The holiday season is here! Are you planning a cozy evening by the fire, a lavish Christmas holiday dinner, or ringing in the New Year with friends? Let’s explore a few wines, including sparkling, white, red, sweet and even mulled, to sip, savour, and celebrate with.
Festive and Versatile Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines are a must, from holiday toasts to New Year’s Eve celebrations. They are among the most versatile food wines. Pair them with creamy cheeses, smoked salmon, oysters or fried appetizers for a delightful contrast.
Champagne is an exceptional, classic (and pricy) choice from France. Look for a Brut style for a crisp, dry experience or a Demi-Sec for a touch of sweetness.
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that has taken the wine world by storm! It is light, fruity, and budget-friendly—perfect for casual gatherings.
Crémant is a sparkling wine in France, and Crémant de Bourgogne is one of my favourites. Crémant offers excellent quality at a fraction of Champagne’s price. A third of the price.
Maison Louis Bouillot is a Crémant specialist and was established in 1877. The Maison has some of the best vineyard sites in the Nuits-Saint-Georges area of Burgundy. Louis Bouillot Perle d’Aurore Brut Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wine is made using the Méthode Traditionelle, the same as Champagne, with the second fermentation occurring in the bottle.
save $2.00, $24.95 until January 5, 2025
Robust, Warm and Comforting Reds
As the temperatures drop, and the dark days begin, robust red wines shine!
Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and structured. This classic pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin and mushroom risotto.
Syrah/Shiraz‘s smoky and spicy notes make it a cozy choice for stews, roast lamb, and braised dishes.
Malbec is the famous Argentinian red wine. It offers rich fruit flavours and smooth tannins, perfect for grilled meats, hearty casseroles, and roast pork.
Trapiche Winery has been producing wines for over 100 years in the beautiful vineyards of Mendoza. Trapiche Reserve Malbec is bold, with a velvet texture and smooth finish. It’s a bargain at the price of $14.95. Serve with roast beef, pizza, and hard cheeses.
Bright, Rich and Elegant Whites
For white wine lovers, this is the time to explore fresh, lively, richer styles.
Either dry or off-dry, Riesling’s bright acidity makes it a versatile choice for spicy dishes, holiday hams and roasted duck.
Viognier is known for being aromatic and lush with floral aromas and stone fruit flavours. Viognier is an excellent match for creamy pasta dishes, roasted vegetables and soft creamy cheeses.
Chardonnay, the world’s most planted white wine grape variety, is made in various styles. For a balance of fruit and creaminess, opt for a lightly oaked or unoaked Chardonnay. This style is ideal with Christmas turkey, baked seafood, and winter salads.
I had a chance to try a wine that fits this profile. The delicious Showcase Wild Ferment Chardonnay “Watching Tree Vineyard” 2021 is from the Trius Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is available by ordering directly from the winery. It is sophisticated wine with balanced integrated flavours of tropical fruit, soft oak and mild spices. This makes a great gift and will pair well with appetizers, scallops in cream sauce and Christmas turkey.
Sweet Endings
Every great holiday feast has dessert, and dessert wines add the perfect finishing touch. Serve slightly chilled in small wine glasses.
Rich and fortified, Port wines are Portugal’s gift to the wine world. Port wines pair perfectly with chocolate desserts, nuts, or blue cheese.
Sauternes is a sweet, golden French wine from the famous red wine region of Bordeaux, with honeyed sweetness. It is ideal with fruit tarts, creme brûlée or blue cheese.
Icewine made Canada famous in the wine world! Produced from frozen grapes, ice wine offers intense sweetness balanced by acidity—great with cheesecake custard or on its own.
Ontario is lucky to have a climate that permits the complex production of Icewine almost annually. My favourite icewines are from Riesling grapes. Cave Spring Riesling Icewine 2023 is a marvellous example. Riesling has a high acidity level and balances well with the sweetness. It tastes like nectar!
Seasonal Warmth in a Glass
I was in England last week, and mulled wine was everywhere! Warmed red wine infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest is delicious! Try making your own by gently simmering your favourite red with mulling spices, sugar, and a splash of brandy.
December is a time for wines that bring you and your guests joy. Explore, experiment, and, most importantly, enjoy the season with a wine glass in hand.
Cheers to a festive and wonderful December!
Shari 🥂
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