The Best Holiday Wines

• BUBBLES •

1. Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé | France

Video © Champagne Billecart-Salmon

La Maison de Champagne Billecart-Salmon is older than the Olympic Games. The first Summer Games were held in Athens in 1896, while the bubbly history started in 1818 when Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon were married, marking the creation of their Champagne House. Now, over seven generations, the family’s motto continues: “Give priority to quality, strive for excellence.”

The majority of the grapes used for vinification by Champagne Billecart-Salmon come from a radius of 20 kilometers around Épernay, where the Grand Crus of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay co-exist, in the ethereal vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs.

The Wine

Origin: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France
Varietals: 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier (with 40% reserve wines)
Price: $94.99
ABV: 12%

A beautiful pale pink color shows as background for the very fine, energetic bubbles. The nose is very subtle and fine, displaying red berries, citrus zest and creamy apple. The palate is round, boasting fresh acidity and ripe wild strawberries finishing with pinpoint precision and elegance.

> For more information, visit the Champagne Billecart-Salmon official website.

RELATED: GAYOT’s exclusive interview Mathieu Roland-Billecart, president Champagne Billecart-Salmon

2. Castello Bonomi, Franciacorta, Satèn 2019 | Italy

Origin: Lombardy, Italy
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $33.00
ABV: 12.5%

Castello Bonomi is a prestigious winery located in the Franciacorta region of Lombardy, Italy. This area is renowned for producing some of Italy’s finest sparkling wines, often compared to Champagne.

Satèn, derived from the word “satin” in homage to the soft, silky texture of the fine bubbles on the palate, is unique to the Franciacorta region, and unlike other sparkling wines. The wine is made with 1 atmospheric pressure lower than traditional sparkling wine, 5 instead of 6, which gives it this unique charm, and is always made from 100% Chardonnay.

This pale-yellow Franciacorta displays fine effervescence. The nose opens with green apples, followed by white flowers, pie crust and a hint of roasted almonds. The palate shows a creamy texture, flavors of stone fruit and apple. The finish is long and refined.

> For more information, visit Castello Bonomi official website.

3. Crémant de Limoux Brut NV, Côté Mas | France

Origin: Languedoc, Occitanie
Appellation: Crémant de Limoux AOC
Varietal: 60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, 10% Mauzac
Price: $20.99
ABV: 12%

Vines are planted on clay and limestone soils at an elevation of 820 to 920 feet. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats. After primary fermentation, the “Liqueur de Tirage,” a blend of sugar and yeast, is added to the juice a few hours before bottling. After one year of aging, the lees are expelled, and the “Liqueur de Dosage” is added and aged an additional twelve months.

First on the nose: honey, acacia and crystallized lemon. Then on the palate: citrus fruits and balanced acidity.

Food pairings: An excellent apéritif, but also pairs well with all styles of cuisine.

> For more information, click here.

• WHITES •

4. Romeo, Reserve Chardonnay 2021 | Napa Valley, California

Origin: Napa Valley, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $34.00
ABV: 14.5%

Romeo Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Napa Valley, California. The Romeo Family is known for their dedication to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of their estate. The wines are crafted by Alison Green Doran, the fourth female winemaker ever. Having worked alongside trailblazer Mary Ann Graff and under the tutelage of André Tchelistcheff, a legendary figure in 20th century California wine, Doran approaches site-specific winemaking with exuberance and intensity.

This golden colored Chardonnay is perfumed with apple, pear, pineapple. The creamy palate reveals layers of pineapple, butterscotch and a hint of minerality. The finish is round, with good acidity and balanced oak with a touch of vanilla and ginger spice.

> For more information, visit Romeo Vineyards official website.

READ MORE: The Best Chardonnay Wines

5. Tenuta Argentiera, Eco di Mare, Vermentino 2022 | Italy

Origin: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal: 100% Vermentino
Price: $19.99
ABV: 13%

Tenuta Argentiera is a winery located in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, Italy. Known for its production of high-quality wines, the estate is situated on the scenic coastal hills of the Maremma region. The name “Argentiera” derives from the area’s historical association with silver mining, reflecting the rich history and natural beauty of the land.

This pale straw yellow wine flashes aromas of citrus fruits, herbs and white flowers. The palate boasts flavors of lemon zest, green apple and a touch of minerality, all wrapped in bright acidity.

> For more information, visit Tenuta Argentiera official website.

6. Gewürztraminer 2019, Maison Trimbach | France

Maison Trimbach’s history began in 1626! Now, the thirteenth generation is carrying on the family legacy. In 1898, Maison Trimbach won the “Diplôme d’Honneur” at the Brussels International Fair, establishing its international reputation. In 1920, the headquarters were moved to Ribeauvillé where they are still located today. The Trimbach family is a reference point for fine Alsace wine. They are also one of the largest owners of Grand Cru vineyards in the region, which account for a third of their total production. At every level, their wines embody the celebrated Trimbach style: structured, long-lived, fruit-driven, dry, elegant, and above all balanced.

The vineyards are in a semi-continental climate, which means cold winters, hot and dry summers, sometimes stormy, and beautiful and dry autumns. The sunshine is optimal, and the rainfall is very low because it is protected from oceanic influences by the Vosges mountains. The vines are, on average, 45 years old. At this stage the root network is fully established in its soil and reveals all its facets and specificities.

The Wine

Origin: Alsace
Appellation: Alsace AOC
Varietal: 100% Gewürztraminer
Price: $33.99
ABV: 14.5%

Fresh and fragrant, this Gewürztraminer is dry, spicy, rich and distinctively aromatic, with notes of roses, lychee, and citrus fruit.

Food Pairings: fish, white meat, foie gras, spicy dishes or on its own.

> For more information, visit Trimbach official website.

RELATED: Foie Gras Terrine Recipe

7. Cloudy Bay, Te Koko, Sauvignon Blanc 2021 | New Zealand

Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $65.00
ABV: 13.5%

Cloudy Bay Vineyards is an iconic winery based in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, benefitting from a cool, maritime climate and nutrient-rich soils. Established in 1985, it was one of the first wineries to bring international acclaim to New Zealand wine, particularly for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc.

This light-yellow wine bursts with aromas of Key lime pie, lemon blossom and tropical fruit. Flavors of stone fruit, lemon zest and honeysuckle persist on the palate. The wine is concentrated and complex, finishing with impressive length.

> For more information, visit Cloudy Bay official website.

• REDS •

8. Larkmead, 2021 Firebelle | California

Origin: Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
Varietal: 62% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc
Price: $100.00
ABV: 14.7%

Larkmead is a truly historic vineyard, dating back to 1895. One of the very finest vineyards in Napa Valley, Larkmead has been in the same family hands since 1948. This steadiness has allowed for the type of careful study that is necessary to truly unlock a vineyard’s potential. Since the beginning of their modern winemaking history in 1997, they have been relentlessly fine-tuning their viticultural and cellar techniques to most accurately express the vineyard’s voice.

Historically, their Firebelle Estate Red Blend has been a marriage of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. For this vintage, Cabernet Franc has been included, which brings the varietal’s signature vibrant ruby color, bramble berry notes, and herbal freshness to the blend.

This dark ruby red wine offers a nose of black berries, spices and cigar box. The full-bodied flavor profile is marked by ripe red berries, dried herbs, refined tannins and vivid acidity leading to a generous, complex aftertaste expressing the three grape varietals.

> For more information, visit Larkmead official website.

9. San Leonardo, Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2019 | Italy

Origin: Trentino, Italy
Varietals: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carmenère, 10% Merlot
Price: $100.00
ABV: 13%

San Leonardo is an esteemed Italian winery located in the Trentino region of northern Italy, with a winemaking history that dates back to the 18th century. In 1982, Marquis Carlo Guerrieri Gonzaga developed an innovative winemaking technique, creating what would become one of Italy’s most renowned Bordeaux blends. He decided to partition the estate’s lands, vinifying and maturing each varietal separately to preserve their distinct characteristics. The wines are blended just before bottling to produce San Leonardo.

This dark red wine opens up with aromas of dark berries, plum and herbal notes. The palate shows rich layers of ripe, red fruit accompanied by polished tannins, good acidity, all evolving in a long, persistent finish.

> For more information, visit San Leonardo official website.

10. Seghesio, Zinfandel 2022 | California

Origin: Sonoma, California
Varietals: 88% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet, 6% Mixed Reds
Price: $26.00
ABV: 15%

Seghesio Vineyards is a winery based in Sonoma County, California, celebrated for its outstanding Zinfandel wines and a rich legacy in winemaking that dates back to the late 19th century. The winery was established in 1895 by Edoardo Seghesio, in Italian immigrant who planted the family’s first Zinfandel vines in the Sonoma Valley.

This dark-ruby wine offers a vivacious bouquet of dark berries, licorice and spices. The palate is layered with black currant, plum and candied orange peel. The finish is rich and complex, with polished tannins and delicate acidity.

> For more information, visit Seghesio Vineyards official website.

11. Marisco, Pinot Noir “The Ned” 2021 | New Zealand

Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Price: $16.00
ABV: 14%

Marisco Vineyards is a New Zealand producer from the Marlborough region of New Zealand, known for its innovative winemaking and exceptional quality wines. It was founded in 2003 by winemaker Brent Marris. Right in the heart of the magical Waihopai Valley lies The Ned, one of Marlborough’s most famous peaks, and the childhood playground of the founder. This region’s cool climate is ideal for growing aromatic and flavorful grapes, especially Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

This crimson-red Pinot Noir offers aromas of wild berries, violets and spices. The palate boasts velvety tannins, lots of red fruit, juicy acidity and a vivacious finish.

> For more information, visit Marisco official website.

READ MORE: The Best Pinot Noir Wines

12. Il Poggione, Brunello di Montalcino 2019 | Italy

Origin: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Price: $100.00
ABV: 15%

Il Poggione is one of the most prestigious and historic wineries in the Brunello di Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. Established in the late 19th century, it is one of the first wineries to market the Brunello di Montalcino wine as early as the 1900’s, and one of the founding members of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium.

This ruby-red Brunello reveals robust aromas of dark cherry, plum, spice and tobacco. The flavor profile is marked by polished tannins, cherry and blackberry, earthy details, all contributing to a satisfying mouthfeel.

> For more information, visit Il Poggione official website.

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