Some Of My Favorite Wines This Holiday Season

Don’t just limit these wines and champagnes to December, they can be enjoyed all year round!

Dom Perignon said it best, “Come quickly, I’m tasting the stars!”

Champagne is a little region in Northern France that is blended from the grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. For a bubbly to be given the true name and meaning of Champagne it must be produced in its namesake area following specific regulations. Champagne is the first sparkling wine region in the world and is best known for its mineral rich terroir, which is a word that encompasses all elements which impact a wine’s flavor from its surroundings.

So here are a couple Champagnes that I love right now, and I hope you give them a try! Oh and guess what, they are all under $50 so your piggy bank won’t hurt too much.

1. Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne NV (Tastes fresh and lively, lots of fresh flavors, YUM)

2. Ayala Brut Majeur (Clean and bright with lots of crisp acidity)

3. Bollinger Special Cuvée (Broad-flavored and toasty, great one to warm up to by your fire)

4. G.H. Mumm & Cie Carte Classique Extra Dry (Broad, full and rich, this one will hit you in the best way possible)

5. Moët & Chandon NV White Star (elegant lines, with a mature aromas of white fruits and a hint of nut)

Now let’s talk WINE!

I really have been loving a nice Bordeaux these past couple months because of the chilly weather. Bordeaux is a famous wine growing region in southeastern France, growing mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Bordeaux is separated into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The wineries on the Left Bank will have more Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot; the wineries on the Right Bank will have more Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon. The blends within the Left Bank tend to be higher in alcohol, tannins, and acidity. With this bank’s powerful and rich wine, they made the region of Bordeaux famous. The Right Bank blends tend to be softer, less alcohol, and lower in tannins. Since the dominant grape is Merlot, the wines tend to be more juicy and can be drunk earlier since they don’t need to age as long. With that being said, here are some Bordeauxs I am enjoying this Holiday Season!

1. Chateau Mayne Vieil Cuvee Alienor 2013 (the rich fruit dominates in this wine making it complex with juicy character and structure)

2. Chateau du Gaby 2011 (this wine is Merlot dominated producing ripe tannins and delicious raspberry, blackberry savory flavor)

3. Chateau Palene Bordeaux Rouge (diverse aromas and soft tannin, this wine will pair perfectly with red meats and cheese)

4. Chateau Bellevue Bordeaux (rich red fruits and ripe tannins making this a charming wine)