Wine for Xmas Family Dinner

[shampoogirl]

For our family Christmas dinner, we are having a multitude of food which means different wines. Appetizers are the basics of cheese and crackers, hawaiian meatballs, chex mix and shrimp cocktail. Dinner is ham and teriyaki tri-tip (lightly seasoned) with the usual side dishes. Dessert is apple pie and ice cream. I would like any type of suggestions for all three courses, it can be different wines for each course. Thanks!!

[robr]

"cheese and crackers, hawaiian meatballs,"

Any red... I like Pinot Noir, or a provacative white, like Sauvignon Blanc, which is very acidic and an aquired taste. Put out both and let them choose. A good bubbly would also do, either Cuvee or Brut.

"chex mix and shrimp cocktail."

Sauvignon Blanc is good with shrimp... not sure what wine I would serve with Chex mix (!)

"Dinner is ham and teriyaki tri-tip (lightly seasoned) with the usual side dishes."

Again, if you like red, Pinot Noir, if white (my preference with ham) a nice dry (Trocken) German Reising

"Dessert is apple pie and ice cream."

Asti Spumanti, or Moscato Allegro, or if you can afford it (and find it) German eiswine or Canadian icewine.

Of course, you can simplify and just serve lots of champagne before dinner, and once every one is pretty plastered, just give them Chardonnay with dinner. It will taste good with everything you have described (except for the apple pie)!


[This message has been edited by bernkastler (edited 12-20-2005).]