Over the EDGE Wine Picks for NYE and Beyond

We're in the home stretch of the holiday season, but that crucial evening looms upon us where Champagne glasses may shatter and more than a few heads end up in the Porcelain King.

For the socially savvy gay, New Year's Eve can feel like amateur night, so up your ante and ring in 2012 with style - no matter your situation.

I've asked my favorite sassy-mouthed sommelier Kristen Siebecker for New Year's Eve wine tips based on any number of situations that may play themselves out as the clock strikes twelve.

Have your own drinking dilemma (quality, not quantity-based)?

Post your questions in the comments section and stay tuned for some snarky wine advice.

Wine Bribe

Matthew for EDGE:
I'm bringing a bottle over to my boyfriend's place for a romantic New Year's Eve. In my passive aggressive way, I want to drop a serious hint about our next vacation destination. Any thoughts on a wine from a must-see vineyard that two queers could go running through the trellises together?

Kristen:
Champagne, France. Duh! What could me more romantic and exhilarating that drinking bubbles all day in France? Start in Reims and visit Henriot for a taste, then work your way out to the country to experience some of the most beautiful wine scenery that exists in the world!

Show-Off

Matthew for EDGE:
It's well known among my friends that I am terrible with foreign languages. I'm going to show them up by arriving at our annual post-holiday party with a bottle of something ridiculously complicated to pronounce. I want it to be big and bold to match my newly found phonetic confidence.

Kristen:
Got it! Do some warm up mouth exercises before this one: Aglianico del Vulture (ah-L'YEE'AH-nee-koh dehl VOOL-too-reh) A robust black grape from Italy that will have a hint of volcano on the nose and palate, my favorite is the Serra del Prete from Musto Carmelitano.

Winter White

Matthew for EDGE:
I'm getting a headache from all of the tannins in the red wine I've drunk this holiday season - is this true or is it more about my overconsumption of cheap wine? No matter, I want to be fashion forward and switch over to winter white. Thoughts?

Kristen:
It's cold outside, so think about having some luscious full-bodied white to warm your soul. Try a creamy, peachy, melony Chardonnay from Hope Estates in Australia. And George Michael is playing a concert there in April!

South of the Border

Matthew for EDGE:
French and Italian wines are so 1990's to me, along with my Members Only jacket and cargo pants. Yawn. Help me get oenophilely fashion forward with a pick that everyone will be talking about in 2012.

Kristen:
South America is hot, hot, hot! Especially Chile. These wines can be great for the wallet as well as the palate. Try an aromatic light and fresh Sauvignon Blanc or their signature variety Carmenere, which can be a big, bold and beautiful red wine.

Bigger is Better

Matthew for EDGE:
I don't care what they say, bigger is better. Can you set me straight with a magnum that will taste as good as it looks? Will this age the same as an "average" bottle of wine? I want to tackle it when it's at its prime.

Kristen:
OH YEAH! Agreed! If you want to get some good ole' American wine that will taste good now or later, (the bigger the bottle the slower it ages, less air to the surface of the wine slows the aging process... if only we could do that with our faces, right?) try the magnum of Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel Blend! Fruity and fun with winter stews.

Kristen Siebecker is a Certified Sommelier with advanced certifications from WSET and ASA. You'll find her at Best Cellars on New York City's east side, advising customers and assisting in the store's 'Sommelier for an Evening' program. She also offers sommelier and wine concierge services. For more information about wine pairing, shopping for wine, or putting together your own tasting, visit: www.winewithkristen.com