By Blake Jackson
New York wines are a perfect addition to any holiday celebration, offering diverse flavors and styles to complement every festive occasion. Local wineries provide options that make wonderful gifts and memorable pairings for holiday meals.
“Sparkling Wine is a perfect category (for all the time) but especially for the holiday season,” said Melissa L. Rockwell, director of operations at Sparkling Pointe on the North Fork of Long Island. “No other beverage quite invokes that spirit of celebration and tradition.” With that in mind, she has some suggestions for some pairings.
When serving seafood, the 2019 Blanc de Blancs stands out with its balanced acidity and complexity. For dessert, the Cuvée Carnaval Blancs pairs beautifully with cheesecake, while the Cuvée Carnaval Rouge complements rich chocolate treats. For New Year’s Eve, the award-winning 2021 Topaz Impérial Rosé makes an excellent toast.
“A bottle of wine is a particular time and place and represents all the hard work of many people. Even the most commercial, large-scale wine relies heavily on human hands in the form of vineyard workers, cellar hands, and winemakers,” said Vanessa Hoffman, Winemaker, Knapp Winery on Cayuga Lake. “There are dozens of artisans that spend an entire year growing the grapes and making the bottle of wine that you open at your dinner table.”
“Wine is about gathering with family and friends, and there’s no better time to do that than during the holidays,” said Amy Opisso, general manager and certified sommelier at Bridge Lane Wine Co. on Long Island’s North Fork.
Wine also shines as a cocktail ingredient. Sparkling Pointe’s Crimson Crown and Knapp Winery’s martini-style cocktail combine wine with spirits to create festive drinks.
This holiday season, explore New York wines to create memorable celebrations with friends and family. Whether for gifting, pairing, or mixing, they add warmth and cheer to any gathering.
Photo Credit: pixabay-vinotecarium
Categories: New York, General