White Burgundy Red

White (or Red) Christmas

But this is not about what wine to serve for the big meal. Since the Christmas dinner is not as consistent as the Thanksgiving dinner, it is more difficult to offer suggestions.  Sure, some still roast a turkey, but more and more, people are dining on roast beef, roast pork, ham or, this being Southern California, Mexican dishes are often the norm.  If you need help with pairing your food with the perfect type of wine, La Maison Gourmet has done all the work for you right here.

This is all about two major issues that come up each Christmas Season.  I am not referring to gifts for the family, but how to handle the wine choices at the company holiday party, for one.  And if you should be so lucky, what wine to serve at the holiday party you agreed to host; the one that sounded like such a great idea when it was planned during Thanksgiving dinner.

So here you are at the company Christmas party, or perhaps a friend or co-worker’s home for a cocktail party.  There is little chance that the wine you normally would enjoy will be served.  Thus, you are not surprised when you get there and don’t recognize the wine being served.

What better way to venture off on a different path than when your only other choice is to not drink wine at all?   And this way, you don’t have to spend your own money while you experiment.

Now be honest with yourself – don’t you often say you love to try different wines, and yet stick with your favorites?  This is not the time for a rum and Coke©, this is an opportunity to expand your horizons.  You may be surprised with the results.  This is how I enjoyed my first Pinot Grigio.

So, for you red wine drinkers out there, saunter up to the bar and order a Chardonnay.  And those of you who can’t understand the appeal of red, ask the bartender if he would pour you a small taste of that Central Coast Pinot Noir, and then you may understand why the movie Sideways became so popular.

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Planning your own party evening presents itself with a whole new set of problems.  You remember what you went through at the party you attended, right?  Well, now the shoe is on the other foot and it is up to you to serve wines that would be worthy of your own palate, yet not break the bank.

Sure, you could go the least expensive route and buy cases of wine that might cost less than a single bottle.  Or fill up with the “sales” from the local warehouse wine outlet who are often offering wines that they have not been able to sell because the big, mass production wine companies made too much.  You may save some money, but nobody will leave your party commenting on your wine choices.

This is not about impressing your friends, but the perfect time to realize that you don’t have to bust the budget on your wine offerings.  With so many great choices available, I could not begin to list them all here.  I am going to try and keep it as simple as possible by offering three types of wine, offering suggestions only for reference.

For starters, a white wine that is easy drinking and blends well with almost anything.  As a bonus, white wines are often less expensive than reds, so you can often trade up and get a nice quality wine for half of what it may cost in red.  You can get great deals from all over the world, with the Aussies and New Zealanders doing great things with Sauvignon Blanc.  If you want to stay with domestic, Hoopla Chardonnay from Napa is a great buy right now, and the white wine lovers will thank you.

Choosing the red wine selection for the evening can be a little trickier.  You may have noticed that I said two red wine choices.  Red wine sales exceed white wine, and it may surprise you, but even among women.  So you need to be able to serve a wider spectrum of tastes, and satisfy them with only two choices, not an easy task.  Here is where you may want to consult with your local wine merchant, and I can’t recommend anyone more highly than these two.  Not only will they give you honest answers, they fully understand the meaning of the word budget!

To get you thinking of some options before you talk with them, let me offer my thoughts.  First, you want a red wine that is easy to drink, light and accessible.  One that immediately comes to mind is Pinot Noir, as mentioned above.  Those from Washington State or the Central Coast of California are always winners.  Forgetting the old days of “Hearty Burgundy”, you could also try original Pinot Noir, the wines from Burgundy, France.

Staying in France for the moment, Beaujolais-Villages wines are also delicious, fruity, easy drinking red wines that fit perfectly in a casual evening party setting.  And for those who like their wines slightly chilled, like most white wine drinkers, Beaujolais can be lightly chilled.  Beaujolais has been called “the only white wine that happens to be red”.  But please, do not mix up this wine with Beaujolais-Nouveau, a wine that is released one or two months after it has been harvested, normally, the third Thursday in November.

The third choice would be a more substantial red wine, the one that your guests would choose after they have tried the others.  Of course there will be those that choose this style first, but that would be there mistake.  By skipping your other choices, they would have lost out on a great opportunity to try new wines.

Here you have even more choices than you think.  Of course Cabernet Sauvignon will be on your list of options, and rightfully so.  But this could be used as a time to introduce your friends to wines from other parts of the world.  Both Chile and Argentina offer excellent value in Cabernet, as well as Malbec and Syrah.

In California, winemakers seemed to have discovered the beauty of Syrah.  They have caught up with the Australian’s in that respect.  Sure, the Australian version is called Shiraz, but it is the same grape.  Just be careful, as there is much Shiraz on the market that really should be sold as bulk, or jug wine.

I could go on, because I have not even mentioned the great values coming out of Spain for example.  Or the wines of Oregon, Italy, Germany, South Africa, even Canada.  Heck, I hear the wines from the Niagara Peninsula are great, and I am looking forward to trying the wines from the Finger Lakes region of New York State.  Then there is the emergence of wine growing in Eastern European countries – is anyone ready for a Tokaj wine from Hungary?  Maybe next year!

Salut and Joyeux Noël!

About the Author

Burgundy Wine $81.25 Burgundy wine (French: Bourgogne or Vin de Bourgogne) is wine made in the Burgundy region in eastern France. The most famous wines produced here those commonly referred to as Burgundies are red wines made from Pinot Noir grapes or white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. Red and white wines are also made from other grape varieties, such as Gamay and Aligot respectively. Small amounts of ros and sparkling wine are also produced in the region. Chardonnaydominated Chablis and Gamaydominated Beaujolais are formally part of Burgundy wine region, but wines from those subregions are usually referred to by their own names rather than as Burgundy wines. Burgundy has a higher number of appellations dorigine contrle (AOCs) than any other French region, and is often seen as the most terroirconscious of the French wine regions. The various Burgundy AOCs are classified from carefully delineated Grand Cru vineyards down to more nonspecific regional appellations. The practice of delineating vineyards by their terroir in Burgundy go back to Medieval times, when various monasteries played a key role in developing the Burgundy wine industry. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 86 Publication Date: 2009/11/25 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.20 inches

Christmastime Starling Christmas Antique/Burgundy $8.48 Designed for Alexander Henry, this cotton print features patchwork birds in colors of burgundy, red, green and white on a brown background. Use for quilting and craft projects.

Burgundy and White Stripe Tie by Elite - Red Silk $15 This handsome woven silk necktie is part of the Elite stripe collection. Hand made and 100% silk, this tie features thick diagonal stripes of crimson red and lustrous white with a brilliant corded texture of woven silk.

Impulse P1245 (Men's) - Burgundy $42.95 This zip up sneaker from Impulse is fresh and fashionable! These sneakers have a rounded toe and hip contrast stitching. This low top also features five eyelet detailing for some serious style. Available Colors: Grey, Black, White, Navy, Taupe, Burgundy, Red, Orange.

Short Beanie-Burgundy (W16S26E) $4.99 Made of 100% Acrylic. Measures 8-9? long, 7? wide. ONE SIZE fits most, from child to adult. Hand wash or dry clean. Imported. Available in Black, Brown, Burgundy, Dark Grey, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow, Green, Kelly, Khaki, Light Grey, Navy, Olive, Orange, Royal Blue, Baby Blue, and Camo. Size: One Size Fits All Color: Burgundy

Burgundy Gold White Crystal Sports Team Earrings $10.99 Burgundy Gold White Crystal Sports Team Earrings Showcase the colors of your favorite sports team with these dazzling crystal earrings. Copper gold, white opal and ruby red crystal sporting team earrings. A fan favorite; team sports jewelry. Specifications: Approximately 1.5 Inch Length, Silver Plated Fishhok Earwires, Austrian Crystals, Handmade in the USA

Burgundy and White Stripe Freestyle Bowtie by Elite - Red Silk $15 Wearing a bow tie is a sign of confidence. While they are perfect for formal and elegant events, they also make a bold statement in a more casual setting. Express your own unique style with this designer freestyle bow tie. Made of 100% woven silk, this adjustable bow tie features diagonal stripes of burgundy and bright lustrous white. Interested in the tie, but not exactly sure how to tie a freestyle bow tie? Fear not, we've got you covered! Each freestyle bow tie comes with instructions on exactly how to tie your new silk bow tie.

Burgundy and White Stripe Freestyle Bow Tie by Elite - Red Silk $17.95 Wearing a bow tie is a sign of confidence. While they are perfect for formal and elegant events, they also make a bold statement in a more casual setting. Express your own unique style with this designer freestyle bow tie. Made of 100% woven silk, this adjustable bow tie features diagonal stripes of burgundy and bright lustrous white. Interested in the tie, but not exactly sure how to tie a freestyle bow tie? Fear not, we've got you covered! Each freestyle bow tie comes with instructions on exactly how to tie your new silk bow tie.

Forties Burgundy and White Travel Trailer $39.99 Forties Burgundy and White Travel Trailer - Giclee Print

Burgundy and White Stripe Extra Long Tie by Elite - Red Silk $20 This handsome woven silk necktie is part of the Elite stripe collection. Hand made and 100% silk, this extra long tie features thick diagonal stripes of crimson red and lustrous white with a brilliant corded texture of woven silk.

Burgundy and White Stripe Boys Tie by Elite - Red Silk $15 This handsome woven silk necktie is part of the Elite stripe collection. Hand made and 100% silk, this boy's tie features thick diagonal stripes of crimson red and lustrous white with a brilliant corded texture of woven silk.

Cross of Burgundy Flag $95.59 The Cross of Burgundy Flag was used by Spain 15061701 as a naval ensign, and up to 1843 as the land battle flag, and still appears on regimental colours, badges, shoulder patches and company guidons. The year 1506 should be considered its theoretical earliest use in Spain (that is, it made appearance on the standards carried by Philip the Handsomes Burgundian life guards), although about 1525 might be perhaps a more likely estimate. The banner strictly speaking dates back to the early 15th century (allegedly 1408 at the earliest), when the Duke of Burgundy, claimant to the French throne, backed up the English in the Hundred Years War. The design is a red saltire resembling two crossed, roughlypruned (knotted) branches, on a white field. In heraldic language, it may be blazoned argent, a saltire ragule gules. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 144 Publication Date: 2010/04/24 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.34 inches

Square Aluminum Market Umbrella Burgundy $324.95 Frankford Umbrellas Square Aluminum Market Umbrella Frame Specifications: . 1 1/8" thick square ribs . Heavy gauge runner and notch . Completely repairable frame . Heavy Gauge Pulley System General Specifications: . 6.5' x 6.5' . 4 panels . Overall height: 101.5" . Pole Diameter: 1.5" . Pole Bottom: 37.5" . Fabric: 9 oz marine grade acrylic Canopy Colors: Black Brown Burgundy Forest Green Logo Red Navy Blue Pacific Blue Terra Cotta Toast White

Burgundy/White Game Bibs Overalls $53.99 Burgundy/White Game Bibs Overalls Size XL (44x32)

Fiberglass Patio Umbrella WH Burgundy $189.95 Frankford Umbrellas Fiberglass Patio Umbrella Frame Specifications: . 8mm solid fiberglass ribs . Heavy gauge resin parts . Spring activated steel ledge . Manual lift, no tilt General Specifications: . 7.5' diameter . 8 panels . Overall height: 94" . Pole Diameter: 1.3" top, 1.5" bottom . Pole Bottom: 42" . Fabric: 9 oz marine grade acrylic Canopy Colors: Blue Burgundy Green Navy Red Toast White Frame Colors: White Coated Wood Grain Coated Canopy Options: Vent Vent and Valance No Vent, No Valance (listed by color only in drop down)

Fiberglass Patio Umbrella WD Burgundy $189.95 Frankford Umbrellas Fiberglass Patio Umbrella Frame Specifications: . 8mm solid fiberglass ribs . Heavy gauge resin parts . Spring activated steel ledge . Manual lift, no tilt General Specifications: . 7.5' diameter . 8 panels . Overall height: 94" . Pole Diameter: 1.3" top, 1.5" bottom . Pole Bottom: 42" . Fabric: 9 oz marine grade acrylic Canopy Colors: Blue Burgundy Green Navy Red Toast White Frame Colors: White Coated Wood Grain Coated Canopy Options: Vent Vent and Valance No Vent, No Valance (listed by color only in drop down)

Algoma Net Company Butterfly Chair White Burgundy $65.95 Algoma Net Company Butterfly Chair Created in 1938 by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, an Argentinean architect, butterfly chairs were originally called the Hardoy chairs. The name finally evolved into 'butterfly chair' because of the shape.Don't overlook this comfortable folding chair. Perfect for the beach, dorm room, or outdoors by the campfire. Features: . Black or White powder coated steel frame with cover . Folding frame for easy storage . Comfortable . Cover removes easily and can be machine washed . Weight Capacity 250 lbs Item Specifications: Frame Color: White Black Cover Color: Blue Burgundy Ebony Gold Green Natural Red About Algoma Net Company Products The Algoma family of all-American crafted products is recognized for its quality, styling and value. It has been crafting quality relaxation products for over 100 years, in three different centuries. Garden.com is proud to offer the finest designs in hammocks and other outdoor lifestyle products, by Algoma Net Company.

BLACK WHITE BURGUNDY BEER MAIDEN COSTUME $63.99 BLACK WHITE BURGUNDY BEER MAIDEN COSTUME

Burgundy & Red Petite Heirloom Velvet Flocked Wallcovering - Burke Decor $210 Burgundy & Red Heirloom Velvet Flocked Wallcovering 1890's Burgundy Damask flock wallcovering on a red ground Normal 0 Velvet flocked wallcoverings come untrimmed, and coverage after trimming & design repeat match is typically 66 sq foot per packaged roll Normal 0 27 in. wide x 15 yards long per packaged roll Brown Surrender Velvet Flocked Wallcovering / 3 rolls * Brown Surrender velvet flocked wallpaper with a bone white ground * 27" wide x 5 yards long per single roll * Priced and sold in a triple roll * Velvet flock wallcoverings come untrimmed * 30" screen repeat Please note, Burke Decor does not accept wallpaper returns at this time. Why? Wallpaper is produced in batches (similar to tile) and due to dye-lot variations that occur based on when the rolls are produced, we are unable to accepts returns. Wallpaper Samples are available upon request. Please use our REQUEST A WALLPAPER SAMPLE PAGE to order wallpaper samples for $10.00 each. Tell your friends! var addthis_pub="burkedecor";

Burgundy Gold White Crystal Sports Team Clip On Earrings $11.99 Burgundy Gold White Crystal Sports Team Clip On Earrings Showcase the colors of your favorite sports team with these dazzling crystal clip earrings. Copper gold, white opal and ruby red crystal sporting team clip earrings for non-pierced ears. A fan favorite; team sports jewelry. Specifications: Approximately 1.5 Inch Length, Silver Plated Screw Back Clip on Earrings, Austrian Crystals, Handmade in the USA

Burgundy Gold White Crystal Sports Team Belly Ring $10.99 Burgundy Gold White Crystal Sports Team Belly Ring Showcase the colors of your favorite sports team with this dazzling crystal dangle belly ring. Copper gold, white opal and ruby red crystal sporting team belly ring. A fan favorite team sports body jewelry belly ring. Artisan handmade navel ring Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Austrian Crystals, 5mm Ball, Handmade in the USA

Fiberglass Tilt Patio Umbrella Burgundy $194.95 Frankford Umbrellas Fiberglass Tilt Patio Umbrella Frame Specifications: . 8mm solid fiberglass ribs . Heavy gauge resin parts . Spring activated steel ledge . Manual lift, with tilt General Specifications: . 7.5' diameter . 8 panels . Overall height: 94" . Pole Diameter: 1.3" top, 1.5" bottom . Pole Bottom: 42" . Fabric: 9 oz marine grade acrylic Canopy Colors: Blue Burgundy Green Navy Red Toast White Canopy Options: Vent Vent and Valance No Vent, No Valance (listed by color only in drop down)

Fiberglass Crank Patio Umbrella Burgundy $209.95 Frankford Umbrellas Fiberglass Crank Patio Umbrella Frame Specifications: . 8mm solid fiberglass ribs . Heavy gauge resin parts . Spring activated steel ledge . Crank lift, with tilt General Specifications: . 7.5' diameter . 8 panels . Overall height: 94" . Pole Diameter: 1.3" top, 1.5" bottom . Pole Bottom: 38" . Fabric: 9 oz marine grade acrylic Canopy Colors: Blue Burgundy Green Navy Red Toast White Canopy Options: Vent Vent and Valance No Vent, No Valance (listed by color only in drop down)

Old Holland Burgundy Wine Red D166 Classic Oil Color $95.48 This Old Holland oil color features paint that is still manufactured according to 16th century methods. No fillers are used in these paints, only pure pigments and virgin cold-pressed sun bleached linseed oil is used.History: Old Holland established in 1644Manufacturing: Stone rollers used for no change in paint colorTube: 40-milliliter lead tube with a layer of pewter, resulting in no paint oxidizationColor: Burgundy wine red D166If Old Holland classic colors seem too strong in color mixing, try mixing the colors with a white oil paint first.

32 Red/Burgundy Gooseberry Swag W/R $20.99 32" Red/Burgundy Gooseberry Swag Weather ResistantComes with a 90 Day manufacturer warrantyFrom our Red/Burgundy Gooseberry series Type: Wreaths & Garlands Color: Multi-Color

Birchcraft Studios 8637 Burgundy Beauty Gold Lined Envelope with White Lining Red Ink $59.4 This beautiful burgundy card with gold foil amp;quot;Merry Christmasamp;quot; decorated in holy with berries is the simplest way to send your greeting. Inside the card is white to create your greeting or use one of our. Chose your ink. Blackflap Envelope Dimensions: 7 7/8 x 2 1/4. Card Size: 7 7/8 x 5 5/8

Beaujolais Red Grapes in Autumn, Burgundy, France $24.99 Lisa S. Engelbrecht Beaujolais Red Grapes in Autumn, Burgundy, France - Photographic Print

Red Ivy Growing on Stone Wall, Burgundy, France $24.99 Lisa S. Engelbrecht Red Ivy Growing on Stone Wall, Burgundy, France - Photographic Print

7.5ft Fiberglass Market Umbrella WD Burgundy $249.95 Frankford Umbrellas 7.5ft Fiberglass Market Umbrella Frame Specifications: . 1/2" diameter fiberglass ribs . Heavy gauge resin parts . Stainless steel parts . Heavy gauge pulley system General Specifications: . 7.5' diameter . 8 panels . Overall height: 94" . Pole Diameter: 1.5" . Pole Bottom: 42" . Fabric: 9 oz marine grade acrylic Canopy Colors: Black Blue Stripe Brown Burgundy Forest Green Logo Red Navy Blue Pacific Blue Red Stripe Teal Stripe Terra Cotta Toast Turquoise Stripe White Yellow Stripe Frame Colors: White Coated Wood Grain Coated Black Coated Bronze Coated

Tags: burgundy, garden, plants, red, red or white burgundy wine, wine

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