Christmas and New Year's holidays are the happiest, but also the most delicious, time of the year. The festive table is traditionally abundant and rich, shared with relatives and friends. And what could be better than complementing it with suitable wines?
VIDA Estates Gamza 2017 and Cabbage Rolls with Minced Meat
One of the favorite Bulgarian dishes for the festive table in December is cabbage rolls with minced meat. VIDA Wine & Spirits recommends serving this traditional dish with a bottle of VIDA Estates Gamza. The delicate aromatic structure of this wine perfectly harmonizes with the acidity of the cabbage leaf. Gamza has a more ethereal body, which does not threaten to overpower the spices in the rolls. The specific notes of white pepper leave a lasting sensation on the palate, which is perfectly complemented with each subsequent bite.
If you prefer white wine, try:
VIDA Viognier 2020 and Cabbage Rolls with Minced Meat
This complex white wine pairs excellently with the flavors of both the cabbage and the minced meat and its spices. The wine has a full body and good freshness, so it will neither overpower the taste of the rolls nor be muted by them. And the taste notes of fruits, spices, and nuts are a wonderful addition to this dish.
Single Barrel Syrah 2015, Bratanov and Beef Steak with Garnish
The festive table cannot do without a tender roasted steak. VIDA Wine and Spirits recommends serving this typical festive dish with a bottle of Single Barrel Syrah 2015 from Bratanov. Good wine and good meat are similar: steak is roasted slowly, just as wine ages for a long time. This Syrah spends 36 months in Hungarian oak barrels, which makes it an ideal companion for this dish. The voluminous and structured body complements the rich taste of the steak, while the intense fruit freshness and spiciness of the Syrah are perfectly complemented by the spices, whatever they may be.
VIDA Estates Sandanski Misket 2016 and Lenten Cabbage Rolls
One of the lighter dishes that will surely be present on every table. Lenten cabbage rolls, whether cabbage or vine leaves, would pair perfectly with VIDA Estates, Sandanski Misket. The wine has a floral-fruity aroma, reminiscent of melon, honey, chamomile, and herbs. These tones further refresh the light taste of the rolls. On the palate, the wine is mineral with a slight hint of ginger, which gives a very delicate spiciness. The ethereal and fresh aftertaste contrasts with the delicate spices in the rolls, leading to a harmonious finish of the whole experience.
Chardonnay Leithakalk, Kollwentz 2019 and Roasted Turkey
Turkey is one of the perfect main dishes, especially when you are expecting more guests during the holidays. Our suggestion from VIDA Wine & Spirits is roasted turkey with prunes and Chardonnay Leithakalk, Kollwentz. This wine is characterized by a medium-full body and good intensity, which harmonizes well with the juicy white turkey meat. The Chardonnay comes from vineyards in Burgenland and is strictly hand-selected. The wine develops interesting and complex aromas while aging for 7 months on the lees in large, old Austrian oak barrels. The delicate notes of almond and vanilla beautifully complement the crispy turkey skin. The spicy notes of yellow fruits in the finish perfectly contrast with the sweetness of the prunes.
Château Sociando-Mallet 2011 Cru Bourgeois and Grilled Meatballs
Traditional grilled dishes are present at almost every celebration. Grilled meatballs with a suitable garnish pair perfectly with a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The wine has an exceptionally good balance between a mineral sensation and delicate oak. The full-bodied and structured body is perfect for grilled meat, as in our case with the meatballs. The intense bouquet of black forest fruits, vanilla, and roasted hazelnuts complements the rich and smoky taste of the grilled dish. The fresh and mineral tone in the taste, reminiscent of wet forest soil, which is typical for Bordeaux, entices you to the next bite.
Vida Estates Extra Brut 2016 and Bonito
We are used to consuming fish with white wine. VIDA Wine & Spirits suggests trying something different for the upcoming holidays: bonito and high-quality sparkling wine. Vida Estates Extra Brut from Goriška Brda in Slovenia is made using the classic method for sparkling wines: the second fermentation, where the magic of the bubbles happens, takes place in the bottle. This makes them softer and with a more refined texture. Whether you prefer baked or smoked bonito, its intense taste harmonizes with its delicate bubbles and freshness. The wine carries a pleasant aroma of freshly baked bread, combined with wonderful fruit freshness. The complex taste, along with the palate-caressing bubbles, perfectly blends with this fish dish.
Pinot Noir 2019, Markowitsch and Lenten Beans
Although it may seem like an unconventional combination at first glance, baked beans and Pinot Noir 2019, Markowitsch pair excellently. The wine has aged in used French barrels, which gives it a light structure and complexity, while its elegant taste is perfectly complemented by the intense earthy flavors of the beans, seasoned with black pepper, red pepper, and spearmint. This is an incredibly delicious combination that we advise you not to miss during the holidays.
Château Margaux 2004, Premier Grand Cru Classé and Braised Quail with Black Truffle Sauce
Make time stand still on Christmas Eve! An exquisite, multilayered dish, such as braised quail with truffle sauce, also needs a drink with an equally complex character. The VIDA Wines & Spirits team suggests you enjoy this dish with a bottle of Château Margaux, one of the most famous and prestigious wines from Bordeaux, France. Classified as one of the five best wines from Medoc in 1855, it will leave a lasting memory, both on your palate and in your mind. Serve the quail with sweet potato puree and decant the wine at least 1 hour before dinner. Château Margaux ferments in oak fermenters and ages in 100% new barrels for 22 months. The aroma and taste are powerful and at the same time velvety, which will bring them into an interesting play with the intense truffle sauce. The fresh and silky fruit in the wine, reminiscent of blackcurrant, will be unforgettable in contrast to the quail meat, and the numerous nuances in the taste, which seem endless, will remind you of the whole experience.
Beerenauslese 2017 bio, Feiler-Artinger and Baklava or Baked Pumpkin with Honey and Walnuts
Finally: dessert wine with dessert, a magical combination! VIDA Wine & Spirits advises you to end your festive dinner with a homemade dessert, paired with Beerenauslese coming from the small village of Rust in Austria, known for its dessert wines. Whether you prefer baklava or baked pumpkin with honey and walnuts, this blend of Chardonnay, Weissburgunder, and Gelber Muskateller is a wonderful addition. The flavors of ripe yellow fruits with well-integrated acidity and sweetness. Both the wine and the dessert will become even more delicious when consumed together.
