Holiday wines that won’t break the bank


wines2

With the holiday season in full swing, wine makes a great affordable gift, and is a potential conversation starter at dinners and holiday parties.

The food and beverage faculty at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management have selected wines that go perfectly with the following holiday dishes:

Veuve Clicquot  Brut Champagne:

This bubbly can be purchased at most wine stores from $44 to $50.  It pairs perfectly with Christmas pate with cranberry and apple jelly.

Rioja Vin Ardanza:

This musky red wine retails from $25 to $30. It goes great with Roasted Leg of Lamb.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc:

This New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc retails for $29.99. It goes great with Holiday Chowder with Mussels.

Rheingau Schloss Johanisberg ” Spatlese”:

This German Riesling Spatlese retails for $35. It pairs well with Thai Chicken Salad with Rice Noodles.

Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon:

This deep color, rich red wine retails for $79.95.  Pan Roasted Veal Chops with Cabernet Sauce go best with this full bodied wine.

Catena Malbec Mendoza:

This Argentinian Malbec retails for $22.99. You should pair this with Smoked Prime Rib with Malbec Sauce.

Antinori Castello della Salla:

This White blend retails $45.00. This pairs well with Curried cashew, Pear and Grape Salad.

Over the years, the award-winning food and beverage science faculty at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management have had a very strong influence on South Florida’s beverage scene. They have taught a large number of students who now hold prominent positions throughout the industry.

Their experience spans more four decades of distinguished industry work combined with excellence in the classroom. With backgrounds ranging from analytical chemistry, nutritional science and dietetics to wine technology and merchandising, they are experts in the field and continue to serve on judging panels for national and international wine competitions.

The Southern Wine and Spirits Beverage Management Center at FIU is widely considered to be the most advanced beverage appreciation and evaluation facility in the world. The 4,500-square-foot facility was built in 1999 and offers the latest technology for beverage tasting and analysis.