Bring This Wine To Your Next Holiday Party
Sip these wines this holiday season
The holidays are here and with it are parties with family and friends. Think outside the box on what to bring with these eight celebratory bottles perfect for the holidays from Wildfire‘s Wine & Spirits Director Brad Wermager.
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Wines Under $20
1. For wines under $20, the Gruet Brut Rosé for $18.99 would work well with a variety of different appetizers. This sparkling rosé is delicate and lively, with floral cherry and vanilla aromas and nicely layered, crisp citrus, cinnamon and cream flavors.
2. Another one of my under-$20 favorites that is sure to be a crowd pleaser is the Giesen Sauvignon Blanc 2023 for $12.99. This Marlborough, New Zealand wine is zesty and aromatic with lots of vibrant kaffir lime and a concentration of assertive lemongrass and tropical fruit flavors.
Perfect Wines for Starting a Meal
3. The first sparkling wine that I recommend is the Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvee, Carneros, California ($35-$40). This sparkling wine has aromas of meadow flowers, pears and citrus peel enhanced with hints of toasted nuts, vanilla and spice. The wine is elegantly structured, round and flavorful with the long, creamy finish that is the hallmark of Domaine Carneros wines. Enjoy this brut with double or triple cream cheeses on your cheese and meat board.
4. A real California crowd pleaser is the J Vineyards & Winery Cuvee 20 Brut NV ($35- $40). This Cuvee gracefully opens up crisp lemon peel and huckleberry aromas. Flavors of Fuji apple, grapefruit, toast, caramel, almond and a sweet hint of angel food cake. The acidity adds just enough liveliness and the citrus zest leads to a lingering warm pear and lush finish. Try pairing this sparkling wine with any shellfish or chicken appetizer.
Best Paired with an Entrée
5. Spanish Cavas are known for being affordable and versatile. The N.V. Segura Viudas Aria Cava Pinot Noir Brut ($10 – $15) has intense aromas of ripe black cherry and cranberry with an earthy pinot noir accent. There are prominent notes of sweet cherry fruit flavors with a spicy touch of mint. This Cava has a creamy texture, refreshing mouthfeel and lingering finish. Pair it with ceviche, chicken or pork dishes.
6. For an excellent value red wine option, I recommend the 2022 Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine offers strong oak and smoke aromas, plus ripe black cherry, chocolate and plum flavors. A great pairing for red meats and pasta.
Sweet with Dessert
5. To experience a different and delicious sparkling wine from another country, I recommend the Santa Margherita Prosecco Brut from Veneto, Italy ($20 – $25). This prosecco has aromas and flavors of peach and apple. The texture of this wine deftly balances the richness of ripe stone fruit with the grip of fruit skins, like apple and apricot. A hint of white pepper adds subtle complexity, while the finish feels fresh and elegant. Enjoy this as an aperitif or after dinner with light desserts such as a peach or pear tart.
Splurge-Worthy Bottles
8. Now, when you really want to show off and make sure you’ll be invited back to next year’s holiday party, I would strongly recommend bringing either a bottle of Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Champagne ($80) or the Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon ($70). The Bollinger is aromatic with accents of bread dough, smoked almond and crème de cassis. This creamy Champagne is lightly chalky in texture and is framed by firm acidity along with flavors of glazed apricot, orange blossom and rich hints of clover honey. The Orin Swift Palermo offers deep and luring aromas of raspberry and ripe cherry that are intermingled with accents of star anise, five spice and freshly steeped black tea. This wine is ultra round and soft and has flavors of cassis and blackberry.
