APPETIZERS
Oysters any way: On the half shell, Rockefeller, Casino
Pair with: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Potato Chips and French Onion Dip (we didn’t say every dish had to be fancy!)
Pair with: Fête Sparkling Viognier
Figs stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon
Pair with: Meritage 2016 or Petit Verdot 2016
Always best to have a big red to stand up to a fatty food, and if you’ve never experienced blue cheese melting into a mouthful of red wine, you’re in for a treat that you won’t forget – and one that we suspect you will replicate many times.
Coupole Cheese
Pair with: Joie Sparkling Rosé
A soft ripened goat cheese made by Vermont Creamery and named for its resemblance to a mound of snow. Strong ripened flavors of the rind balance against the creamy and slightly sweet center. Bright flavors marry extremely well with fresh fruitiness and dry finish of our Sparkling Rosé. Serve with warm, crusty bread.
ENTRÉES
Holiday Ham
Pair with: Joie Sparkling Rosé or Cabernet Franc 2018
Depending on the glaze used and your wine preferences, a variety of VRV wines will pair nicely with your holiday Ham. For a ham with a sweet glaze, open a bottle of our Joie Sparkling Rosé and let the bright bubbles work in harmony with the sweetness of the glaze. If you prefer a medium-bodied red wine, then our soft and fruit-forward Cabernet Franc will be a wonderful choice that works perfectly with the subtle flavors of the ham.
Recipe: Ham Three Ways from Epicurious
Cheese Grits Soufflé
Pair with: Destana 2018
Dry, but with a hint of sweetness, our Destana white blend has a softer mouthfeel that complements the creamy grits, while the wine’s crisp finish refreshes the palate for the next yummy forkful.
Recipe: Cheese Grits Soufflé from Chowhound
Chinese Take Out
Pair with: Viognier 2019 or Cabernet Franc 2018
For vegetarian dishes or light protein dishes (chicken or fish), try pairing with our Viognier. The subtle floral and citrus notes and crisp finish will be a perfect accompaniment to these dishes without overwhelming them. For heartier dishes (meat with a sauce or duck), pair with the Cabernet Franc which is nicely balanced and offers complexity and backbone.
A Virginia Favorite: Peter Chang China Grill (locations in Charlottesville, Richmond, Tidewater, Fredericksburg, and the DC area)
Beef Roast
Pair with: Petit Verdot 2016
If a nice Prime Rib or Beef Tenderloin is your choice for the special occasion, then we’ve got the wine to go with it. Virginia’s “Big Red,” Petit Verdot, will bring out the best in your meal. This award-winning fully oaked single varietal has enough body and tannins to stand up to the full flavors found in great beef, with enough soft fruit to add the perfect complement.
Roast Pork
Pair with: Cabernet Franc 2018
Our Cabernet Franc’s pleasing acidity and soft, subtle tannins will be a great choice for this crowd-pleasing dish, especially when topped with a festive fruit chutney. The Cab Franc will be full bodied enough to stand up to the pork, without stealing the show.
Recipe: Food Network Herbed Pork Roast with Cranberry Chutney
Duck
Pair with: Meritage 2016
Duck calls for a deft touch from a full-bodied red that can stand up to rich flavors and delicious fat. Our medal-winning 2016 Meritage is a rich but beautifully balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc combining to make a complex, well-balanced wine that is wonderfully food friendly. Try this instead of a Pinot Noir or Rhone-style wine.
Recipe: Cast Iron Duck Breast from Garden & Gun
Turkey
Pair with: Chardonnay 2019 or Fête Sparkling Viognier
Either Chardonnay or Sparkling Viognier are the perfect complement to your majestic turkey – whether at the holiday table or with next day sandwiches!
DESSERT
Apple Tarte Tatin
Pair with: Trillium 2019
Late harvest Petit Manseng pairs beautifully with anything rich and decadent, especially desserts that feature fruit. Perfect for Julia Child’s classic Apple Tarte Tatin recipe, with sweet sticky caramel and tender apples on a crispy puff pastry base!
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Pair with: Petit Verdot 2016
What better pairing than a decadent dessert and Virginia’s biggest, most robust single varietal to cap off your holiday meal? The chocolate flavor is beautifully enhanced by the bold dark fruit aromas and soft mouth feel of our Petit Verdot.
