There’s a different mindset for selecting wine in December. The specific needs of special occasions and set dates on the social calendar must be accounted for. Those needs are easier to manage compared with any unexpected turns the festive season may take; last-minute plans that pop up, surprises guests or a sudden need for something festive to pass along gifts, for instance.
This week, I’m carving out recommendations for wines for planned events. Bottles to serve with intent to family and friends or simply sip and savour. This mix of interesting and enjoyable whites and reds are what I would classify as all-rounders. They are ready to drink but could be tucked away for later enjoyment. Enjoyable on their own or with a meal, each delivers a pleasurable experience. Each sip ends with a smile.
Château des Jacques Beaujolais Blanc 2023 (France), $32.95
This enjoyable unoaked white wine comes from Clos de Loyse, a plot of 10 hectares of chardonnay cultivated by Louis Jadot’s Château des Jacques winery. The dry and vibrant style offers citrus and apple notes with an appealing structure and texture that’s enhanced by extended aging on lees (the dead yeast cells from fermentation). It’s focused and flattering on the palate, with richness and refreshment conveyed on the lingering finish. Drink now to 2028. Available in Ontario.
Chester-Kidder Red Blend 2019 (United States), $113
Red wines from Washington are often overlooked in favour of labels broadcasting popular California producers or regions, such as Sonoma County, Napa Valley or Paso Robles. But there’s considerable cache and potential value to be had from Washington State’s cabernet sauvignon or syrah based wines. Chester-Kidder is a brand made by winemaker Allen Shoup who oversees the production of the extensive Long Shadow’s portfolio. This rich and ripe cabernet sauvignon and syrah blend reveals impressive concentration and structure, with polished tannins that will support extended aging for anyone with patience. Drink now to 2038. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta.
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (New Zealand), $28.95
Marlborough sauvignon blanc is well-known for the intensity and fragrance of its refreshing white wines. One of the region’s top labels, Greywacke dials down some of that potency to offer a white wine with satisfying texture and flavours suggesting grassy, citrus and tropical fruit notes. The fuller-body style boasts a serious texture and long, lingering finish that make for an excellent aperitif or food wine. The refined style also lends itself to cellaring, if you’re interested in pulling out a vibrant and complex white down the road. With a few years of bottle age, you can expect this to develop more depth of flavour and length. Drink now to 2027. Available at the above price in Ontario, $37.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $30.99 in Saskatchewan, $33.35 in Newfoundland.
Laurent Perrachon et Fils Roche Bleue Juliénas 2022 (France), $21.95
This gamay-based red wine comes from a sixth-generation family producer in the Juliénas appellation in Beaujolais and offers terrific value for its price. You’re getting a single-estate cru Beaujolais, produced from grapes grown on blue volcanic soils that are unique in a region typically defined by granite or mixes of clay and limestone, for the same price as a larger-volume, multiregional Beaujoulais-Villages red. Wines from Juliénas typically show a refreshing fleshy, red fruit character that makes this delicious on its own or with a variety of dishes including roast chicken or turkey entrees. Drink now to 2030. Available in Ontario.
Rewild of Murray Darling Australia Pinot Grigio NV (Australia), $15.99
A recent release in British Columbia, Rewild is made in partnership between the Duxton Vineyards in the Murray Darling region of New South Wales and Peller Estates, which receives the final blend of pinot grigio shipped in bulk for bottling and distribution. Duxton is a regenerative winemaker, which promotes the soil health of its estate through sustainable practices. The partnership with Peller means the winery can ship a single container as opposed to individual bottles. The easy-going fruity style of this expressive Australia white wine should make sense for anyone who is entertaining in the coming weeks or months. Drink now. Vegan. Available at the above price in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta.
Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2022 (Italy), $81.95
First produced in 2000, Guidalberto is a cabernet and merlot blend from Bolgheri that’s the sibling to the world famous Sassicaia label. With two decades of wines to judge from, the winemaking team is confident that this rich and complex red has tremendous aging potential. It’s a more savoury take on Bordeaux red wine that really appeals. The style is nicely layered and approachable right now, but your investment is sure to be rewarded by waiting to drink. Drink 2026 to 2031. Available at the above price in Ontario, $79.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta.
Villa Antinori Riserva Chianti Classico 2021 (Italy), $39.95
Antinori’s popular Riserva label delivers impressive quality considering it’s one of the family’s larger-production wines from Tuscany. The rich and savoury character of sangiovese contributes to the complexity and structure of this impressive red. There’s a core of dark cherry fruit that shows satisfying concentration as part of a bright and fragrant wine (warm spice and herbal notes add interest) that is drinking nicely now with potential to develop in the cellar. Drink now to 2031. Available at the above price in Ontario, $42.99 in British Columbia ($38.99 until Dec. 28), various prices in Alberta, $36.99 in Manitoba, $33.75 in Quebec, $46.49 in New Brunswick, $34.19 in Prince Edward Island.
Waterkloof Circle of Life 2023 (South Africa), $21.95
A family-operated winery based in Stellenbosch, Waterkloof produces a range of stylish white and red wines from its biodynamic estate overlooking False Bay. This sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc and semillon blend made under the Circle of Life label is a refreshing white that displays a pleasing mix of citrus, tree and tropical fruit notes. Made by blending barrel- and tank-fermented portions together, there’s enjoyable creamy texture and mouth-watering length that makes this a good selection to serve on its own or with a meal. Drink now to 2026. Available in Ontario.
