My Grandpa Jim (Jenny’s) ran a roofing business with my dad and loved his Scotch.  He’d say after work, ‘I think I need a drinky-poo,’ like one would say to a child.  Strong words coming from a 6+ foot man.  We’ve got some drinky-poos to get you through this year’s holidays. You’ve got too many things to organize and think about; booze shouldn’t be one of them.

Ahhhh the holidays, the time of the year for family, ugly sweaters and stronger cocktails – and wine don’t forget the wine!!!!
But seriously…

When you know you have a long day of preferably non-sober cooking ahead of you
Wake up with a Rüdesheimer coffee. (Rude-es-hime-er), a traditional coffee from the town of Rüdesheim in the Rhein wine region of Germany.  It looks like a fancy cup of coffee but will get your holiday buzz going right away! Coffee, cream, a shot of Asbach, a German-made brandy, and whipped cream. GOOD morning! Nothing can ruin your day now.

Gobble-Worthy wine for Your Big Bird
Thanksgiving is a long meal. We’re gonna need two (at least) wines for this one. Our picks are
Schäfer Fröhlich Riesling Dry – Native ferment Riesling, meaning it’s got plenty of fruit but a significant savory aspect to the wine. Think cooked onions, chives, and saltwater.

We love Pinot, and it definitely pairs very well with your T-Day main course, but let’s mix it up, shall we? How about a Zinfandel? Don’t stop reading yet folks. We’re going with a lighter bodied and elegant (say what!) Zin from Rutherford. Try Tres Sabores dry farmed Estate Zinfandel. Imagine if Burgundy made a Zin – don’t tell them I said that. You may have to search for it as there isn’t much around but it’s worth the hunt!

Football Watching Wine-Down
Beaujolais baby. May we suggest Fleurie from Domaine de Prion, VV.  Refreshing, rejuvenating and light enough to day drink without getting shmammered. That’s a word by definition in Urban Dictionary, promise.

For Shopping Under the Influence on Black Friday.                                                                             Not that we recommend it but Johannes requires one beer between each shop. ‘One store one beer.’ We’re going with a local brew from Sacramento, Monkey Knife Fight by Rubicon, a Pale Ale, but without a very high IBU. 5.4% alcohol, a good midday, shop-worthy beer.

Get this party started and Celebrate the end of your Christmas shopping 
Nothing says holidays like a Christmas cocktail! Give the old time Manhattan a new twist. We love substituting a rye whiskey with a local Bourbon made right in Sonoma! Try Hooker’s House Bourbon, garnish with an orange peel and a dash of cinnamon for a festive spin. Relax and pat yourself on the back. Another holiday shopping season, complete.

Sleep well while Santa’s on the road with a Madeira nightcap. 
The Boston Boal from the Rare Wine Company. It’s not very dry like a Sercial but not as sweet as the Malmsey and sooner than later you’ll have dreams and visions of sugar plums, whatever they are, dancing in your head.

Meaty Red for the Big Red Meat
L’Aventure Optimus, a Syrah-Cabernet blend from Paso Robles. It’s got that spice and slight iron characteristic from the Syrah, plus some great fruit and structure from Cab; it’s sure to be a match for prime rib. Add a little horseradish too! Optimus can handle it.

Gear up for NYE and ring 2015 in, b*tches!
Grower Champagne AKA Farmer Fizz. Until Terry Theise started growing his imports of the special juice over three years ago, it was really only ‘in the know’ by wine nerds who otherwise drink GrüVe and Arneis. Grower Champagne is one of the best values in wine out there.  Try Agrapart 7 Crus or Gaston Chiquet for under $40. Spent all your money on other people’s gifts? Need more bottles? Try Benoit Mulin’s Cremant du Jura, for under $15. After all, you know you’re not giving to need just one bottle…

These are just a few of the wines we’ll be enjoying over the holidays, probably far all of them! We’d love to hear what traditions you have, some heirloom cocktails and what you’ll be enjoying as a complement to your meal! Please comment on our post or share with us via email Jenny@bottle-talks.com or Johannes@bottle-talks.com.