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Holiday Wine Q&A
Our wine buyer, Dan, answered questions from H-E-B customers like you. Read their questions and his response below.
Twitter User:
Dan, what kind of wine do you recommend for with a traditional fried turkey?
Dan:
For fried turkey I like a stronger, full bodied wine, like Zinfandel. I’d recommend La Storia Zinfandel!
Twitter User:
What do I look for when I want a wine that is sweet or fruity without the bitterness?
Dan:
I recommend trying our fruit infused Moscatos like Frizecco!
Twitter User:
What dark wine goes with a yam dish?
Dan:
I might try a Zinfandel with a yam dish!
Twitter User:
How long does wine last after it is opened?
Dan:
I recommend only 3 days, otherwise it loses its volume and flavor. Enjoy!
Twitter User:
What is a good wine for a traditional southern dinner? (Turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, dressing...)
Dan:
I'd go with a lightly sweet and fruity Rose. Should go well with more southern styles, try Finca el Origen Rose.
Twitter User:
What is a good dark wine to go with a traditional turkey dinner?
Dan:
For a nice dark wine, I’d go with Cline Nancy’' Vines Zinfandel. Great color and luscious tasting.
Twitter User:
What wines are popular for the holidays?
Dan:
Bubbles are always a great option! Tott's Brut or Extra-Dry, GREAT price and taste!
Twitter User:
How do I know value when I am looking at the label?
Dan:
Try out our wine tastings in stores—that’s the best way to find value for quality.
Twitter User:
What do you attribute to the recent explosive popularity of boxed wines? Are you a sommelier?
Dan:
Not a Somm, but I love studying and finding great wines at great costs for our H-E-B customers! A true passion. Box wines have taken off due to finally having great juice made available instead of bulk wine.
Twitter User:
What wine is best for serving a large group of people for a holiday party?
Dan:
A great holiday option is JCB #5 Rose!
Twitter User:
If the wines not chilled is it ok to put ice in your glass?
Dan:
Yes! Whatever makes it enjoyable for you.
Twitter User:
Howdy! I was wondering what is a nice sweet wine? I am looking for something to pair with ham.
Dan:
I highly recommend any of the Prima Mazzo wines we sell and they’d all go well with ham.
Twitter User:
What are your top three sweet wine choices that are similar to Moscato or Llano Sweet Red?
Dan:
Frizzeco Moscato, Primo Mazzo Moscato, and Elena Moscato are three great sweet wines to try.
Twitter User:
What’s the best dessert wine?
Dan:
One of my favorites is Primo Mazzo Moscato.
Twitter User:
I bought a couple bottles of white and red wine how best to store them, unopened? And how long will they keep?
Dan:
Wine with a cork= store on side. Wine with a screwtop (or sparkling)= vertical. 50-55°F and minimal light.
Twitter User:
Not much of a wine drinker, but trying to get away from beer. What’s a great wine to start with for wine newbies?
Dan:
Welcome! I recommend trying Prima Mazzo Moscato or Into the Blue Riesling.
Twitter User:
What wine would you suggest goes best with turkey?
Dan:
I would pair a nice Pinot Noir, like Blazon Pinot or Love Noir.
Twitter User:
What wine pairs well with holiday meals, such as turkey and ham?
Dan:
Blazon Pinot Noir, Splendid Oak Chardonnay, D'Orsay Rose, or Hoodwinked Gewurtztraminer!
Twitter User:
Which wine sold at H-E-B is best for bringing together all the different flavors on the holiday dinner table?
Dan:
That’s super tough, given the variety of flavors/ meals in Texas! I think Rose would be your best shot.
Twitter User:
What white wines pair well with desserts?
Dan:
Try some of our Rieslings, like Charles & Charles, or Into the Blue.
Twitter User:
What is the best wine to pair with traditional desserts (pumpkin/ pecan pies)?
Dan:
Moscatos and Sweet Rieslings are a great option. I recommend Blue Nun Riesling!
Twitter User:
Are certain wines better during different seasons?
Dan:
I recommend lighter, sweet wines during the hot summer days and bolder reds during the fall.
Twitter User:
Which wine can be taken both at room temperature and cold? With what cheese?
Dan:
Red wines can be served at room temp or chilled, your preference. Sartori Romano is a great cheese option!
Twitter User:
Does it really matter what type of wine glass is acceptable?
Dan:
Our Guide to Wine Glasses has great info. I also say drink what you want in whatever glass you like.
Twitter User:
What’s a good sweet red wine?
Dan:
I recommend Bella Amore for a real nice sweet red!
Twitter User:
What are some great blends that pair well with turkey?
Dan:
Chain Gang Pitch Black, Rare Red Black would be great options.
Twitter User:
What are some of the best tasting red wines at H-E-B?
Dan:
Twitter User:
What’s the purpose of decanting?
Dan:
Decanting helps open up the wine and lets it breathe–can smooth it out and improve taste.