As a product of strict Catholic schooling, I learned a few things early on that I'll never forget, like the dates of every Catholic school holiday. I know, for instance, that the 12 Days of Christmas happen to come after Dec. 25, not before, and culminate with the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6 (or the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 5, depending on your disposition and when you start counting).
But like the materialistic adult I have grown into, I also know that the 12 days of pre-Christmas shopping angst start this morning. For me, it means a major offensive on the liquor store. Just as some people can't relax until every iPhone and Nintendo Wii has been wrapped and tied with a bow, this anxious party host can't chill until the refreshments and sacks of ice have been procured.
I have drawn up my party-provisions list and figured I would share it - my 12 Holiday Tipples - here in the hope a few selections will resonate with your own entertaining needs.
1. Aperitif bubbles
Lanson Black Label Brut ($49.95 in Ontario; $54.99 in B.C.). This is one of the best values in widely available, true-blue champagne. You can overspend on better-advertised ones, but ask yourself this: Why? Alternatives: Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs from California($23.95 in Ontario; $25.99 in B.C.); Codorniu Brut Clasico from Spain ($12.10 in Ontario).
2. Basic party red
Humberto Canale Gran Reserva Malbec ($19.95 Ontario only). This is not a year for ostentatious wines, at least not where large gatherings are involved. An Argentine malbec - think of it as poor man's Pomerol - will peg you both as fiscally responsible and a hip sipper. This particular selection admittedly is on the pricey side because it's aimed here at those hosts who must pacify finicky wine bores. But it's possible to save a bundle on great bargain malbecs. Alternatives: Marcus James Malbec ($8.99 in B.C., $9.45 in Ontario);
Argento Malbec ($9.85 in Ontario).
3. Basic party white
Woodbridge Chardonnay ($12.95 in Ontario; $13.99 in B.C.). Much improved, this brand from Robert Mondavi in California won't win you points with snobs, but it's well crafted for the money and widely available - the Honda Civic of white wines. Alternatives: Les Fumées Blanches Sauvignon Blanc ($11.45 in Ontario; $11.99 in B.C.); Astica Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon ($7.95 in Ontario; $9 in B.C.).
4. Asian dance partner
Pentage Gewürztraminer 2007 ($18, available only in B.C., Pentâge.com). At some point in the next few weeks, you will want to catch your breath, kick your feet up and do a night of Chinese, sushi or Indian takeout. This is no reason to rough it with barbaric soda. Aromatic, dry gewürztraminer will pair beautifully with vibrant dishes and upscale any plastic-cutlery buffet. Alternatives: Calona Artist Series Gewürztraminer from B.C. ($13.99 in B.C.); Strewn Gewürztraminer/Riesling from Ontario ($11.95 in Ontario).
5. Festive microbrew
Barley Days Brewery Yuletide Cherry Porter from Ontario ($14.95/6-pack in Ontario). Save the Coors for hockey; this is the festive season. Offer up something special, like one of a growing number of robust seasonal brews made by craft producers across the land. Alternatives: Great Lakes Winter Ale from Ontario ($6.95/750 ml in Ontario); Howe Sound Father John's Winter Ale from B.C. ($7.95/litre in B.C.).
6. SFR (Serious French Red)
Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet 2005 ($69 in Ontario). This "second" wine of the estimable fifth-growth Bordeaux producer is about as good as Bordeaux gets for the money. Impress the boss - or save it for yourself and someone special! Alternatives: Château Lamargue Cuvée Aegidiane Costières de Nîmes 2004 ($21.30 in Quebec); Dourthe Château Pey La Tour Réserve du Château ($22.95 in Ontario; $26.48 in B.C.).
7. Obligatory pinot grigio
