Festive seasons are always a time for some indulgence, togetherness and a whole load of sparkle. Are you making a list and checking it twice?
Cause planning a Christmas party is no easy feat, neither is finding a gift to bring because showing up empty handed is a no-no. But tis the season for some sharing and caring and Grand Vin is here to do just that. So, stop gift wrapping the usual mugs, scented candles or even that umpteenth Panettone.
The only question this Christmas is: " Do you want to be naughty or nice? "
-The Nice List-
You got your nice dependable classics - the kind of wines that will readily complement holiday spreads without overshadowing. This is where you'll find approachability and affordability.
Marqués De Murrieta Pazo Barrantes Albariño
It's only right to kick start the nice list with one of the finest expressions of Albarino. This wine is the result of an extraordinary terroir together with careful precision. A deliberate decision to extend aging in the bottle. Its complex nose blends aromas of tropical fruits and blossoming trees with a hint of herbaceous to round it up. The palate offering a vibrant, refreshing acidity with a beautiful saline finish. This is the kind of wine that adds a touch of brightness to the holiday table without stealing the spotlight.
A wine that keeps on giving. Look no further if you are looking for a wine to elevate the culinary experience. A rich wine with a roasted character - generous and healthy tannins to keep every one on track. The multi layer aromatics ranges from dark sweet berries to summer flowers with a slight meaty touch. My sure bet for any red wine lover. A highly seductive wine that you might just find yourself hogging the bottle though the entire dinner.
Ramos Pinto Tawny Quinta de Ervamoira 10 Years
What better way to share this wonderful tawny round the table amidst desserts. A wine that offers complexity that belies its age. This isn't some simplistic tawny. In fact, it offers complexity and nuances. Amazing aromatics from toasted almonds to caramelized sugar scents. A touch of heat to keep the warmth of Christmas spirit - but a elegance on the palate with sweet nutty nuances accompanied by a citrus smooth finish that will leave everyone swooning.
-The Naughty List-
Now if you find yourself being a little cheeky this Christmas - we challenge you to bring something a little unexpected. Wines that are better suited for the adventurous palates - delivering flavors that excite and intrigue!
Chateau de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc
Painting outside the lines on this one. I know to suggest an actual Rhone wine for Thanksgiving might cause an eyebrow or two to jump. But we are here to shake the boat. This Roussanne-based white wine is mouth filling, bright with aromatics of honeysuckle, nectarines and beautiful minerality. The creamy lemon curd offers a rich weight in the mouth that works superbly with the textures of a turkey dinner. Gobble, gobble folks.
Queue Micheal Jackson - Smooth Criminal because here's a wine that hit you like the sound of a crescendo. Perhaps there might even be some ' bloodstains ' on your carpet but at the end of the night, it'll have everyone feeling like you've been hit by the smooth criminal. A beguiling Syrah. Layers of plush dark berries and spicy peppery aromatics with a hint cigar box and meat. Sleek and savory in style with tiers of licorice, black currants and peppery smoked meat that builds on the richness on the palate.
Diel Goldloch Riesling Auslese
Hedonistic lavishness. Watch this wine harmonize with a classic Apple / Apricot tart. An Auslese that doesn't taste heavy albeit its sweetness. A promise of balancing freshness and concentration. Noble grape? Noble wine. Seducing you with a mosaic of flavors - from candied fruits partnered with minerality and a touch of ginger and floral fragrance. Unfolding onto the palate, nothing overtly intrusive. In fact, it's vibrant acidity with tropical fruits and stony minerality provides great structure and depth. Trust us when we say, this is not an ounce too much. Nothing short of opulence and elegance in a glass. Simply remarkable.
