Saratoga sips to pair with your Christmas feast
PLUS: Reading the USA's top-ranked Christmas foods is a contentious — yet non-political — topics to bring up for debate at the Christmas table. We have highlights.
A highly contentious YouGov poll reports that the most popular Christmas food in the U.S. are, in order: roast potatoes (No. 1? seriously … WTF America), mashed potatoes, turkey, bread or rolls (mind … boggled), stuffing or dressing, prime rib, roast beef.
Ham, in case you were wondering, is #11, pears are #36 (?!?) and Jell-O (our civilization … crumbling) is #47.
This is a safe, non-political topic to bring up for debate at the Christmas table. You’re welcome. Now, onto the drinks we’re planning to pair with all of the dishes we’re actually serving, despite America’s strident objections.
Rachel McDermott, founder of the field-to-glass Dancing Grain Farm Brewery, recommends pairing the Iron Colt, a whiskey barrel-aged Imperial Stout with prime rib.
“A rosemary salt crust and a rich au jus stand up well to the beer’s barrel character,” McDermott says. “The stout’s warmth and depth complement the meat’s savory richness without getting lost.”
Autumn Manning, the East NY regional manager at Keuka Spring Vineyards, based in the Finger Lakes, but with a tasting room in Saratoga Springs, plans to serve Cabernet Franc.
“It’s one of my favorite reds for holidays, with bright cherry and black currant notes, a little spice, great acidity and just enough structure to cut through the richness of the lasagna and whatever meat dish we’re serving,” she says.
For dessert? The team at Saratoga Winery recommends pairing its most versatile wine, Spa City Blanc — which balances juicy peach notes with aromatic floral notes — with any dessert, from Pavlova to classic pie or cookies.
 | A guest post by
|