<strong>Christmas with Cosentino</strong>
Over the years, I have been blessed with countless great Christmas celebrations. When we were kids in Modesto, CA, it was always my parents, my brother and sister, and my maternal gran
dparents that got together to celebrate Christmas Eve. We’d enjoy dinner and presents (lots of presents!) then head off to Gustine, CA for Christmas Day. My family and I would congregate at Nana’s house (my dad’s mother) for a big Italian feast in the afternoon with aunts, uncles, and cousins. There was always quite the spread — homemade ravioli, more pastas, meats — those were the best of times.
One very memorable Christmas I recall was in the early 90s. It was Christmas Day and my family and I were in Gustine as usual. It was the last time we were able to have everyone together as my mother passed away the following year. Nana was 101 yrs old and one of the great grandkids had brought along a guitar. Nana grabbed the guitar and strummed while leading us all in Christmas songs! We were all stunned; none of my generation had ever seen her do that and only a couple of my aunts had experienced this when they were kids. It was a monumental and memorable day for all of us. I had both grandmothers together for the next several years after my mother passed. Those were great, great times.
Now the extended families try to get together every year in Modesto. I have 9 nieces and nephews and several of them have young children now. I am now “Uncle Mitch” which for many years was the equivalent to Santa.
<img class=”alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-210″ src=”http://blog.cosentinowinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/newYears2012-1-150×150.jpg” alt=”" width=”150″ height=”150″ />
<strong>Mitch’s New Years Eve Tips</strong>
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed serving The Poet to all of my guests as it is the most versatile red wine of my portfolio. It was Nana Cosentino’s favorite wine as well. We would usually finish up with a dessert wine named “Francesca,” a California-made <a href=”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vin_Santo”>Vin Santo</a>, which is FANTASTIC with Apple pie.
One of my favorite ways to spend NYE is having dinner with friends and sharing special mature wines from deep in the cellar. What a great way to bring up memories of years past.
Some favorites include:
<ul>
<li>1980 (my first vintage) Cabernet Sauvignon</li>
<li>1990 First complete vintage made in Yountville (and a great one)</li>
<li>1987 One of the best vintages ever, period. If stored properly, it is still great. We had 1987 The Sculptor Chardonnay recently and it blew everyone away</li>
<li>1994 Also one of the top vintages, the M.Coz Meritage is an absolute standout</li>
</ul>
This year we might open up something from the early 2000s but the 1999s are drinking incredible. Oh what to do? I still have a few days to decide…
And finally, I usually toast New Years with a bottle of real Champagne, either Krug Grand Cuvee or Dom Perignon. This year we will kick off the early evening with a bottle of California bubbly from SCV in Sonoma and again toast in the new year with Champagne, soon to be decided.
<strong>Share Your Memories</strong>
What are some of your fondest memories of holidays past? Would love to read them here when I get back after the break. Happy Holidays!Rich Text Area Christmas with Cosentino Over the years, I have been blessed with countless great Christmas celebrations. When we were kids in Modesto, CA, it was always my parents, my brother and sister, and my maternal grandparents that got together to celebrate Christmas Eve. We’d enjoy dinner and presents (lots of presents!) then head off to
Gustine, CA for Christmas Day. My family and I would congregate at Nana’s house (my dad’s mother) for a big Italian feast in the afternoon with aunts, uncles, and cousins. There was always quite the spread — homemade ravioli, more pastas, meats — those were the best of times. One very memorable Christmas I recall was in the early 90s. It was Christmas Day and my family and I were in Gustine as usual. It was the last time we were able to have everyone together as my mother passed away the following year. Nana was 101 yrs old and one of the great grandkids had brought along a guitar. Nana grabbed the guitar and strummed while leading us all in Christmas songs! We were all stunned; none of my generation had ever seen her do that and only a couple of my aunts had experienced this when they were kids. It was a monumental and memorable day for all of us. I had both grandmothers together for the next several years after my mother passed. Those were great, great times. Now the extended families try to get together every year in Modesto. I have 9 nieces and nephews and several of them have young children now. I am now “Uncle Mitch” which for many years was the equivalent to Santa. Mitch’s New Years Eve Tips Over the years, I’ve enjoyed serving The Poet to all of my guests as it is the most versatile red wine of my portfolio. It was Nana Cosentino’s favorite wine as well. We would usually finish up with a dessert wine named “Francesca,” a California-made Vin Santo, which is FANTASTIC with Apple pie. One of my favorite ways to spend NYE is having dinner with friends and sharing special mature wines from deep in the cellar. What a great way to bring up memories of years past. Some favorites include: This year we might open up something from the early 2000s but the 1999s are drinking incredible. Oh what to do? I still have a few days to decide… And finally, I usually toast New Years with a bottle of real Champagne, either Krug Grand Cuvee or Dom Perignon. This year we will kick off the early evening with a bottle of California bubbly from SCV in Sonoma and again toast in the new year with Champagne, soon to be decided. Share Your Memories What are some of your fondest memories of holidays past? Would love to read them here when I get back after the break. Happy Holidays!
We share the same dilemna. So many fine selections. I was so tempted to ask you which Poet to take to a very special dinner on Wednesday. This dinner was really special. It was really a tough decision, but I decided on the 2006 and the moment the cork was removed the contents evaporated. I mean literally evaporated within 5-10 minutes. No seconds on that one. It was so delicious that I did actually experienced a brief moment of remorse for it’s exposure. Oh well! I’ll just have to replenish. The guests ranted and rave about it. Sorry there wasn’t more, but the guests are now aware of its origin. They were super impressed with my selection. Always nice to impress, especially when that’s solely not the objective. Joy!
That is always a challenge, Sharon. Thanks for the comment. When you open a great wine, it doesn’t last long does it? You will still have the memories with the folks you shared it with and have them yearning for more and you know how to get it
Now we head into the New Year. Our best wishes to you, family and friends!