Chef Albert is still busy putting the final touches and last minute changes on the Christmas Eve Menu but in the meantime here is a sneak peak at some items that will be featured as well as wine pairing suggestions.
Appetizer: Honey Glazed Ham & Pineapple Skewers with a Red Pepper and Maraschino Cherry Relish
Wine Pick 2009 Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Rose Corbieres France
These honey glazed ham skewers will be a perfect appetizer to share with the whole family. Since Rose is a classic pairing for the Christmas Ham I choose 2009 Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Rose Corbieres France as the first wine pairing. American Rose’s can be on the sweeter side so when shopping for a dry Rose keep your eye out for the Corbieres region in France. Corbieres produces mostly red and rose wines and the main grape varietal used is Carignan. A light Pinot Noir would pair nicely as well but what better occasion to enjoy a festive pink wine then the holidays?
Entrée: Brick Pressed Cornish Game Hen, Red Currant Pan Jus, Caramelized Endive, Glazed Carrots
I love Cornish Game Hen and this dish just sounds so wintry, perfect for my Christmas Eve dinner by the fire. Cornish Game Hen is very delicate and requires a wine that will not overpower it. I am actually torn here between two amazing wines.
#1 Wine Pick 2005 Breggo Pinot Noir Anderson Valley
Breggo is the antithesis of a fruit bomb California Pinot Noir. Smokey, earthy, tones with tons texture, followed by a velvety finish. Anderson Valley wines can be really great hidden gems because they don’t carry all the hype that Napa & Sonoma wines do.
#2 Wine Pick 2003 Bonny Doony Le Cigare Volant Red Wine California
I just can’t seem to get away from recommending Randall Grahm wines. Le Cigare Volant is a Rhone blend (mostly Syrah, Grenache, & Mourvedre). It’s going to be edgy, have great tannins, and lot’s of character. The root vegetables and the red currants will bring out all the little nuances expressed in this very cool wine.
Entrée: Paella Stuffed Lobster, Mussels, Clams, Scallops, Shrimp, Chorizo, Chicken, Garlic Lemon Butter
Wine Pick 2006 Corey Creek Gewurztraminer North Fork of Long Island
Gewurztraminer is my favorite winter white wine. It usually pairs well with unique ethic flavors and spices. The saffron, spicy Chorizo, garlic, and juicy lobster meat are going to be so delicious with this Gewurztraminer. And the best part is it’s local: North Fork Long Island.
Check out the entire Saltwater Grille wine list here to plan your special Christmas Eve wines…
Article by Brett Clugston, Saltwater Grille Sommelier
Tip: Shopping for wines for the holiday? Our favorite local wine store: Litchfield Hills Wine Market. Check it out here…



