Complete Guide to Holiday Wine

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Overview

The holidays are stressful enough — why worry about the wine you're serving at a big dinner or party? We brought in sommeliers Jordan Salcito and Joe Campanale to give us a crash course on everything from turkey pairings to decanting advice.

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Pairings for the Big Meal

'Tis the season for turkey dinners, but no matter what you hear, there isn't really one "best" wine for the big feast. Jordan and Joe share their favorites and give tips for what to look for in a crowd-pleasing wine for the table. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Thanksgiving Wine Pairings in HD

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Best Wines to Give as Gifts

Joe and Jordan agree that there is no single "best" wine to give as a gift, but share their own tried and true tips for picking the best bottle for whomever you have in mind. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Best Wines to Give as Gifts in HD

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Wine Buying Tips for Party Hosts

Should I buy red or white? How many bottles do I need? Is it possible for a wine to be both elegant and economical? Joe and Jordan give tips and answer questions so you can ensure a party of perfect pours. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Party Hosting Wine Tips in HD

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Wine Party 101

Who doesn't love a good wine tasting party? While spending the evening sipping reds, whites and rosés is always classy and elegant, it can often be expensive. Before spending the big bucks, check out these tips from entertaining expert Evette Rios for saving money, having fun, and making your wine party a success. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Wine Party 101 in HD

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Red Wine Basics

Jordan gives you the rundown on the world of red wine. From Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon to Gamay and Beaujolais Nouveau, she highlights both familiar varietals and newly fashionable wine regions to help you find the perfect bottle for your next gathering. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Red Wine Basics in HD

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White Wine Basics

Traveling from Italy to California and covering wines from Riesling to Chardonnay, Jordan takes us on a tour of the regions and grapes responsible for some of her favorite white wines. By the end of the tutorial, you'll feel like a seasoned white wine drinker as you sip your next hand-picked glass. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch White Wine Demystified in HD

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How to Read Wine Labels

Full disclosure: Here at eHow Food, we judge wine by its label more often than we should. We won't any longer, thanks to Joe's tips on discerning between quality details and flashy marketing. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch How to Read Wine Labels in HD

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Opening a Bottle of Wine Properly

We've all been there: wrestling with a stubborn wine cork before a crowd of onlookers, hoping desperately that it doesn't break off in the bottle. Joe's here to help. After his walk through on wine opening basics and a little practice, you'll open wine bottles as confidently as a sommelier. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Opening Bottle of Wine Properly in HD

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The 411 on Wine Glasses

If you worry that your glasses won't do justice to your wine collection, take a few minutes to get the scoop from Jordan and Joe on the best vessels for white, red, sparkling and whether stemless is the way to go (spoiler alert: they don't recommend it). – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch The 411 on Wine Glasses in HD

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Wine Tasting 101

Between the swirling, smelling and sipping, it's easy to get lost in the wine tasting process and forget the purpose. Jordan talks through the proper way to taste wine, highlighting what scents, flavors and sensations you should look for each step of the way. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch How to Taste Wine in HD

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Decanting Wine Demystified

Not just for seasoned sommeliers, decanting is something that every wine lover can (and should) do. Joe explains the purpose of "aerating" the wine and demonstrates the right way to decant. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Decanting Wine Demystified in HD

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The Skinny on Sparkling Wine

Just because it sparkles, doesn't mean it shines – but you don't necessarily need to spend big bucks on a bottle of bubbly, either. Jordan gives a quick lesson on the world of sparkling wine from Prosecco to Champagne, giving you the confidence to buy the right bottle for your next celebration. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Know Your Sparkling Wines in HD

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Tips for Opening a Bottle of Sparkling Wine

The showy cork pop is impressive, but is it the right way to go when opening a bottle of bubbly? Joe shows the sommelier way of opening a bottle of sparkling, which keeps the pressure under control and minimizes messes. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Tips for Opening a Bottle of Sparkling Wine in HD

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Jordan and Joe\’s Wine Cocktails

Sophisticated yet simple, wine cocktails raise the bar for holiday refreshments. Joe Campanale and Jordan Salcito make a few of their favorites and show you how to turn your glass of wine into the talk of the party. – in association with Rachael Ray

Related: Watch Jordan and Joe's Wine Cocktails in HD

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