Help Me Select A Wine, Please

Hello,

I like wine but I really don't know much about it, sometimes I think I don't even know what I like. But I am serving a dinner in a few weeks, (not Christmas dinner) and I really could use some sage advice.

I haven't decided on starters or dessert yet but the main part of the meal is going to be chicken breasts baked in a cream sauce that has mushrooms, Dijon mustard and some tarragon. Also there will be a carrot-bake that includes horseradish and some onion pieces. And there will be roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

Yeah I know, there's not much colour in there, is there? Well, it's almost winter here in the Great White North and perhaps in a couple weeks, there will be snow on the ground. It fits, kinda sorta. I was thinking perhaps Vichysoisse for starters and Isles Flotants for dessert but maybe that would be carrying the white motif too far?

Anyway, I went to the LCBO on the way home from work today for some advice and I was floored when the Vintages lady suggested a couple bottles of red wines. I went into the store thinking Chardonnay. She also recommended a Gwertztraminer (I know I spelled that wrong).

I noticed that the three wines she recommended were all under $20 and perhaps she mistook my blue-collar work clothes for poverty. I can spend more than that for something that fits the food.

Can someone help? Thanks.

Will Shank Toronto