My appreciation for wine began early, growing up in an Italian household in New York City, where wine was considered an important part of the meal, especially during the holidays. 

The family tradition is an elegant Christmas Eve, beginning early with sparkling wine and my grandmother’s secret recipe for fresh crab mold, accompanied by stuffed mushrooms, roasted peppers, and artichokes.  For dinner we always prepare pasta topped with a spicy red seafood sauce, paired with a classic Italian white wine.  On Christmas day, white and red wine is served with enormous antipasti, and then we devour lasagna, turkey or lamb, served with sides of salad and vegetables.  At dessert we enjoy panettone (a traditional Italian holiday fruit cake) served with Asti Spumanti from Piedmont.  The final celebration on New Year’s Eve varies, but definitely a party with assorted appetizers and desserts, and lots of champagne and chocolate!  And the first meal of the New Year is always a dish of fresh lentils – a symbol of health and prosperity.

Here are my December wine picks – a sure way to celebrate your holiday season in good taste and style!  Salute & Auguri!!

Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Brut Cuvee Prestige NV An absolutely perfect sparkling wine for any occasion!  Well balanced, fresh and very appealing.      

Orsolani Erbaluce di Caluso La Rustia 2003 A white wine with brilliant greenish yellow color that’s very transparent. There are hints of pear, lychee, and honey, with delicate flavors of apple, peach, pineapple, lemon and a touch of mineral, and a light fruity finish.
 
Seghesio Arneis, Russian River Valley, California Arneis, (which, translated is “little rascal”) is an Italian white grape originating from Piedmont.A refreshing white wine with crisp lemon, pear, and melon flavors.  It has a lovely richness and long finish and is perfect with risotto or seafood dishes. 
 
Poggio Amorelli An Italian red wine comprised of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot grapes.  The wine is powerful, yet graceful and delicious.
    
J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2007 A bright, vibrant yellow color, with aromas of pear, apple, and lime custard. The Burgundian winemaking techniques, including alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel with less stirring and extended aging, contribute a complex bouquet of grilled hazelnuts, butter, honey and gun flint and amplify an already viscous wine. This is an enticingly delicious Chardonnay with complex aromas and flavors balanced by palate cleansing acidity, perfect for pairing with roasted chicken, turkey, or cream-sauced pasta dishes. 

Merriam Vineyards Windacre Merlot  A beautiful rich ruby color, the 2003 Windacre”merlot shows off its blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon with aromas of violets, black cherry, cedar and rich chocolate. Upon tasting, flavors of ripe cherry and red berries are enhanced by hints of eucalyptus and spice. The wine’s beautiful mouth feel gives way to a long fruit finish with lingering cedar and tobacco.

Benziger Family Winery Sonoma 2006  A very distinctive, complex red with blackberry, cedar and chocolate notes, and flavors of wild cherry, raspberry, dark chocolate and cedar. In the mouth, the wine has weight and long, soft tannins.  Benzinger is dedicated to winemaking that reveals the true character of the vineyard, the varietal and the vintage is certified-sustainable, organically grown and biodynamic.

Marques de Caceres Crianza Rioja  A red wine with a bouquet of dark berries and a soft touch of aromatic Mediterranean herbs.  Lusciously fresh and fruity in the mouth with deep berry and hints of cinnamon – a full and long lasting finish.

Rombauer Vineyards Napa Valley Zinfandel 2007  This red is ripe and luscious with vivid aromas of boysenberry and wild berry, backed with layered of dark berries.  There is a rich fruit explosion in the mouth, followed by berry flavors that linger in your mouth.  Hints of oak and spice subtly come through the finish.

Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee  Velvety smooth and extraordinarily elegant.  Featured in all James Bond movies…and if it’s good enough for 007, it’s good enough for me!