December brings cold evenings, bustling kitchens, big meals and holiday gatherings, all of which call for wine!
Don’t let selecting wine for your holiday season be an added stress. Keeping the following styles of wine on hand will ensure you’re ready to celebrate this holiday season and enjoy more time with friends and family.
Bubbles. While I never need an excuse to pop the bubbly, you should find a few in December! Always keep a bottle, or several, chilled and ready to celebrate!
- Egly-Ouriet “Les Vignes De Vrigny” Premier Cru Champagne, France, $65. Champagne must be made in the Champagne region in Northern France and produced from three permitted grapes: Chardonnay (labeled Blanc de Blanc if 100 percent Chardonnay), Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Few winemakers plant Pinot Meunier on Premier Cru land, and this 100 percent Pinot Meunier wine spends 36 months on lees, far more than any other in the region. Egly-Ouriet is known as one of the top Champagne producers and this rare style is a treat to share.
- Graham Beck Brut Rose 2009, South Africa, $22. Lovers of fine fizz will be tickled pink with this exceptional bubbly. Pretty and pink, but packing some serious Cap Classique pedigree, this one’s a must to celebrate magical moments and toast special occasions. Crafted from 70 percent Pinot Noir and 30 percent Chardonnay.
Full bodied whites. There is a dramatic shift from light and crisp whites to reds when the temperature drops, but don’t be afraid to keep pouring white wines throughout the winter. Just look for some fuller bodied styles. When gathered around the fireplace, enjoy:
- Acustic Cellars 2010 Ritme Blanc, Spain, $30. A blend of Grenache Blanc and Macabeu, this white from Priorat is rare to say the least—less than 2 percent of white grape varietals are planted in the region. This wine offers tropical fruit and spice notes and is medium bodied with a finish that lasts and lasts. This is a fabulous winter white.
- Alexandria Nicole 2012 Shepherds Mark Horse Heaven Hills, WA, $22. This Rhone style blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier is a very aromatic, medium bodied wine with small production—only 541 cases are produced.
Check the alcohol content. Ever notice how a heavy handed pour of some wines leaves you hurting the next morning? People are quick to blame their aching head on the sulfites, but I suggest you check the alcohol content. Wine can range from 10-16 percent ABV. During the season of over indulgence, make sure to help your guests by serving wine lower in alcohol. This also means more often than not the wine will be more balanced and versatile when pairing with appetizers and meals.
- Mas de Gourgonnier Reserve Du Mas 2010, Les Baux de Provence, 12.5 percent ABV, $28. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. It offers aromas of lavender, thyme, plums and black berry fruit. This is a ridiculously easy-to-drink wine and a must for any wine lover to try this holiday season!
- Tilia Merlot 2012, Argentina, 13.5 percent ABV, $11. Don’t fear Merlot! This wine offers red fruit with hints of vanilla and spice. Smooth and supple, this wine way over delivers for its price point and is perfect to have on hand for those impromptu gatherings.
During the holidays, wine should be a compliment to the festivities. At the end of the day, it is all just fermented grape juice that becomes more when shared with friends! Here at The Winnetka Wine Shop we always have a few open bottles, so stop in and see us. We’d love to share a taste with you!
Mention this article for 20 percent off a single bottle of wine through the end of December 2013.
The Winnetka Wine Shop
Winnetka
