The wonderful festive season is soon upon us. Christmas dinners and New Year parties present a prime occasion to try new wines with favourite recipes of old.

Put less enchantingly, it’s that time of year some of us find ourselves lost playing vinous Russian roulette in front of seemingly endless shelves of wine wondering what to buy. And, as there are genuine wine offers to consider, you’ll also have to steer the trolley past the pitfalls that are last minute bin-ends, super deals and give-aways that pop up this eleventh hour to make stuck wine move.

So let me ask you this: is this really the best time to experiment with unknown bottles and start deciphering labels when you are putting time and effort into preparing that grand meal hoping to impress family and guests?

You know what you like; that’s not the problem. It’s trying to figure out what type of wine is appropriate to serve with each and every course or dish to in-laws or friends who look up to you as the perfect host.

Of course, risking it by uncorking a bottle from an otherwise well-intended gift hamper you just received but which looks suspiciously identical to the Beaujolais Nouveau you gave your uncle before the turn of the century isn’t the answer either.

Wines have to be carefully selected for their presence, taste and food adaptability. This may seem like a penitentiary occupation to some. But it’s actually easier than it looks, especially now that the Delicata winery has made your next wine-pairing party stress free.

If you are looking for safe, made-easy wine options to complement your holiday feast, then look no further. Delicata, in collaboration with the kitchen brigade of the Grand Hotel Excelsior, have produced a number of concise videos in which the winery’s experts shortlist the right vintages of tried-and-tested wines according to their compatibility with Christmas dishes.

Simply tap into the YouTube channel of Malta’s foremost winemaker and check out Delicata’s selection of versatile whites, refreshing rosés, diverse reds, sparklers and dessert wines that are sure to enhance your Christmas gathering. If you’ve run out of faithful stand-bys in your cellar or wine rack at home, then watch and draw up your wine list in advance or access the clips from your smartphone when heading out to stock up from your supermarket, retail shop or wine merchant.

Each one of Delicata’s mini videos suggests particular wine matches for different dishes which are popular at the Maltese family table over Christmas and New Year.

Selected wines from the winery’s award-winning Classic Collection, Medina, Victoria Heights, Grand Vin de Hauteville and Frizzante ranges pass in review alongside matching old-time favourite fare such as roast turkey breast, traditional timpana and Christmas pudding, but also rabbit liver parfait, duck tortellacci, saffron risotto with pan-fried salmon and much more.

The YouTube videos recommend ideal wine matches for 12 mouthwatering starters, intermediate dishes, main courses and desserts, which are all masterly plated and a feast for the eyes by the way. They are also featured on Delicata’s Facebook page.

For inspiration as to what to cook, drink and share this festive season, visit www.youtube.com/user/ emmanueldelicata or www.facebook. com/DelicataWinery.