THE WINES: Woodbridge Chardonnay, Moscato and Cabernet-Merlot, 2008, California Robert Mondavi Private Selection Meritage and Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007, California
COST: $8-12
WHAT: These five wines are perfect for holiday entertaining. They're inexpensive, but they're well-made so they don't taste cheap. The Chardonnay is probably the best bet for Thanksgiving turkey, or you could serve several to satisfy diverse tastes.
The Meritage is a blend of the five classic Bordeaux reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It's a smooth, velvety wine, with cherry and blackberry tastes.
The Cabernet is similar, with lots of ripe fruit and a bit more oak than the Meritage.
The Cabernet-Merlot is a little bit simpler wine, with some vanilla and spice hints.
The Moscato has slightly sweet flavors, with some citrus, honey and spice and some effervescence.
The Chardonnay is a rich, full wine, with touches of pear, peach and apple pie.
GO WITH: Meritage: Grilled steak, lamb chops, hearty pastas, pizza, flavorful cheeses
Cabernet: Steak, duck, ribs, lasagna
Cabernet-Merlot: Burgers, spaghetti, roast pork and hearty soups
Moscato: Fruit and cheese or sweet desserts
Chardonnay: Turkey, grilled chicken or fish, smoked salmon
Reach Dennis Sodomka at dennis@bottlereport.com. Read his column choosing wines for the holidays in the November-December Augusta Magazine.
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