There are many things in life that are seasonal. Tulips bloom between April and June. The groundhog sees his shadow in February. The swallows come back to Capistrano on their own idiosyncratic time frame. Corn mazes and pumpkin patches only happen at harvest time.

Some things are tied to seasons or certain times of year yet actually transcend them, even without us really noticing them. For most people, fireworks are a 4th of July event, therefore they are a summer happening. Yet how many times during the year do you see fireworks? Certainly during July and on New Year’s Eve but on Chinese New Year’s as well. All summer long at baseball games and county/country fairs one sees fireworks. January, February, June, July… these are the months that one can expect to see fireworks so are fireworks really just a summer thing?

No, they are not.

There are a litany of things, like fireworks, that are initially pigeonholed into one area but truly transcend it. For my purposes I submit to you, on this day December 20th, 2011 that the Rosé should be front and center in any holiday plans. The so-called summer drink should be not be ignored when it comes to winter feasting.

If you are cooking a chicken, a turkey, or going the Dickensian route and cooking a goose, a good full bodied (dry, not sweet) Rosé would be a perfect accompaniment.

“But that’s a summer wine!” “That’s a BBQ wine!” “I only drink that when it’s hot out– not during the winter!” That’s what the natterning nabobs are saying. But you, being a Winerabbler, know better. You know that good wine is good any time.

A nice turkey or goose, or ham or anything white meat would match perfectly with a Rosé. A Rosé nicely chilled will accentuate the flavors and seasonings of any meat you are serving– it is a refreshing complement to the flavors of your main dish. It won’t overpower your meal like some Cabs or Syrahs. Light acidity, a nice splash of fruit but not too juicy, a bit more heft and body than a white wine (which we are not discounting but you probably have white in your holiday arsenal already.)

If you don’t want to have it with your main course, then a Rosé can go nicely with many appetizer cheeses and charcuterie selections. Personally, I am not a dessert wine drinker and I find a nicely chilled glass of Rosé after a hearty holiday meal a nice light, refreshing post meal drink.

Whether you have it before, with or after your meal I heartily suggest you include the Rosé in your holiday plans. You may have a bevy of family/friends/whomever visiting or you are hosting an intimate gathering of people that mean the most to you, have this wine on hand. If it’s great to have with those you love/like on a patio for a BBQ, why shouldn’t it be just as good now?

Weather should not determine when one drinks good wine.

We Winerabblers truly appreciate all of you who read our missives and hope we have added to your wine experiences in 2011. We wish you all a very Happy Holiday season and a winederful and prosperous 2012.