Christmas Goose for Approx 25 People

[winelady43]

I am planning an elegant Christmas at my home
and would like to impress friends and family with the perfect wine to accompany a three course meal that includes a saffron crusted halibut, Christmas Goose served with a lingonberry sauce, julliened brussels sprounts,and wild rice. Desert is a Bouche Noel (lots of chocolat). I am prepared to spend in the neighborhood of $20-$30 a bottle. I'm told a good Pinot Noir would go well with the goose. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Winelady, and welcome to the Wine Board. Would go with a Prosecco (6 bottles) with the first course. You should be able to find a Joseph Drouhin (or other reliable producer) Volnay in your price range to go with the goose (you'll need a case). With your chocolaty dessert would get three bottles of Banyuls or Port and serve in little dessert wine glasses.

[Thomas]

I have no problem concurring with the above suggestions with one exception: the Port. Don't ruin the taste of a good port by pairing it with chocolate. Maybe a Bual Madeira would do better: good acid to stand up to the chocolate sugars and nice pecan nuttiness to complement chocolate flavor; I haven't tried it, but think it worth a shot.