As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s an undeniable magic in the atmosphere that heralds the arrival of the holiday season. It’s a time for festive gatherings, cherished traditions and, of course, exceptional wines that add an extra layer of pleasure to our celebrations.
This year, as we look forward to reuniting with loved ones and raising our glasses to brighter days ahead, let’s explore a curated selection of international wines that are sure to impress and elevate your holiday experience, offering an array of flavours and styles to complement the diverse dishes served during this festive season. (A list of top Canadian wine selections will be revealed in a separate feature.)
Read Also: A guide to buying quality sparkling wine without Champagne prices
Let’s embark on a vinous journey that spans continents and palates at a variety of price points:
Lanson 2009 Le Vintage Champagne
A well-balanced and elegant Champagne that captures the essence of the Lanson house. Featuring toasted brioche, green apple and citrus zest aromas. There’s a graceful, persistent effervescence and a finish that is wonderfully crisp and precise. This Champagne is an invitation to celebrate the extraordinary moments in life with a touch of elegance and sophistication. ($102.95)
Arboleda 2017 Brisa
The Arboleda Brisa is a delightful Chilean red wine that captivates with its freshness and finesse. The nose is very aromatic with wonderous notes of raspberries, pomegranate, currant and lovely floral expressions, all of which is framed nicely with soft notes of nuts and pastries. The palate reveals red fruits and pastry, with chalky tannins and a great persistence with excellent volume. ($49.95)
Attems 2017 Cicinis Sauvignon Blanc
The Attems Cicinis DOC Collio Sauvignon Blanc is a stellar Italian expression of this grape variety. It presents an aromatic bouquet of white peach, passion fruit and aromatic herbs on the nose. On the palate, it’s elegantly structured with bright acidity, showcasing flavours of ripe citrus, green apple and a touch of minerality. This wine is a harmonious balance of fruitiness and freshness, making it an excellent companion for Mediterranean cuisine or as an aperitif. ($36)
Austin Hope 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
The Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon is a California gem. It greets the senses with a lush aroma of blackberries, plum and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and rich, offering flavours of dark cherry, blackcurrant and mocha. Velvety tannins provide structure, leading to a long, satisfying finish. This cabernet sauvignon is a powerhouse, perfect for pairing with grilled steaks or indulging in its opulent complexity. A consistent top-rated choice, with the 2018 vintage having been named VineRoutes’ Red Wine of the Year in 2020. ($74.95)
Davis Bynum 2019 Chardonnay
The Davis Bynum Chardonnay is a Sonoma County standout. It exudes a fragrant bouquet of ripe pear, apple and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, it’s beautifully balanced, with tropical fruit flavours, citrus and a subtle oak influence. Crisp acidity lends freshness, leading to a clean, lingering finish. This chardonnay is an ideal companion for roasted chicken or creamy pasta dishes. ($34.95)
Tenuta Luce 2020
A harmonious Italian red that showcases the synergy between sangiovese and merlot. It reveals an enticing aroma of ripe cherries, blackberries and a hint of spice. The palate is rich and velvety, featuring flavours of dark plum, vanilla and espresso. Supple tannins and vibrant acidity create a perfect balance, leading to an enduring finish. Pair this wine with classic Italian dishes like pasta with tomato sauce or enjoy it as a stand-alone masterpiece. ($129.95)
René Muré Côte de Rouffach 2018 Riesling
This wine is a remarkable expression of Alsace’s terroir. With its vibrant floral notes and zesty green apple flavours, it effortlessly captures the essence of the region. This riesling’s high acidity and distinct mineral undertones not only refresh the palate but also make it a superb companion to seafood dishes or Asian cuisine. It’s a wine that epitomizes elegance and precision, inviting you to savour the very essence of this unique terroir in every sip. ($28)
Cave de Ribeauville Alsace 2022 Pinot Gris
A delightfully complex wine that showcases the nuances of the variety and the region. Its aromas are a harmonious blend of ripe pear and peach, accentuated by a subtle touch of honey. With a rich and round character, this pinot gris delivers a delightful spiciness that adds depth and complexity to its profile. It’s a wine that invites you to explore every layer. ($23.95)
Garzon 2020 Tannat Reserva
This stands as a testament to Uruguay’s mastery of the tannat grape. Its bold blackberry and plum aromas are the prelude to a wine of exceptional depth and structure. Full-bodied and remarkably well-structured, it caresses the palate with velvety tannins and a smoky finish that lingers, leaving a lasting impression. ($21.95)
Sena 2020 Valle de Aconcagua
Sena is a Chilean masterpiece that redefines the art of blending. A Bordeaux-style assemblage, it marries dark fruit, cedar and spice aromas in an elegant and powerful union. The result is a wine that balances might with finesse, gracing the palate with a velvety texture and a finish that evolves like a beautifully composed symphony. It’s a wine that tells a story, an intricate narrative that invites you to explore its depth and complexity with each unforgettable sip. Ageworthy. ($199)
Rodney Strong 2017 Symmetry
This is a prime example of what Sonoma County, California is capable of when it comes to masterful Bordeaux-style blending. It begins with the enticing aromas of ripe black fruit, cassis and vanilla. On the palate, it delivers a rich, velvety texture that is nothing short of luxurious, while the finish unfolds in an intricate, evolving manner that leaves a lasting impression. This wine epitomizes elegance, flavour and texture. Will age gracefully for the next two decades, easily. ($74.95)
Alois Lageder 2021 Porer Pinot Grigio
This is a vibrant and expressive wine that captures the essence of the Dolomites. Its aromatic profile is graced by white peach and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it reveals a lively and refreshing character, driven by a zesty acidity. The finish is impeccably clean, with a mineral-driven elegance that mirrors the pristine North Italian Alpine landscape. A tasteful journey to the heights of flavour and finesse. ($24.95)
St. Hugo 2021 Barossa GSM
A lovely, balanced blend of grenache, syrah and mataro that epitomizes the essence of the Barossa Valley. Ripe red fruit and plum aromas announce the wine’s arrival, while subtle spices and hints of cedar add depth and complexity. Full-bodied and velvety, but not heavy, it’s an opulent experience that lingers on the palate, harmoniously capturing the terroir and winemaking expertise of the region. This GSM is a true testament to the rich heritage of Barossa wines. ($39.95)
Zuccardi 2020 Concreto Malbec
This is a malbec of exceptional intensity and character. Inviting aromas of blackberry and violet take centre stage. Bold and beautifully structured, it showcases firm tannins that give the wine a powerful and assertive presence. The finish is a compelling expression of the malbec grape’s capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who seek wines with depth and personality. ($40.95)
Graham’s 20-Year-Old Tawny Port
When it comes to concluding a holiday feast on a high note, there’s no substitute for the timeless elegance of a fine Port wine. Graham’s 20-Year-Old Tawny Port, with its luscious complexity and velvety finish, is the epitome of luxury and indulgence.
This Port showcases a captivating tawny colour with amber highlights, offering an enticing bouquet of dried fruits, nuts and a hint of caramel. On the palate, it delivers a symphony of flavours, including figs, raisins, toasted almonds and a touch of butterscotch. The lengthy finish is a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty notes, leaving a lasting impression that lingers in memory long after the final sip. Pair it with an array of desserts, from pecan pie to crème brûlée, or simply enjoy it on its own by the fireplace. ($42)
The wines chosen for this specific list were tasted from either a variety of samples provided to our office or at events held recently.
– Carmelo Giardina is the principal editor at VineRoutes
