Holiday Wine Collection – Time to Shop for Gifting and Entertaining

Don’t arrive empty handed. We have twelve wines that you can gift and also have on hand for all of your holiday entertaining. You’ll like this variety from around the globe at affordable prices. We even have included some pairing and serving suggestions so that choosing the right wine is made even easier. Follow the web sites for the producers so you can learn more about their wine portfolio. Check them out, raise a glass, and cheers to this festive holiday season that’s just right for wining and dining.

Castello Nipozzano Chianti Rufina 2017 This wine has a ruby-red color with aromas of red fruits and citrus that collide into a seductive combination of elegance and intensity. Notes of spices and vanilla enhance the tasting experience and guide your exploration of this rich, dense and balanced palate. This wine is emblematic of Castello Nipozzano, the historic Frescobaldi estate located a few miles north-east of Florence. Nipozzano Riserva is symbolic of the Tuscan wine-making tradition and the continuing pursuit of and respect for its unique terroir. Cozy up in front of the fireplace, sip and enjoy!

Ramón BilbaoRioja Crianza 2017 – This is a red wine that will delight this holiday season with its fruity, juicy flavors and spice notes that come from its oak aging. The aromas of wild berries and red currants combine with nuances of vanilla and pepper to give this wine a pleasing complexity. Ramón Bilbao Rioja Crianza 2017 is ideal for casual couch sipping or pre-meal snacking.  Serve it with your cheese, charcuterie or appetizer platters.   

Domaine Paul Autard Côtes-du-Rhône – The estate’s Côtes du Rhône is comprised of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre grapes grown in a vineyard near their winery in Courthezon. This full bodied, fruity and remarkably expressive wine complements holiday dishes beautifully and it is a real crowd-pleaser. Serve it with roasted vegetables and your favorite red meat dishes.

Castello Pomino Benefizio Riserva 2018If you are a fan of Tuscan Chardonnay, Benefizio Riserva should definitely on your list. This grape variety was introduced to Frescobaldi’s estate Castello di Pomino in 1855, and it has been proudly cultivated ever since. The color is a typical pale yellow with beautiful golden reflections and it has a delicate yet persistent bouquet. Notes of orange blossom and magnolia soon lead the way to citrus aromas of candied and dried fruit. Gentle spice alongside the tertiary notes produced during refinement guide you to the end of this astounding olfactory journey. Its structure is perfectly balanced and harmonized by freshness. Serve this very pleasing wine with grilled seafood, fried chicken, and cream soups.

Gancia Prosecco RoséFounded in 1850 by Carlo Gancia, the first Italian sparkling wine creator, Gancia is an international leader in the category of sparkling wines, prosecco, and vermouth, with over 40 million bottles produced annually. Gancia has distributors in over 65 countries. The Gancia sparkling wine portfolio ranges from sweet to dry and from Charmat method to prestige vintages of Classic Method. Beautifully bottled and perfect for toasting, you’ll enjoy sipping Gancia Prosecco Rosé with friends and family. Toast with bubbles for all of your celebrations.

Enate Tempranillo 2018 – Named after the Spanish word “temprano”, which translates to “early” head winemaker, Jesús Artajona Serrano, explains this is one of the first grapes to be harvested at the winery. With its flavor profile generally plummy with underlying notes of coconut, cedar spice and often tobacco leaf, this medium-bodied red is an ideal sipper for winter.  It has notes of licorice mingling with dark fruit notes such as berries and cherries. Soft tannins embrace the palate, creating a smooth texture and persistent finish. The wine pairs well with hearty holiday cuisine, such as roasted lamb, grilled pork, and squash dishes.

VecchioFlorio Dry Marsala Superiore – Florio Marsala, the leading Marsala producer in Italy, is characterized by its fascinating history, dating back to the 1830s. Today, the brand has become unpredictably modern, adapting to the times and making it the perfect addition or substitution to classic cocktails. Marsala, a fortified wine from Sicily, is made of the island’s native white grape Grillo, which thrives near the coastline. The hot, dry, Mediterranean climate of the Marsala subregion provides the Grillo grapes with a high-sugar concentration and rich acidity, along with great aging ability. This wine is delightful as an aperitif and can also be mixed in inventive cocktail recipes.

Les Vins Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau – The recently released 2021 Beaujolais Nouveau displays a light garnet color with violet reflections. It is an immediate delight on the nose, with aromas of small red fruits such as red currant and cranberry. Refreshing, fruity, and supple on the palate, this vintage is a wonderful expression of Nouveau. The Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé exhibits intense aromas of red berries, freshly squeezed citrus fruits, and a hint of candy. The palate is delicate, light, and refreshing. This is a delicious expression of Georges Duboeuf’s Nouveau Rosé, now in its fourth vintage. Beaujolais Nouveau will be very welcome on your holiday table.

Foppiano Estate Pinot Noir 2017This wine is very authentic of the varietal’s character. Foppiano winery, located in the Russian River Valley, is the oldest in the region and it has been owned and operated by Foppiano family for five generations. They are among the pioneers of California’s winemaking history, helping to populate the land with the area’s renowned grape varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Foppiano Estate Pinot Noir 2017 has a beautiful garnet color leads to aromas of red currant, earl grey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cedar. This wine pairs well with roast duck, dishes that have an earthy flavor with mushrooms or truffles, and pasta with a light tomato sauce.

Ancient Peaks Chardonnay 2020 – This lively and brisk chardonnay comes from granitic soils along the southeast border of the estate’s Margarita Vineyard in Paso Robles California. The wine offers floral, tropical aromas of papaya and banana with hints of pear. It has a round luscious texture with sweet notes of vanilla spice that linger on the long elegant finish. Pair this chardonnay with your steamed lobster or baked salmon dishes. 

Graffigna Malbec 2018 Sourced from altitude vineyards located across San Juan and Mendoza, Argentina, the Graffigna Malbec boasts 150-years of excellence. By combining the heritage of Argentine passion, Graffigna has focused on producing Argentina’s flagship varietal, transmitting a true expression with deep aromas, flavors and great concentration. Serve it with a burger topped with blue cheese, BBQ, and with  teriyaki style dishes. 

Paris Valley Road Merlot 2017 – This Stoller family’s history and dedication is showcased in this distinctive Merlot produced in Paso Robles, Central Coast, California. The grapes are selectively picked from south facing hillsides.  This is a full bodied, juicy, wine that is nicely textured with soft tannins. Serve this versatile Paris Valley Road Merlot 2017 with mushroom risotto, pork roast, or berries and fruit. 

Top photo: Bigstock

About Marina P. Kennedy (146 Articles)
Marina Kennedy began her writing career when her four children were grown and she returned to college to study in the humanities. She is delighted to be a contributor for Woman Around Town. The majority of her articles focus on the culinary scene, theatre, and travel. Marina and her husband Chuck enjoy the rich cultural experiences of the New York metro area and beyond. She hopes that readers like reading her articles as much as she enjoys writing them.