What wine do I take?

[Norma Magana]

I just got into drinking wine, which I know very little of but I love. I'm going to a Christmas brunch and I'm not sure what to take. I thought of a good bottle of wine. I don't know what they will be serving. Any suggestions?

[Innkeeper]

Hopefully your friends know you are new to wine and won't be too judgmental. The safest thing to bring to unknown cusine is a rose' or pink wine. I would go with a Tavel Rose' from France or some other Provincial rose'. There are quite a few new or renewed pinks from California. If you can find it, McDowell's Grenache Rose'Mendocino is terrific. If all else fails go for a White Zinfandel. Be sure the bottle is clear, and then look for a bluish tinge. Aviod those with an orangey tinge. Bring whatever you chose in these categories to your bunch well chilled.

[Jerry D Mead]

Champagne is always appropriate for brunch...my favorite Rose of the moment is Joseph Phelps 1997 or 1998 Grenache Rose.

Jekel Riesling would be nice too...also Flora Springs Pinot Grigio