T’is the season.... the bold, deep and delightful red wine season.
I love it.
Ah, the holidays conjure up feelings of the warmth of fireplace and family togetherness. And nothing pairs as well with the season and it’s classic holiday movies as a glass (or bottle) of a delicious, robust red.
So for the season, once again this year, I’m headed to Europe for some recommendations just as I did last season with my 2020 holiday wine tasting. So let’s get ready to travel this holiday season through our wine with these 3 selections for 2021.
Back To Europe Through Wine
When most think of European wines, we instantly think of France, Italy and Spain. So, I decided to search for one from each that will be perfect for the holiday season. All different, all award winning, all luxurious and yet all rather affordable too. Remember, the Luxury of quality wine doesn’t need to always cost fortune.
Italy - Achille Toscana 2019
I find myself eating Italian on the holidays, whether it’s pasta or lasagna in normally involves red sauce. Therefore, having an Italian red is necessity and this Tuscan 100%!Sangiovese is a perfect choice.
The 90 pts from James Suckling makes many take note, but it’s label also provides some festive feeling and attraction to wine. Thisjuicy medium bodied fruit (cherries or black cherries) forward red holds a noticeable softness it creates a type of wine perfect for multiple glasses and opening of another bottle over this longer holiday meals.
(Retails for under $20)
Spain - Valderiz Ribera del Duero 2018
A friend of mine who attended my last virtual wine tasting event from Spain, mention Ribera del Duero as one of her favorite wine regions, so I needed to explore for myself. Then, I discovered this gem.
Perfect to pair with the plentiful grilled or cured red meats of the holiday season, this robust red scored an impressive 95 pts from Wine Spectator. Its trademark lies within its organic agriculture and total absence of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers creates a healthier wine too. Plus, in my opinion the difference can be felt the next morning too.
(Retail for ~$31.97 )
France - Domaine de BaronArques 2016
Ok, take it up a notch? Well, how about a 97pt wine? I know it’s never someone else’s opinion that matters more than your own, but sometimes you need to sample such award winning wine, especially when priced below $35. And trust me, this wine will not disappoint.
Upon my tasting this blend from Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, the Decanter Magazine review seems on point describing its attractive dense red color and subtle spice and juicy boldness. The well-structured approach feels refined with silky tannins to give hints of flavor that keep its length.
Again I t’s from France, so why not use this one to set the romantic mood when required for the holiday. I hope it is required too - my wish to you.
(Retails for under $35)
Where to Get the Wines
All three wines are available through wired for wine, but also all available locally at wine stores across the country. If you want to you can download this attached list to bring to the store.
And if you’d like to add some celebratory, definitely consider a bottle of bubbly too. The Spanish Cava I selected for my last prior virtual tasting is perfect for the holidays too. I added it to the list.
Next Virtual Wine Tasting
Plus, also stay tuned for more details and sign up for my next virtual wine tasting Saturday afternoon at 5pm ET on Feb 5th, 2022. Works for Europe through even west coast time zones. So this February we will all traveling through Spain. I have a few gems already selected and will be finalizing the list shortly. Sign up for the tasting today - it makes a perfect holiday gift for yourself and others.
Stay luxurious, Craig
ORDER - you can order all the wines ....