From Michael Stolese, Co-founder & Partner of Vermont Wine Merchants Company on South Champlain Street in Burlington

Zin’s are big and bold. They hold up to a burger’s strong flavor. Try a California Sobon 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel.

A French Cotes-du-Rhone is lighter bodied and works well with turkey. A Les Garrigues 2008 Cotes-du-Rhone offers a nice mix of dark and red berry flavors. Does cranberry go with Turkey?  I rest my case!

I like white wines with a nice level of acidity for tuna. LaVis 2009 Pinot Grigio from Italy has nice citrus edges and enough acidity to cleanse the palate.

Pinot is one of the few reds I suggest with salmon. It’s lighter bodied and the cherry and mushroom earthiness works well with salmon. I recommend a California Stephen Vincent 2008 Pinot Noir.

A Spanish Garnacha has a nice spicy, cherry, pepper edge which works well with lamb. A Algairen 2006 Garnacha is a good choice.

For venison and bison, I always suggest Sangiovese based wines from Tuscany. They are perfect with game dishes. Try Felsina Chianti Classico or Bibi Graetz Casamatta Rosso.