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16 | OHCC LIVING | DECEMBER 2021 | Yes, the Holidays are upon us. The big question is… what wines to serve. My wife Cathy and I are new residents to OHCC, and we are loving it. Professionally speaking, I am a wine importer, winemaker, international consultant and a wine judge with well over 40+ years in the business. Bubbles are an essential part of the holidays, and my favorite value sparkler comes from the region just outside Barcelona, Spain. Cava is the national drink of Spain and the sparkling wines from this region are made in the traditional method, fermenting the wine in the bottle for a minimum of nine months. Segura Viudas Brut is only $8.97 at North County Wine Company… wow. The next sparkler comes from my friend Paula Kornell, who grew up in Napa Valley under the tutelage of her father Hanns Kornell. While Hanns' winery closed a number of years ago, the calling to make wonderful bubbles was ever present. Her new release of the Paula Kornell Brut received 94 points from the Wine Enthusiast and is only $18.97. Serve both of these with shrimp, crab, lobster or even latkes. If you are serving oysters, try my Perle de Mer Muscadet from the Loire Valley in France $15.99. A non-traditional choice for Turkey is Pinot Noir and I have three to recommend. The first two are from the Santa Lucia Highlands produced by Mignanelli or Steakhouse Vineyards 2019 at $21.97 and a personal fave, Domaine Drouhin from Oregon at $39.97. If you prefer white with your Turkey, try the Orfila Ambassador's Chardonnay 2019 at $47 ($37.60 for Orfila wine club members). I have the perfect pairing for ham from the Beaujolais region of France. Chateau des Capitans 2019 from the Cru of Julienas. Fresh and bright with a pretty garnet color. Only $16.97. If you serve prime rib, rack of lamb, filet mignon or crown roast of pork, I suggest these three wines. Santo Stefano Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 from Rutherford in Napa Valley is $22.97 and quite a bargain. From Bordeaux, France there is 2016 Pavillon Du Glana from the St. Julien district on the Left Bank and 2016 Chateau Belles-Graves Lalande de Pomerol from the Right Bank. Well priced at $31.97. (Thanks to Mark Newman) The Wine Tasting Club is open to OHCC residents, and the dues are still only $12. Wine Tasting Club