T'is the Season for Wine

Ho Ho Ho !! It's that time of year again. There's Christmas parties to attend, a gift for the boss (even if he doesn't deserve it) or a special gift for that someone special. Luckily I have an "inside man" at the North Pole who has the list of best wine buys for the Christmas season. I've looked through the list and pulled out all of the best wines with prices that won't make you cringe like Scrooge

 So let's get started with a couple of sparkling wines to start the party season.

Mumm Napa Cuvee Brut Prestige - California

A blend of mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this California sparkling wine is assembled in the traditional method of making champagne. It's a medium bodied sparkling wine with good effervescence and a nice "biscuity" aroma. Citrus and stone fruit coupled with a creamy mouthfeel make this an above average sparkling white wine. Serve it chilled to your guests as they arrive for the party. Pairs well with most seafood appetizers and dips.
Price - under $26 (LCBO - 217273)




Val D'Oca Presecco Superiore DOCG - Valdobbiaedene Italy

A Bright, clear and crisp sparkling wine from Italy. Nice effervescence with a  fruity refreshing crispness. The wine is made from 100% Glera grapes done in a champagne style.
Price - Under $16 (LCB0 - 340570)

How about some white wines for parties and appetizers.

2012 Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough New Zealand

A classic Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region with aromas of lemon, lime and that distinctive New Zealand vegetal bouquet. Pale yellow colour with a crisp and clear taste of grapefruit pith and lime. Great for turkey dinner or with appetizers.
Price under $19 (LCBO Vintages 990580)







2010 Ghost Pines Chardonnay - Sonoma, Napa and Monterey Counties California

A classic full bodied Chardonnay. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Sonoma (70%), Napa (20%) and Monterey (10%) and then they get the full treatment of sur lies aging, malolactic fermentation to soften the wine and storage in french and american oak. Golden in colour with aromas of pear, apple and vanilla. Flavours of butterscotch, honey and vanilla and a soft mouthfeel. Makes for a nice gift or for a Christmas party
Price - under $20 (LCBO - 308122)

Some red wines to keep you warm a night.

2010 Chateau de Galifay Cairanne - Cotes du Rhone Villages, France

A nice blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes gives this Cairanne a dark ruby red colour with aroma's of mint, blackberry and some spice. It has a medium to full bodied mouth feel with flavours of cherry and plum. The wine has mild tannins and a medium to long cherry finish. I nice wine to serve with roast beef or Swedish meatballs
Price - $16 (LCBO Vintages 290080)







2010 Seghesio Zinfandel - Sonoma County California

Looking to suck up to your boss for a promotion ? Buy him a bottle of this premium Zinfandel and he'll know that you know how to spot a good buy. This wine is of consistently high quality year after year. Flavours of black licorice, dark fruit and pepper with mild tannins and a long finish of fig and blackberry. A great sipping wine in front of the fire while you decorate the tree.
Price - under $30 (LCBO Vintages - 942151)






2011 The Wolftrap Syrah (blend) -  Swartland South Africa

A big bold South African blend of 65% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre and 3% Viognier yields a dark red wine with aromas of blackberry and some black pepper with rich flavours of dark fruit. The Syrah has a long dark fruit finish with some fairly mild tannins.

Serve this wine with beef ribs or a Sunday roast

Price under $14 (LCBO 292557) 

Good Value Wines

Whether you're having a party with lots of guests or hosting Christmas dinner and don't want to run out before the turkey is served, here's a list of wines at reasonable prices.

Jackson Triggs Chardonnay (750 ml) - $10.05 (LCBO - 328518)
Lindeman's Bin 85 Pinot Grigio (750 ml) - $10.95 (LCBO - 668947)

Cono Sur Bicicelta Pinot Noir (750ml) - $10.95 (LCBO - 341602)
Graffigna Centenario Reserve Malbec (750 ml) - $13.95 (LCBO - 230474)

Enjoy the holidays and please don't drink and drive.

Cheers