At Randy Peters Catering we are all about teaching those around us to think locally. During the holiday season it is important for us to integrate as much locality as possible to ensure we are giving back to the wonderful winemakers, vendors, and farmers that support us year round. When it comes to planning your party we love to remind our friends and family about wine sourced locally right here in California!
The amount of options we have as consumers of wine is outstanding compared to many other states. In Northern California specifically we have numerous wine counties including Lodi, Clarksburg, Placer, Amador and many more!
With some hefty holiday meals on our plates, it is good to review different varietals and some favorites of the RPC TEAM:
Sparkling Wine
Cupcake Moscato D’Asti – Livermore
Peach, lychee and tropical flavors with floral notes. The Cupcake Vineyards are found all over the world, these specific grapes found in the Asti Region in Italy. Cupcake is based in Livermore with many of their grapes found on the Central Coast. Welcoming your guests in with a sparkling wine is a great start. This is a wonderful wine that appeases most palettes as it is not your traditional prosecco.
Sauvignon Blanc
Amador Cellars 2014 Sauvignon Blanc – Amador County
Citrus notes with grapefruit and hints of honeydew. Fantastic with appetizers, vegetable side dishes, a lighter wine. Family owned and operated winery with grapes in the Shenandoah Valley. Sauvignon Blanc is becoming a great option for those party planners who don’t have an interest in Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc has a flavor profile that varies slightly but is unique to each winemaker. Not a traditional choice for a holiday meal, but the obvious chardonnay might need a change up!
Chardonnay
2013 Bogle Chardonnay – Clarksburg & Monterey, CA
Chardonnay grapes grown in Clarksburg are known for their apple and pear aromas. The Bogle Chardonnay offers hints of nutmeg and vanilla spice for a fantastic finishing mouthfeel. A Chardonnay such as this one pairs well with a baked brie appetizer, chicken dish and compliments many of the side dishes you find at your holiday feast!
Rose
Cante Ao Vinho’s – A Rare Rose – Galt, CA
An unlikely combination of grapes produces a fruit forward rose like you’ve never tasted. The Tannat and Touriga Francesa grapes grown in Galt, CA by Ron Silva (Silva Spoons), pair well with your holiday turkey or any spicy bites you might serve your guests. The Farinha Brothers have been expanding the Cante Ao Vinho name with a tasting room in Rocklin while their bottling capacity exceeds expectation at their Wheatland facility. Keeping the Portuguese wine culture alive in California this family has a knack for unique combinations of grapes.
Petite Sirah
2011 Four Winds Cellars Petite Sirah – Calaveras County, Sierra Foothills
A Petite Sirah is a crowd pleaser for a large meal. Any beef or pork in sight? The bold flavors of a Petite Sirah stand right up. Not to mention, a Petite Sirah holds up great to a cheese course. Four Winds Cellar Petite Sirah is known for its dark color, blackberry and loganberry flavors and hints of smoke.
Zinfandel
Bertapelle Cellars – 2012 Zinfandel – Russian River Valley
This particular Zinfandel has integrated 4% Petite Sirah for the optimal flavor packing punch for your holiday meal. This Zinfandel pairs well with any Italian feast, are you thinking of preparing a hearty vegetarian meal with eggplant parmesan as the star? Well if so this wine fits the bill! The complex flavors of The Bertapelle Cellars 2012 Zinfandel lends itself to robust vegetarian dishes as well as holds up perfectly to your herb roasted rack of lamb. The cherry and currant flavor is compelling and compliments any relish you might entice your guests with. Bertapelle Cellars accentuates their artisan style of winemaking with a limited production to ensure that the highest quality product is bottled at the source.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Jordan – 2011 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon – Alexander Valley
The Jordan collection of wine is known to be a “food friendly” wine. The Jordan name has excelled not only in the realm of winemaking but also in the culinary world with exquisite pairings. The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon will stimulate your guest’s palates as it pairs well with your prime rib roast to your garlic herb roasted sirloin with horseradish demi glaze. Your inner chef will surprise your guests as you wow them with your well-executed flavor combinations.
At Randy Peters Catering we want to help you put your best entertaining foot forward this season. Know that we see our industry as a gift and our ability to share information with our friends, family, students and clients is humbling. We hope you embrace our suggestions regarding locality and make your holiday gathering a memorable success!
