Top 12 Holiday Wines for Celebration

The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and indulgence, with Thanksgiving and Christmas offering the perfect occasions to uncork the joy of togetherness. Selecting the right wine to complement the festive fare is an art that enhances the flavors of the season. This guide unveils the top 12 festive wines that promise to bring out the best in your holiday meals and provides you with tips on choosing the perfect bottle to delight your palate and elevate your celebrations. Read on to learn more!

12 Best Wines for Holiday

From cozy family dinners to glamorous New Year's Eve parties, the right wine can turn any holiday event into an affair to remember. Here’s an introduction to 12 of the best holiday wines across various price points, certain to please every palate and accompany every dish on your festive menu.

Holiday Wines Under $20

• Revolution Tannat 2020 ($19): This Tannat is known for its smooth yet firm tannins. It greets you with a savory bouquet of meaty red fruits and a hint of salinity. On the palate, it unveils concentrated flavors of cherry, accented with black olive, and finishes with a light note of balsamic that adds a layer of complexity.

• Zolo Gaucho Select Malbec 2020 ($20): This Malbec presents a spicy nose brimming with ripe cherry and blackberry, intermingled with peppercorn and a whisper of cumin. It's a wine that commands attention with its intense black fruit palate, cedar, and spices, balanced by a firm grip and invigorating acidity, culminating in a refreshingly medium finish.

• Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ($20): This isn't your average Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It's a cut above with a flinty, mineral essence and an organic profile that marries fleshy melon, lime leaf, and dried wild herbs. The palate is alive with a tangy freshness and a chalky texture, offering a glimpse of its potential complexity and class.

• Natte Valleij Cinsault 2020 ($19): With a nose that delicately teases with notes of raspberries, this red is well-structured with firm tannins and a refreshing acidity that frames a fruit-forward palate. The fine texture and fresh finish make it an unassuming yet charismatic choice.

Holiday Wines from $20 to $50

• Luigi Bosca De Sangre Malbec 2019 ($33): This medium-bodied Malbec is a harmonious blend of grit and grace. Its dark violet hue and juicy flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and mocha make it a wine that's ready to enjoy now but could also be cellared for future festivities.

• Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir ($42): A Vivino favorite, this Pinot Noir shines with its lighter body, high acidity, and low tannins. The smooth, dry, and balanced profile, with hints of vanilla, baking spices, and a mix of red and black fruits, makes it versatile enough to pair with meats and berry desserts alike.

• Meyer-Näkel Sonnenberg Spätburgunder 2018 ($35): This German Pinot Noir is a wine of precision and elegance, offering a palate where spice, earthiness, and fruits like cherries, pomegranate, and cranberry converge.

• Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2019 ($40): Perfect for charcuterie, this 100% Syrah from the Rhône Valley boasts an earthy, smoky profile with savory spice and plum fruit, making it an ideal companion for smoked and cured meats.

Holiday Wines Over $50

• Cuvaison Chardonnay ATS 2020 ($75): Selected from the finest barrels, this Napa Valley Chardonnay exudes holiday spirit with notes of brioche and apricot. Its versatility allows it to accompany everything from appetizers to desserts, with a hint of citrus that complements vinaigrette-tossed salads beautifully.

• Goldschmidt Yoeman Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($95): This wine marries concentrated black-fruit flavors with velvety tannins. With a palate that includes black cherries, black currant, spearmint, cedar, and dark chocolate, it's a wine that promises complexity and expansion over time.

• Canary Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 ($66): Aromatic with blackberries, black tea, and wet rocks, this Pinot Noir offers a rich texture that contrasts delightfully with flavors of cherry-vanilla gelato and dark chocolate chips, balanced by ample acidity and chewy tannins.

• Laurent-Perrier NV Cuvée Rosé Brut ($95): This rosé Champagne is finely textured and rich, with a dry core and 100% Pinot Noir structure. It's a luxurious wine that presents a balance of acidity and red fruits, ready to be enjoyed now.

What to Consider When Choosing Holiday Wines?

When selecting wines for the holiday season, there are several factors to consider that will ensure each bottle complements the festive meals and contributes to the joyful atmosphere. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Menu Pairings: Think about the dishes you’ll be serving. Robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with red meats, while turkey and ham may call for lighter reds like Pinot Noir or whites like Chardonnay. For spicier fare, a sweet Riesling can be perfect.
• Guest Preferences: Are your guests red or white enthusiasts, or do they have a penchant for bubbly? Knowing their preferences can guide your selection. It's always good to have a variety of styles to please different palates.
• Acidity and Sweetness: Wines with higher acidity can cut through the richness of traditional holiday dishes, while sweeter wines can complement or contrast the sweetness in desserts.
• Body and Tannins: Full-bodied wines generally pair well with heavier dishes, while lighter-bodied wines are suited to more delicate flavors. Tannic wines can be excellent with fatty foods as they cut through the richness.
• Festivity Factor: Sparkling wines are not just for toasting; they're also versatile with food. A good Prosecco or Champagne can elevate even the simplest dishes.
• Specialty Wines: Consider specialty wines for themed holiday meals. For example, an Italian Barolo might be fitting for a feast featuring Italian dishes.
• Serving Order: Plan the serving order of your wines. Start with lighter wines for appetizers and move to heavier, more complex wines for the main courses and finish with dessert wines.
• Budget: Decide on your budget beforehand. There are excellent wines available at all price points, so you don’t need to overspend to impress.

By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to selecting wines that will not only pair beautifully with your holiday meals but will also enhance the overall festive experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, our selection of the 12 best holiday wines for 2023 caters to every taste and budget, ensuring that whether you're hosting a grand feast or enjoying a quiet, cozy evening, there's a bottle that fits the occasion perfectly. From the robust tannins of a full-bodied Tannat to the effervescent charm of a fine Brut Rosé, these wines are poised to elevate your holiday experience. So raise a glass to good health, great company, and the endless joys of the season.