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Local sommelier shares wine pairings, appetizers for the holidays

Trying to come up with some great ideas for holiday appetizers and wine pairings? We asked Tarboro restaurant and brewery owner and sommelier Inez Ribustello for her suggestions for a great party.

Posted Updated
Cranberry & Asiago Cheese Crisps
By
Kathy Hanrahan
, WRAL lifestyle editor
RALEIGH, N.C. — Trying to come up with some great ideas for holiday appetizers and wine pairings? We asked Tarboro restaurant and brewery owner and sommelier Inez Ribustello for her suggestions for a great party.

Here are her picks:

Pear and Sausage Stuffing Cups with California Zinfandel - California Zin is a delicious pairing for many rich, meaty dishes, but I particularly love it when spicy sausage is in the mix; the brambleberry and blackberry notes followed by hints of anise always help a savory stuffing pop, especially when served as an hors d'oeuvre in muffin cups.
Turkey and Gravy Sandwiches with Austrian Gruner Veltliner - Crisp, tart, fresh whites are always a favorite of mine, and when you get the lime zest and white pepper flavors of Austrian Gruner, you get a heavenly match with Turkey and Gravy Sandwiches. Cut them in the shape of your favorite cookie cutter, and everyone gets a chance to enjoy a classic.
Gougeres with Sparkling Rose - Light, airy cheese puffs (traditionally made with gruyere cheese) are the perfect pop-in-your-mouth and pairing them with a sparkling Rose brings all the flavors into a clear focus. Favorite sparkling rose of mine is normally a Cava Rose from Spain.
Cranberry and Asiago Cheese Crisps with LBV Port - My mother-in-law makes these year round, and they never last long wherever she brings them. Taking a small desert glass of LBV port just accentuates the flavors of the cranberries and the Asiago.

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