Loews Hotels Wine Line Comes To The Aid Of Busy Cooks And Gift Givers This Holiday Season

The Wine Version of the "Turkey Hotline" is Just an E-mail Away! Great ideas even on a budget! --

Looking for just the right wine to pair with your Thanksgiving turkey? Need an expert to tell you exactly what kind of red wine will complement your standing rib roast on Christmas Eve? Is there a drink that can stand up to your Bubby's latkes? Want a great bottle of bubbly to pop open on New Year's Eve? The wine experts at Loews Hotels are here to take care of all these questions for you and more, with the launch of the Loews Hotels Wine Line.

Before the holidays send you over the brink (and after you call the Turkey Hotline, of course) put down the corkscrew, take a deep breath and send an e-mail to: wineline@loewshotels.com. Knowledgeable, warm and yes, unpretentious certified sommeliers will help guide you through your wine pairing or wine gift giving dilemmas, no matter your budget. Loews Hotels promises to respond to all emails within 24-hours, if not sooner. The Loews Hotels 'Wine Line' will be available from November 10 - December 31, 2008. More information and holiday wine FAQs are also available on our website www.loewshotels.com.

"For years, our loyal guests from across the country have been contacting our hotels during the holiday season, and asking questions of our chefs and sommeliers," said Jonathan Tisch, CEO of Loews Hotels. "We have always answered those questions with great detail and expert advice, so the Loews Hotels Wine Line is our way of sharing the vast wine and food knowledge among our sommeliers and chefs with everyone. We are delighted to take some of the stress out of the holiday season whether you're planning a special meal or looking to give a gift of wine."

What lessons can be learned from the Loews Hotels Wine Line? Time will no doubt reveal stories and questions as entertaining as those posed to the Turkey Hotline over the years, but for now, consider these tips: While everyone knows that white wines go well with turkey, you may also want to consider a pinot noir, which has a bit fuller flavor than white wines. Because it has very few tannins, it will not overwhelm the meal. Also, keep in mind that salty or smoked foods are best served with sweet white wines such as a Riesling or Gew�rztraminer.

"Regardless of what your wine dilemmas may be, we'll help you put the 'cheers' back into the season of cheer," says Tisch.


Sensitive to the current economy, Loews Hotels team of sommeliers have put together a list of 12 suggested wines and uses in the budget category (approximate prices):

White wine:
Chardonnay, A by Acadia: $13
Monterey, golden color, with hints of apple and cinnamon - very light Chardonnay that pairs well with poultry and seafood
Chenin Blanc Dry Creek Vineyards: $11
Light and crisp with lemon - pairs well with poultry and seafood
Domaine des Aubuisieres Bernard Fouquet Vouvray Cuvee de Silex, 2007: $17
Contemporary version of an Old-Word style - pairs well with seafood and richer dishes
Viognier Alban Vineyards, Edna Valley: $22
Deep yellow color, perfume and long finish - pairs well with holiday style food especially turkey
Viognier Anglim Winery, Paso Robles: $24
High color with floral accents of honeysuckle, white melons, apricots, and peaches - pairs well with turkey

Red wine:
Villa Pilo Toscana Borgofote 2006: $12
Excellent value, drier style - pairs well with veal and lamb
Cabernet Sauvignon Sterling, Napa: $19
Dark ruby color, spicy with hints of chocolate - pairs well with beef
Syrah Havens, Paso Robles: $18
Meaty character, mocha-coffee and peppery spring to its finish on the palate - pairs well with beef

Sparkling wine:
Domaine Chandon Brut: $15
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