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The holiday season can be rather stressful, can’t it? Throwing a soiree in the mix can add even more fuel to the fire. As you decide what to make, how many chairs you need and if you really have to invite that friend or can conveniently leave them off the list this year, the biggest question of the night easily is: what will people drink? Instead of worrying about wine, let Andreina Mayobre take the lead.
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Particularly suited to the task, Mayobre's wine knowledge goes all the way back to tasting and ordering bottles at the long-ago closed Tailfeather Wine Bar to curating lists for restaurants under the Altamarea Group, including Ai Fiori, Marea and currently at Michael White’s Santi.
Despite her busy schedule, Mayobre found time to share her extensive experience while hosting wine tasting sessions at Time Out Market New York, Union Square. While impatiently waiting for her upcoming holiday-centric class on affordable Italian wines, we caught up with the "Champagne obsessed" somm on her top tips to make holiday hosting a breeze, what questions to ask at the wine store and what's best to pair with holiday ham, whichever way you cook it.
When it comes to holiday hosting, what is one thing you want newbies to remember when selecting wines?
"Have fun! When you’re hosting, the priority should always be to enjoy yourself and help your guests enjoy the moment, too. If there’s something you love to drink, share it. When people see genuine excitement, they’ll usually feel excited to try it as well. Don’t worry about trying to impress anyone; that almost always backfires. Choose wines you truly like.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Wine shops can feel intimidating with so many labels and options, but the people who work there usually know their selection very well and are happy to guide you. Tell them what you enjoy and what kind of mood or event you’re planning: is it a cocktail-style gathering with canapés? A sit-down dinner? Wine is just another layer of hosting, like the food, the music or the décor. It can take center stage if you want it to, or simply complement the evening."
When looking for a wine to bring to a holiday party, what do you suggest people keep in mind?
"When choosing a wine to bring to a holiday party, try to get a little information about the event, but don’t overthink it.
If it’s a big, casual gathering, bubbles are always a winning choice—Champagne, Trento DOC, Franciacorta or Cava never disappoint and also make a perfect gift for the host. A bright, versatile white is also great in this setting: think Chenin Blanc, Trebbiano, Timorasso or Albariño.
If the party is more intimate or it’s a sit-down dinner, a cozy red is ideal. A Nebbiolo (from a Valtellina to a Barolo), or Bordeaux depending on the budget, will always feel special and pair beautifully with richer holiday dishes. Less known regions, like Basilicata and Alto Adige, also have great value reds.
Stay within your budget; there’s absolutely no need to overspend. There are fantastic producers at every price point."
What is a good wine to pair with ham?
"Pairing wine with ham really depends on the style of the ham. For ham with a sweet glaze or honey/brown sugar finish, you want something with a touch of sweetness and bright acidity. A Vouvray is perfect, and a great choice would be the 2020 Vincent Carême Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Peu Morier.
For smoky flavors, look for wines with bright fruit and refreshing acidity. Beaujolais works beautifully; options include Thévenet Morgon or Domaine Chapel Charbonnières Fleurie.
For herby, rich preparations, choose a wine with depth and structure. La Gioia Recine Rosso Toscana 2019 or 2020 is a powerful and elegant single-vineyard super Tuscan that complements savory ham beautifully."
What is a good wine to pair with a chocolate chip cookie?
"There’s nothing more decadent and delicious than enjoying a port with a chocolate chip cookie. The style of port makes a difference: a tawny port, with its caramel, nutty and toasty flavors, is perfect if your cookie has nuts or browned butter, while a ruby port, fruity and vibrant, is ideal for rich, chocolatey cookies because it brightens the chocolate and balances the sweetness."
What is a good wine to enjoy at the end of the night, after the holiday party is over?
"For the end of the night, I always go with Champagne! It’s the perfect nightcap, whether you’re a host tidying up after everyone has left or a guest making it home after a festive evening. There’s a reason we call it 'bubbly:' it just makes life feel lighter and more celebratory."
Thirsty for more? Catch Mayobre at Time Out Market New York, Union Square on Wednedsay, December 10th for an Italian wine tasting class.