A splash of wine for the sauce, a sip for you — sipping while cooking actually a good thing

Cook with wine? Here's a better plan: Drink wine while cooking.

As we gear up for a series of holiday feasts, it's a good idea to get our sipping protocol in order.

In Wine Country, it's practically common knowledge that crisp dry wines make a tasty splash in dishes like linguine and clams or chicken and mushrooms. They add the acidity, the zest, the verve. Meanwhile, sparkling wine can make a beurre blanc sauce and a Champagne vinaigrette pop.

But what few realize is that these low alcohol wonders make excellent sipping while you're actually cooking. Why shouldn't the process of cooking be as delicious as the finished product? The only risk you take when you help yourself to a pour is that suddenly you have too many cooks in the kitchen.

If you're not risk averse, here are some tasty whites to uncork while the feast is in the making:

Loimer 2017 Lois Gruner Veltliner, Niederosterreich, Austria, 11.5 percent at $17. Notes of pear, lemon and mineral. Great acidity. Refreshing, with great balance.

Balletto, 2016 Twin Ridges, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, 13.9 percent at $42.This is an elegant chardonnay with intensity. It has notes of green apple, melon and brioche, all riding on crisp acid. Delicious.

Chateau Ste. Michelle, 2016 Columbia Valley Gewurztraminer, 12 percent at $10. Floral, with notes of mineral and clove. Bright acidity. Lush texture. Nice length.

Carlisle, 2016 Steiner Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County Gruner Veltliner, 14.1 percent at $30. The Carlisle has high toned stone fruit, crisp acidity and great minerality. It has notes of grapefruit, lime and a hint of apricot. The wine has great balance and finishes crisp. Striking.

Pieropan, 2016 Soave Classico, Italy, 12 percent at $18. A pretty white with a creamy texture, balanced with great minerality. Layered notes of peach, apple and nectarine. Bright finish. Lovely.

You can reach Wine Writer Peg Melnik at peg.melnik@pressdemocrat.com or 707-521-5310.