Rumford winemakers share delectable pairings for your holiday table

Sip and Savor

Holiday wine pairing tips from Rhody’s own négociant

By Abbie Lahmers

If there’s ever been a year worth raising a glass to health and happiness, it’s 2021. Not sure where to begin or what to serve with the main course? Wines from Rumford-based négociant (translation: wine merchant) Anchor & Hope are crafted with sustainably grown grapes on family-owned farms across the world, from California to Germany. Husband-and-wife winemakers Marissa Stashenko and James Davids complete the varietals by blending, aging, and packaging them right here in Rhode Island.

“Our wines are approachable enough for everyday enjoyment, yet complex enough to be worthy of a celebration,” shares Stashenko. “They’re meant to elevate the dining experience and complement a dish, whether it’s a generations-old recipe or something new.”

The holidays are all about dining, whether hosting or going out. “One of the challenges many people face is in choosing the right wines that will complement all the wonderful flavors on the table,” says Stashenko. To make the task a little less daunting, the couple shares a handful of their favorite entrees and small bites to pair with their wines, along with menu choices from local restaurants if you’re hitting the town with your celebrations.

Photo courtesy of Water Street Kitchen

2019 ART SERIES CHARDONNAY

Made with grapes grown in Oregan’s Applegate Valley, this chardonnay has ripe, tropical flavors and a touch of oak. Take the work out of a special evening by ordering East Greenwich-based Graze on Main’s Date Night Board, which includes sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheeses, speck, salami, and assorted fruits.

Pair at Home

Creamy cheeses or sauces, roasted chicken or turkey, sea bass, lobster, shrimp, banana pudding, and cheesecake

2018 MENDO RED

Blackberry and plum notes are in the forefront of this single-harvest red blend of old vine Syrah, Grenache, and Zinfandel. If you’re enjoying a glass over a coastal dinner at Water Street Kitchen & Bar in East Greenwich, the Braised Beef Short Rib, with cabernet reduction, goat cheese polenta, and heirloom carrots, is a great choice.

Pair at Home

Roasted turkey, beef roast, pork shoulder, venison, potatoes, red sauces, and chocolate desserts

2019 DRY RIESLING

Aromatic and bursting with citrus zest, this dry varietal has origins in a vineyard along the cliffs of Nierstein on the Rhein. The clean wine is complemented by oysters, served on the half shell with a local apple and marigold mignonette at Bywater in Warren.

Pair at Home

Oysters, shrimp cocktail, chicken piccata, root vegetables