell me why!

You must sign-in to enter so we know how to get in touch with you.  Click here to join. 

Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations.

The contest closes on December 22, 2011.   

The prizing was provided by Lifford Wines.Enhanced by Zemanta

224 Comments

I like a nice chilled white wine. Crisp and fruity. Although a little bubbly on a special occasion is nice too.

My husband love red wine. He really looks forward to relaxing after a long day and enjoying a glass of wine with some great cheese.

I drink mostly red but then again a white has it's place too and oh what the heck,I like a bubbly too:-)

I am a white with a bubbly on special occasions.

I like both red and white wine but Pinot Grigio is one of my favorites

Gamay is my favourite, the taste is unbeatable

Red, I love a good shiraz!

White's my colour of choice!

I love a white in the summer and a shiraz in the winter. :)

I am a red and bubbly person. Mostly red though - I love a wide variety of reds, and since I don't drink beer, you can almost aalways find a bottle at a back yard party.
Bubbles are good for drinks with girl friends!

I am a white wine person mostly because I have a really unfortunate reaction to red wines - head to toe flushing with splotches all over my body! Sigh. I would love to drink more red but I understand I must have an allergy to the tannins. My hubby loves reds though so I buy it for him on occasion.

I prefer a nice white wine.

I'm a white wine lover - white zinfandel to be exact - which is actually pink. So does that mean I like half and half? Or am I just trying to be different? What was the question? ;)

Oh a nice RED Malbec...yes indeed.....

I love them all! White wine when I'm catching up with my mom and sisters. A couple ounces of red at night when the kids are in bed. Bubbly for special occasions and mixed with orange juice on Christmas morning!

What's better to enjoy the holiday season with best of friends and a glass of good wine, that's would make my dream come true

Ah gee, i love them all and this is a super prize. I've been very, very good Santa!

I have always been a white wine person, but I am now enjoy a glass of good red wine.

I love all wines, but I do prefer my wine cold and on the sweeter side!

I love all wines - as a mom of TRIPLETS plus one more.....would could resist, red, white or bubbly!!!! Happy Holidays.

I'm a red, a dry full bodied red. I prefer the grape varieties that are used in red wine.

I'm definitely bubbly.Why? I don't know? I like bubbles. Prosecco is my drink. :)

Red because white wine makes me regret things the next morning.

I'm a white, usually Pinot grigio...like the dryness!

Need a quick recommendation, oh Wine Guru: am on my way out the door to buy a bottle of red to enjoy with cheese, bread, olive oil, and honey. Thoughts?

In the summer, I enjoy a refreshing cool glass of pinot grigio, but in the winter I like red wine - it's the perfect drink to relax and enjoy at room temperature... feels cozy!

I love them all, it's a great way to entertain. Thanks for the chance! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! :)

For the holidays, I like bubbly to be a little more festive, but normally, I'm a white wine gal! (some reds are too harsh for me, and besides, red makes more of a mess when you spill!)

I love a nice white wine (nice and cold!) because it's crisper and usually feels lighter than a red.

I love chilled white wine epcially on hot summer nights when the kids are in bed, prefer the taste and is great to sit back and relax and read a good book.

I LOVE all wines - white, red and mimosas for brunch. I'll drink whatever I'm in the mood for!

I like a nice white wine on special occasions

I am definitely a red. No headaches the next morning.

I am red drinker, I enjoy the taste.

I am a red.It's healthier,more tasty and delightful.

Cabernet Sauvignon all the way. Rich, red, full-bodied wines are my favourite.

I love red wine !!!!!!!!!!!

Pinot Grigio sounds good to me. Red wine gives me a bit of a facial blush but wine is pure joy!!! Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to all.

Red please; there's nothing like a good Australian Shiraz!

White wine just for socializing but a good red with a meal.

I'm definitel a red wine kind of girl. I recently discovered a red from Argentina with a very distinct delcious flavour with no after-bite.

Red wine is by far my favourite, especially at this time of year when I want to feel warm! There are such a wide variety of flavours and grapes that make every glass an adventure!

I like white, but sometimes I can be in the mood for red and bubbly! Depends on my mood and the event!

I love red wine! More flavor, and umph to it. I love a good burgandy whe I find it.

I'm a definite red kind of girl. Love the taste and aroma.

I love the bubbly. I'm more of a light, sweet, fruity type of wine or champagne drinker. I love it and for me its all about taste. The can only have a glass of the stronger wines and a lot more of the lighter ones and I guess thats why I like them so much.

I had always been a white wine person but have recently tried expanding my tastes to reds. My current faves are gewurztraminers and malbecs.

I like white wine, it is light and crisp and fruity.

I enjoy red wine, but white is okay on occasion.

I love them all. But red if I had to choose.

I like the bubbly - so refreshing - plus I love sipping from a slim fluted champagne glass - and best of all - it always means an occasion for happiness and celebration

I love the bubbly but am leaning towards red wine for the health benefits.

Very much a red person! The more full bodied the better!

Red, because I tend to eat a lot of beef and lamb!

Definitely a red wine person. Love it with a big steak, yum!

Red wine all the way for me!

Wonderful Christmas cheer

It's the holidays- break out the prosecco! Bubbly for me!

I'm not a wine drinker myself, but those I know who are like the white.

Love white wine, especially Reisling, love the sweetness
anger_family @yahoo dot com

I am a white wine drinker, although I like the reds too, but just occasionally

I drink everything but I find myself drinking a lot of white. It doesn't stain the teeth and it goes with so much food!

I prefer the more robust flavors of a bold red

I enjoy red wine the most because I like the richer taste. But I do like to have a glass or two of white or bubbly in the summer because they are so refreshing!

I was red...for so long and was a little reticent to move towards the whites. But, the refreshing and complex delights I find in whites have given me a new zest for colour- and my preference is now, ironically, the absence of colour- white. And, when I decide to go bubbly (which I truly enjoy as well) I love Moscatos...decadent, effervescent deliciousness!

I like white as it has a cleaner, more distinct taste for me

I love a great white wine!

I love a nice, dry red wine. It goes very well with dark chocolate (which I also love).

Would be nice to have this to ring in the new year
I'm a white wine drinker prefer the sweeter taste and lighter body. I just never developed a taste for red

I prefer white wines, very chilled and some bubbly on occassion.

I love chilled white wine, heaven!

red wine for me, please

I prefer red, but I enjoy crisp whites too... and BUBBLES are always WONDERFUL!!

I adore bubbly wine! champagnes straight up or one mixed with orange juice for a sunday brunch! my favorite is La Scala Spumante..a delicious white wine with bubbles that tickle your nose & bring rushes of joy to my palate! one day if i ever get rich, i would love to try a bottle of that very expensive champagne, Dom Perignon! wow..wouldn't that be a treat!

I prefer white but it depends on the occasion

White is my preference.

I like a dry whit; Verdiccio is usually the type I gravitate towards.

I am bubbly because it matches my outlook on life.

Red..but I've been liking white lately too

Bubbly...because it just tastes good and feels like a celebration!

White wine is what I would usually choose, but I really like a little bubbly to celebrate the holidays with. Thank you

White is what I like. Red is my husband,s so I am ready for everthing!

White wine only - red gives us headaches for some reason.

l change with the season - red during the colder months and white when it is warm outside

white! so relaxing after a long day!

Definitely prosecco (my third child is proof!!)...and it has to be super cold!

I personally prefer white...red wine always seems so heavy to me....

Ripasso. I have never tried this wine but Nick's recomendation that it goes farmhouse cheeses just makes me think of summer evenings, cheese, fruit, bread and wine. This I want to try.

Red is always our preferred choice and the Red Knot Cabernet Sauvignon sounds delicious.

I'm red, white and Bubbly!!

i would have to go with bubbly ....to match my personality!!

I am a red wine person. I think for me it is the taste. I like the richness and flavor of a red wine. I still drink white wine with many meals, but I like to relax with a glass of red wine.

I like a dry wine wine, very cold not just chilled, as it is very easy to drink. Though I can be easily persuaded to drink bubbly.

White in the summer, and an Italian red in the winter!

I really enjoy both red & white equally! It Just depends on what food I am having it with!

Red will always be my favorite! A full bodied one is delish!!

love them all but enjoying reds for Christmas

I usually drink white wine but have enjoyed all colors of wine. I would love to taste these wines, they look wonderful! It would be awesome to have a glass in the evening :-)

I love a nice dry red wine. Currently Shiraz and Malbec are my favourites but I keep trying new ones.

I prefer a nice white wine for entertaining

I like all kinds of wine. Red, white and bubbly. They all have different but great taste.

I love red wine, but after years of denying any love for white, tried some chardonnay and Riesling and fell in love as well! I also love Merlot and cabaret. Wine add so much flavor to dishes at dinner!

I have decided I have a favourite 'Chardonnay' and that's my wine of choice. A good red wine is amazing though, probably a Merlot. I only have one glass of wine (a nice large glass though!!).

so many varieties of wines out there from many countries , too many good ones to just narrow it down to a few picks

I love white wine ... just like it for the taste!

I'm a white wine or blush kind of girl. I find red too strong and I've had bad experiences with bubbly in the past.....

I love the full rich flavour of a good red!

Im red in the winter...white in the summer..I feel like they match the season

I love a big bold red cabernet sauvignon with a hint of oak.

I like white wine the best, bubbly tastes a little too bitter to me.

I like wine in all it's variaties, but if pressed to choose I would go for a good red. I love the bold, full flavours of red wines.

I LOVE a pink bubbly! It makes me happy! The colour, the bubbles and the taste; I enjoy them all!

I remember being a kid and watching the bubbles in my parents drinks.....magical!

thanks

I love a fresh white.

I prefer white wine, not too dry. I tend to have a sweet tooth in everything and wine is no different.

Yes, I am a red wine lover. It seems to be a more complex taste than white wine and perhaps I am a more complex person.

I prefer white wine, no matter what the food!

I am a bubbly kind of women

I prefer red for the health benefits, shiraz works wonders for making a depressing day go away, white for friends. What the heck, pour me a glass of whatevers open. lol

Red or white just depending what I am eating...red for beef and white for seafood or pork.

Red. Still haven't found the perfect one so help me out if you can.

It depends on the occasion since I like all of them but I really like red wine since I find it is more complex than most of the whites.

the wife loves wine

I prefer white wines, but sometimes a bubbly hits the spot!

Red all the way.....love the taste and its heart healthy!

white - much lighter and seems to go wth pretty much anything and more refreshing than the others

I like both, but if I have to choose its white :)

I like my white wine, always have, and no idea why.

I love red wine the most but really I like wine in general:)

I am both a very bubbly and a white wine drinker. sorry I am not into red wine at all. I luve bubblly wine as It matches my bubbly personality. People tell me I am just too happy. Now just imagine how happy I could be If I won your wine basket. I would be outta this world.

I think that my choice would be Red wine. My Grandfather used to give red wine to the family as gifts for Christmas. The sweet savory taste was wonderful...memories...sigh

I like both, red and white, because there both yummy, but it depends on what im eating to pair a red or white:)

I love red wine, it tastes so smooth and is great after a hard days work!

I am mainly a red shiraz/cabernet person, with the occasional refreshing white in the summer

I love a nice white wine

wow...those red wines would taste great to marinate meat, make a Bourguignon stew with or a nice prime rib...I can taste it now LOL

Bubbly for me please!!! Don't drink it too often - but, what's a celebration without the "bubbly".

Thanks for this information! I don't know too much about wine but I always bring it to dinner parties. This is very helpful! I definitely LOVE bubbly myself!

I love white wine. It tastes more smooth

i love bubbly - makes me feel like i'm always celebrating something!

I'm a bubbly girl and love it.

I like them all but I like the red a little more than the others just because I enjoy the taste the most.

I'm a bubbly mom because I prefer sweeter wines and the bubbles just enhance that.

I for sure love the white wine..Thanks

I love a crisp fruity white!

I am definitely a RED girl. I think it makes me feel like a hot momma. With a house full of boys I need that little secret pick me up.

I love red wines, because I love the the full bold flavour of the red grapes, and it pairs so well with meat.

I am a bubbly girl - I love the fizz and the quick relaxed feeling I get after just a sip!

I like a nice chilled white wine. Crisp and fruity. Although a little bubbly on a special occasion is nice too.

It depends on the weather with me ! I drink white in the summer, red in the winter and bubbly whenever the fancy hits me !

I love Australian reds - they are perfect any time of year

I actually have no preference - both red and white are great all through the year.

I love white wine.

I'm more of a red wine person - love Merlot! My new favourite is St. David's Bench Vineyard Merlot from Chateau des Charmes.

Definitely a red wine person...Cabernet.

italian red, mostly everything else white.

If I could only have one wine, it would be the red because it is so rich in flavour.

I like any red wine

Italian reds are my fave!

I love red wine -- but on special occasions a nice sweet bubbly is nice!

White wine especially Pinot Grigio; it`s so mellow tasting.

I am a red girl. Especially a good cab. I don't get time to sit down with a glass a wine much, but when I do a good red with its cherry notes and its bold tannins tastes great.

I am a bubbly person - personality wise but have not found a red or white wine that has been a favourite - maybe this the way to find one if I win yeah!

I am a red win person for sure. Bubbly in personality but like the health value of red as well.

I have always been a red wine person. Whatever the food - red wine makes it taste better.

white wine is what i like to drink. for some reason i never developed a taste for red wines or for the bubbly stuff either.

I will drink any wine, but White is my favorite, good luck and Merry Christmas

Ooooooooooooo, can't decide!! I am a wine girl all the way! Love whites, reds, bubblies, rose, you name it! Just not a huge fan of the dessert wines or ice wines. If I had to really choose, then my favourite would be a beautifully chilled riesling.

What's better to enjoy the holiday season with best of friends and a glass of good red wine!

I love all 3 but mostly I drink reds! I love how they can be light or full bodied! Although on special occassions I like the bubbly!

I'm a red wine person-Good for your health and nice to sip

I always thought I was a white until recently I was given a bottle of red and thoroughly enjoyed it! With four crazy boys (5 if you count DH), I need all the wine I can get!

I won't shake a stick at any. My favourite is white or a sweeter late harvest. I'm a sipping kinda girl.

I prefer red wine. To me there is something rich and luxurious in it that is lacking in white wine

I am more of a white wine person. Red wine tends to give me a headache because of the tannins and bubbly wine just doesnt do if for me.

I love a nice white wine like Liebfraumilch. Nice & fruity & smooth.

I love them all. Great giveaway. Thanks

I NEED 2 win this!!
If I win, I'll eat a bug!!

I would say I am a bubbly person! :)

I am definately a white wine person. I like the sweet ones!

I'm a bubbly lover! Bring on the Champagne!

I definitely love red wines during winter months and white wine during the summer when it's hot out!

I really enjoy a nice white, bubbly, but not too sweet wine!

I like red, white or bubbly. It really doesn't matter as long as it is wine. I will readily go for it anytime and anywhere. Cheers!!!

Dry White Wine for me.

I am a red wine girl for sure but I love a chilled glass of white on a hot summer's day as well ;)

A mix between white and bubbly!

I like it all...but I would call myself a red girl. For me, I tend to drink wine more often in the fall and winter and there's nothing like a nice glass of red to warm you up.

I love the reds...nothing better than a good Merlot!

I'm a red wine person.

I love whites, particularly Pinot Grigio. I am unfortunately allergic to red wine and while I love the bubbly, cannot drink more than a glass at a time. Cheers!

I Usually drink Shiraz and Melbac for winter drinks, but I think i would like to try the
Negrar Ripasso the smooth and spicy intrigues me

I like all 3 (white, red or bubbly) depending on the occasion and the pairings. However, if I had to choose... white is my favourite!

I prefer to drink White Wine, a nice Reisling, which is great will most meals. Reislings go with, appetizer, main course and also dessert. It`s like a one stop wine.

A light white wine with a pasta dish is my favorite way to relax on a Friday night.

I was just discussing this and a girl said she can't get into white wines, and I replied that I enjoy red because it just seems smoother...probably due to the ones I've only tried, but that's my verdict! :D lol

bubbly for special occasions !!

I enjoy a glass of red wine with my supper. I came to like it from traveling in Europe and not needing to store the red wine in a refrigerator. Whenever you feel like a glass, it's available. An instant high!!

I definitely enjoy a glass of red, but depending on the meal, a nice white can go down really nicely!

I like bubbly wines or a white wine. Bubbles are happier though, they tickle your nose!

Frankly... I just love wine; doesn't matter if its red, white, blush, sparkling or the bubbly... LOVE IT ALL! But I am particularly partial to champagne in the traditionale style because it is simply lovely and tickles the tastebuds with the fizz and the freshness on the palate.

how can u get rid of unwanted files on ur computer....like old movies u deleted that are still on the computer or books that were digital?!.

bubbley for celebrations but the white wines described also sound delicious

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When I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any manner you can take away me from that service? Thanks!

Yes, Robert. When you get a notification in your email that another comment has been posted (like this one), there should be a link to unsubscribe to comments. Click that and you won't receive any more emails. Hope that helps!