Do you need a reliable and impressive bottle to gift someone special? Or are you looking for a festive wine to pop at Christmas and New Year’s? Check out these 9 Wines for Christmas and New Year’s 2022. As usual, my focus this year was availability, price over quality, and pairing versatility.
Spain
Los Dos Cava Brut NV (SRP $13)
Los Dos means “the two” or “both” in Spanish. A classic blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada but made with carefully hand-harvested grapes from the family vineyards in the renowned D.O. Penedés. Regarding aging, this Cava is aged on lees for ten months resulting in a medium-dry Cava with good acidity and floral aromatics. This bubbly pleases the eye with not only its romantic and celebratory label but also its palate. Perfect for ringing in the New Year and toast to special occasions. Los Dos Cava Brut NV is a fantastic choice to serve alongside veggies, shrimp, and shellfish or to gift since this Cava is a great wine to share with loved ones at this special time of year.
Spain has so much to offer, and beyond Cava this year, I am loving Sherry.
If you want to surprise your guests, bring Sherry along for all your festive feasts to be the perfect pairing for any dish enjoyed by every guest. Some of my favorites are Villapanés Oloroso Seco (20%, Emilio Hidalgo), Fino Inocente Valdespino, and Tio Pepe Fino.
Italy
Lini 910 Labrusca Rosso (SRP $19)
Bring the most unexpected and jaw-dropping Sparkling to your table these holidays! This Labrusca Rosso is made with 85% Salamino and 15% Ancellotta in the traditional Charmat method, creating a sparkling red with the winery’s signature freshness and classic dry character. Thanks to Fabio Lini’s artisanal approach to sparkling wine production, their bright red fruit and berry flavors are balanced by a juicy minerality that will wow your friends and brightens your holiday celebrations. Pair this with Asian, Mexican, and classic American fare for Christmas Brunch. Lini 910 Labrusca Rosso is Christmas in a glass.
Argentina
Catena Zapata Alta Chardonnay 2019 (SRP $36)
Once you taste Chardonnay from Argentina, you will rethink Chardonnay. I know the typical grape is Malbec or even Cabernet Sauvignon, but this Chardonnay is one of the must-whites for your Christmas 2022 when we have learned to expect the unexpected.
From the high-altitude vineyards of Argentine wine pioneer, Catena Zapata, comes a crisp, rich, and complex Chardonnay that even those who aren’t fond of the variety are sure to enjoy. The Catena Alta Chardonnay is produced from two of the Catena family vineyards – Adrianna and Domingo.
The Adrianna vineyard’s pebble-covered soil and cool climate are ideal for growing Chardonnay. In addition, the sandy loam soils of the Domingo vineyard contribute white stone fruit and a good balance of acidity.
Notes of ripe pear, apple, and apricot make this full-bodied white a treat and an excellent gift. Pair this with marinated chicken or seafood and lighter dishes.
France
Château de Rouanne Vinsobres 2019 (SRP $35)
Of course, we had to include a Red from Southern Rhône. They are excellent quality over price. Louis Barruol, owner and winemaker of Château de Saint Cosme, purchased Château de Rouanne in May of 2019 when he saw a lot of potential in the property and found that it reminded him of Saint Cosme. Hence, Barruol just recently released this typical blend. 2019 is his second vintage of this wine, from a cool-climate region in the northern part of Southern Rhône.
The freshness and savory character of this Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blend will impress your family and friends. Raspberry, violet, peony, black pepper, and gingerbread notes will pair with tomato-based dishes such as ratatouille or pasta. The Syrah’s richness also allows it to pair with lamb, venison, or beef.
B&G Bordeaux Red Limited-Edition Woo 2020 (SRP $15)
This is the first time I am adding a Bordeaux Red to my Holiday lists. So why did I do it so? As a young wine professional and millennial, sometimes I feel Bordeaux is out of reach. However, this Barton & Guestier and French artist Woo collaboration resulted in an attractive label and felt like an approachable Bordeaux. (Because we pay attention to wine labels, people!) This joint effort was born from two shared passions — Wine and art — and the desire to embrace the French Art of Living which is an excellent mood for the Holidays!
B&G Bordeaux Red Limited-Edition Woo 2020 is a typical Bordeaux Red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc is produced principally in the Entre Deux Mers and the right bank of the Gironde estuary.
B&G Limited Edition Bordeaux Red is a rich 2020 vintage with brilliant ruby-red color. With aromas of red and black berries combined with spicy and toasty notes. Red and black fruit are also present on the palate, with velvety and round tannins, smooth and pronounced texture, and a long and spicy finish. Enjoy best if decanted for 30 minutes and paired with meat-based dishes for a fancy dinner on Christmas (for instance is excellent with Filet Mignon) or a chill New Year’s eve before going out and before the ball drops with a cheeseburger or pizza.
Veuve du Vernay Brut Classique Limited Edition (SRP $13.99)
You can add Ice to this Sparkling Wine! Yes! I have tried it and enjoyed it. But if you feel I am crazy about adding Ice to the wine, try it or not and keep it classic. Either or, try Veuve du Vernay with this Brut Classique Limited Edition. I love their avant-garde spirit showcased on this label and presentation in black and gold that Screams Holidays!! My Friend Ryan said it best: The French do it best. Veuve du Vernay Brut Classique Limited Edition is a Blanc de Blancs made with premium quality grapes on the medium-dry side, with notes of pear, citrus, and balanced acidity but with balance and smooth and persistent bubbles. For the price, this can be the wine that you toast for 2023, and you get more than one bottle!
Washington- USA
Matthews Claret Columbia Valley 2020 ($50)
I am getting adventurous here! I have never had a wine from Columbia Valley, moreover, from a family-owned winery in Woodinville, Washington. The Matthews team honors Old World traditions while embracing the energy and innovation of Washington State. They work with many of the most iconic vineyards in this ascendant wine region, and while Bordeaux inspires them, many of their winemaking principles come from their Washington heritage. The Claret comprises 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec and is fresh and intriguing with a lingering finish. Notes of red fruit, vanilla bean, and cocoa make the Claret an excellent choice to accompany ham, turkey, and other hearty holiday main dishes.
Germany
Seehof Weissburgunder Trocken 2020 (SRP $25)
Weissburgunder is German for Pinot Blanc. Pinot Blanc is a grape mainly used to produce Sparkling Wine in Alsace. Hence when I saw that it was a still wine made of Pinot Blanc, I was intrigued. This Seehof Weissburgunder Trocken 2020 has enough acidity comparable to a Pinot Grigio but with more rounded white tannins, pear notes, and lime.
Pair with Thai Food for a casual New Year’s Eve or a sophisticated Christmas Asian Fare.
Ziereisen Blauer Spätburgunder 2018 (SRP $25)
Can’t you pronounce this name? Well, let me introduce you to my last Grape Lesson of the year Spätburgunder is german for a well-known Variety: Pinot Noir.
Ziereisen Blauer Spätburgunder 2018 is a wine from the German Appellation: Baden, where the terroir is characterized by Limestone, which gives a mineral and chalks note to this Spätburgunder. This wine is macerated for 6-8 weeks before being pressed and then fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged in large, old wood barrels. A fruit-forward and fresh German Pinot Noir with smoky and spice notes that will age for ten years if you wish will make the perfect gift and bang for your buck.
9 Wines for Christmas and New Year’s
