Wines for the Holiday Season

The 2018 growing season, my 41st in Washington, was defined by a very early and very warm and dry spring giving the vines an essential head start. Temperatures moderated and our average heat summations settled in to a pattern which showed us ahead of historical averages by a week to ten days. A gentle spring and early summer evolved into a scorcher of epic proportions later in July and into August. Our fears for an overripe harvest were mitigated, oddly enough, by extensive atmospheric smoke from Northern British Columbia.

This effectively blocked the sun for several weeks and, while the temperatures were hot, the vines lacked sunlight for essential photosynthesis and ripening was shifted into a state of, if you will, suspended animation. Early varieties like Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc were indeed quite early with harvest commencing in late August.

Moderating temperatures and a generally welcome cooling trend delayed reds to a more normal harvest schedule and allowed for proper flavor development and an almost optimal sugar acid balance. Moderate comfortable and dry weather extended without major incident to the end of harvest in late October.

All in all, a season yielding crisp fruit-driven whites and generously balanced reds of large dimension. Appealing for its distinctive cherry, black currant and plum flavors. Subtle vanilla and discreet earthy notes are woven into a dense core of spicy elements. Choose this smooth, approachable Syrah to accompany prime rib or roast pork.

Mineral & Exotic

Château de Parnay is the flagship of the Loire Valley. The property is located along the Loire river and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This wine is sourced from an entirely walled vineyard, this 100% Chenin Blanc shows subtle and refined scents of lime, lemongrass, apricot, peach and quince. Round and mellow on the palate with notes of preserved lemons and grapefruits with natural freshness and classic Saumur minerality.

This wine pairs well with foods that have a sweet and sour element: southeast Asian cuisine or pork chops with apples are just a few examples!

Fruity & Juicy

The dream of four French partners in Argentina's Mendoza Province. The Malbec vines grow in the southwest of San Rafael, an oasis surrounded by large canyons and crossed by two rivers. This Malbec opens up with red fruits, black raspberry and tones of fresh leather. It's chewy and sumptuous on the palate, with firm tannins and a very well balanced acidity.

This is the perfect BBQ wine, but it is also capable of so much more! Rich meats, stews and braises are a great match, or try leaner meats with fruity and hearty sauces such as pork tenderloin with prunes and red wine jus. Another favourite, enjoy alongside a prime rib roast!

Silky & Rich

Ca del Monte is situated on the hillsides overlooking the village of Negrar, in the heart of Valpolicella. This Ripasso shows a pure red-berry and black-cherry bouquet with notes of grilled herbs, iris, violet and almond. With a great depth of flavour, the wine is silky and warm with a surprisingly elegant mid-weight mouth feel that finishes with plump fruit and a well integrated spicy/oak kiss. 

Pair this rich wine with game meats, roast chicken, wood oven pizza and pasta with full flavoured sauces. ​It is also amazing when served with aged cheeses.

Earthy & Floral

Situated in a very fresh zone of Languedoc, in Argelliers and Murles, Mas des Agrunelles cultivate organic and biodynamic vines. The estate was founded by Frédéric Porro and his wife, Stéphanie Ponson, who met in 1999 while studying oenology in Montpellier. It all began with experimentation, trial and error- but they quickly moved from organic vines to a fully functioning biodynamique vineyard and winery. They are proud to produce natural wines of high quality.

L'Indigene is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. On the nose it is fleshy with notes of ripe dark berries and briar patch. There is a distinct meatiness that makes you think of salami with garrigue herbs and cracked pepper. On the palate, it is full bodied, textured and robust, with solid acidity and smooth tannins. Fruit notes of blackberry, raspberry and black cherry are concentrated and juicy without being over-ripe. The earthy notes from the nose continue and blend with the savoury notes of lavender, rosemary and white pepper. 

Go bold with rich flavour and hearty protein. A venison or elk steak with red wine sauce, or rustic lamb ragú.

Bold & Earthy

Unlike many winemakers, Frederic Brouca is largely self-taught and took no formal courses on viticulture or winemaking.  His concept of growing grapes and winemaking focuses on reducing human intervention in the processes, and making it as natural as possible.

This single-vineyard blend of Grenache, Syrah & Carignan offers a perfect combination of balance and power. Rich dark fruit and savoury roasted meat notes pop from the glass. The flavours are vibrant with a rich symphony of red, blue and black fruits along with a peppery spice note and a long, clean finish. 

Pair with hearty winter stews, grilled lamb chops or enjoy on its own in front of a cozy fire after a long day.

Fruity & Spicy

Matthias Hager's winery has about 13ha of vineyards in and around the small wine-growing village of Mollands. All of his vineyards are cultivated biodynamically according to Demeter. The strength of this family business is its diversity. Loess, clay and different kinds of primary rock (mica shist, gneiss, etc.) can be found in the northern part of Kamptal.

This Gruner Veltliner has fruity aromas on the nose. These aromas combine with a soft spiciness and a mineral quality on the palate. It has a medium body and a nice long saline finish.

This a typical Gruner Veltliner of the Kamptal region and a very food-friendly wine. It's a great match with cold starters and typical Austrian home cooking: roast pork, schnitzel, meat dumplings...

Bright & Juicy

At the very heart of the Rhône Valley, at the northerly tip of the Southern Rhône, lie the vineyards of Grignan-Les-Adhémar.

Le Devoy checks in as a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. It has terrific notes of forest floor, cracked pepper, flowers and darker berry fruits as well as medium-bodied richness, an elegant, supple texture and notable purity of fruit. This wine has considerable charm and appeal and makes for a great everyday bottle.

Pair this wine with just about anything!

Juicy & Round

Elios was born from the passion of two young Sicilian friends who, in love with their land, decided to take over their families' farms and focus on producing natural wines and other products such as olive oil and honey.

Katamacerato is Elios' orange wine made from Catarratto grapes. The grapes are cultivated in their estate in Alcamo, and harvested by hand. Once at the winery, the Catarratto grapes macerate on their skins for a whole week, fermenting spontaneously. The wine has a deep orange colour and great aging potential. Both on the nose and on the palate, it is intense and structured, with beautifully integrated tannins and notes of thyme, rosemary, and ripe fruit. These notes come together creating a fresh and very drinkable Sicilian orange. Pure Mediterranean essence!

This intense ruby red wine has a fresh, fruity nose showing notes of cherry, strawberry and fruit of the forest. The cherry predominates on the mouth, while the appealing, light almondy finish is typical of the varietal. Dolcetto is a young, fresh and fruity wine.

For Aurelio Settimo's tradition, this is a “everyday wine” - for everyday and for every meal: it is easy to drink and goes very well with all dishes.

This Dolcetto d’Alba, that is produced in the same area of Barolo wine, has good structure and good tannins, which allow us to keep it for 2/3 years after harvest.

Fresh & Zesty

The Vitas Winery has been in the family since 1937, for four generations. Despite its French origin, Pinot Grigio has been cultivated in Friuli since the 18th century, where it has found an ideal habitat to produce wines of exceptional quality.

This dry-farmed Friulian Pinot Grigio is different in style than its counterpart from Veneto. The wine wears a straw yellow robe with elegant copper-gold overtones. Its bouquet is elegant and intense, with hints of acacia flowers, dry hay, walnut kernel, yellow peach and golden apple, intertwined with fresh and mineral notes. On the palate, it promises a concentrated palate full of fragrant white peaches, tangerines, and a spritzy minerality.

A perfect casual sipper, or to complement antipasti, fried fish or vegetables and light pasta dishes.

Spicy & Volcanic

Juan Jesús, who is a 4th generation winemaker, founded Viñátigo in 1990 and has worked tirelessly since then identifying, recuperating the native grapes of the Canary Islands.

Listán Negro is a grape that Viñátigo cultivates in the mid-lands, in the north-west of Tenerife. This grape is a native grape variety of the Canary Islands, as it originated from a natural crossing between the grapes Listán Blanco and Negramoll, both brought by Portuguese and Andalusian settlers between the 15th and 18th centuries.The grapes are hand-harvested by mid- September and the wine ages in old barrels for three months. It’s a delightful and juicy red, with aromas of black pepper, dark fruits, and a strong mineral, volcanic character.

It's the perfect 'chatting' wine: gather with friends and uncork this juicy beauty. A good conversation with friends and a charcuterie board is the best pairing. It matches very well with traditional cuisine from the Canaries: fried rabbit marinated in spicy 'mojo rojo' sauce; or beef stew with boiled potatoes.

Textured & Mineral

Mure is a family owned winery that dates back to the mid 1600's. Located near the magical terroir of Rouffach, the family is a reference for the quality of biodynamic wines.

Muré's Sylvaner is a lovely wine.  On the nose, it delivers delicate aromas and flavours of quince, green apple and mineral. On the palate, it finishes long and clean with a soft refined perfume. 

Lovely as an aperitif; a must with shellfish and asparagus dishes!

Fresh & Juicy

The Cortonesi family has owned the La Mannella farm in Montalcino for decades and are devoted to the production of Brunello di Montalcino. This wine, Lèonus, is a humble but mighty Toscana IGT made from grapes that are in fact declassified Brunello grapes, from vineyards in Montalcino.

It is one of the best value wines from the area. ​This Rosso Toscano is juicy and fresh. Full of red cherries and dark berries on the nose, with a delicate astringency on the palate. It has such a great balance and it drinks so well that it's the perfect everyday wine.

This wine pairs brilliantly with dishes prepared with tomato sauce and herbs, such as lasagna or pizza. It's also great with antipasti (olives, cured meats, pecorino cheese), and simply roasted meats or chicken.

Juicy & Rustic

Located in the town of Pilio, about thirty miles east of Rome, Abbia Nova is a brand-new artisanal winery by cousins Daniele and Pierluca Proietti. The name 'Abbia Nova' refers to an ancient Roman road linking the town of Piglio, in the southwestern part of the region, with Abruzzo.

We love enjoying wines made from obscure grape varieties that are making a comeback. And Senza Vandalismi Rosso is one of those special wines. Made from the ancient Roman grape Cesanese d'Affile, this handcrafted wine is juicy with aromas of fresh red berries and also of darker fruit such as blackberry. There is smoke, hints of fresh herbs and a shy note of nutmeg too. The acidity on the palate is vibrant and full of lively energy.

Dress your table like a trattoria and pair this wine with spicy Italian dishes, like bucatini all'amatriciana.

Bright & Zippy

Amidst the rolling hills and the river Po, nestled within the forests, fields and meadows, Daniele Saccoletto's winery sits quietly watching over their ten hectares of land spread between the towns of San Giorgio and Rosignano for over forty years.

I Tigli is a wine made from the indigenous piedmontese varieties Bussanello and Timorasso. The grapes are exposed to a skin-contact maceration for about ten days, it is not quite an orange wine but in that direction, and Daniele does not filter, so it is a bit cloudy with the wine retaining both great acidity and texture.This zesty skin-contact white has aromas of citrus fruits such as lemon verbena, fresh red apples and ginger. It has an interesting mineral character to it; and on the palate is vibrant and crisp, with flavours of lime and pears. 

This wine is the perfect pairing for fresh seafood, crunchy greens, root veggies and big-personality cheeses.

Spicy & Juicy

In 1830, two Tasca brothers bought the “Tenuta Regaleali” (Regaleali Estate), a green oasis in the centre of Sicily, in the ancient County of Sclafani. Since then, generation after generation, we have been custodians of this territory and have shared its fruits with passion.

One of the first wines produced at the estate for the past 63 harvests has represented the territory with its Nero d’Avola. The right harvesting time is chosen by studying the wine’s maturation curve, in order to guarantee elegance and the perfect balance between austerity and fullness. Aged in large Slavonian oak 30 and 60 hl barrels.

Creamy & Fresh

3XP (Trois-X-P) - Pearce | Predhomme | Pender - is a small-production Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay collaboration between négociants Nicholas Pearce & Will Predhomme with vigneron Paul Pender. 3000 bottles & 150 magnums made. This wild ferment Chardonnay is 100% certified organic & biodynamic and is produced with minimal intervention & élevage.

We strive to show the delicacy, tension, & purity of expression of Ontario-grown Chardonnay with this small-production collaboration.  Brilliant straw colour, youthful, light-intensity aromas of white peach, green apple, citrus, with delicate integrated subtle lees. Bright lemony acidity on the palate, round mouthfeel, & refreshing. A clean, fresh, & distinctly Ontarian-style Chardonnay.

Ideas for pairing 3XP? This rich Chardonnay calls for all shades of seafood and fish: spaghetti with clams and tons of parsley, halibut, crab cakes... or even pork tenderloin! It's also wonderful as an apéro wine.

Fine & Elegant

Joan Ramón Escoda has been shaking the pillars of winemaking in his home-country and abroad since the 90's. He is an absolute anarchist, a radical winemaker, a rock'n'roller and a grass-roots innovator; and his wines are everything but banal.

Sumoll, Garnatxa and Carignan come together in this complex and spicy blend. Les Paredetes ferments in stainless steel and ages for 14 months in neutral oak barrels. Expect lovely red fruit, fresh acidity, a slight smokey touch and a light finish armed with soft, tingly tannins.

Pair it with roasted red meats and cured cheeses.

Salty & Fresh

Joan Ramón Escoda has been shaking the pillars of winemaking in his home-country and abroad since the 90's. He is an absolute anarchist, a radical winemaker, a rock'n'roller and a grass-roots innovator; and his wines are everything but banal.

Mas del Gaio is the top white from Celler Escoda-Sanahuja. An old-vine expression from rustic limestone vineyards next to the winery, blending Garnacha Blanca, Macabeu, and Parellada. Garnacha Blanca and Macabeu are fermented together. Once everything is combined, the wine is aged mostly in large amphora and old French barrels. Mas del Gaio has aromas of stone fruit, lemon verbena, and fuzzy peach skins, with a long, fleshy and salty finish. Fantastic acidity and viscosity from the lees aging. Tropical too, with subtle notes of passion fruit.

Pair it with fish dishes and cured cheeses.

Floral & Waxy

Ricardo Carreiro founded Coto de Gomariz in the seventies, when he managed to return to his land after emigrating to South America like so many other Galicians. His dream was to make wines and restore Gomariz's prestige as a historical vineyard. Known as the "Golden Mile" of the Ribeiro since the 10th century, Gomariz is the oldest Viticultural Reserve in the Iberian Peninsula and has exceptional characteristics for growing grapes.

When the flower and the bee meet, everything begins. This wine is the starting point to understand and appreciate the complexity of the Galician terroir and its native grape varieties. Deliciously easy-drinking, Coto de Gomariz has wanted The Flower and the Bee to be enjoyed unapologetically! Bright, green-hued yellow. Racy, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas pick up chalky mineral and ginger nuances with air.

Taut and focused on the palate, offering fresh lemon, green apple and melon flavours and a hint of fennel. The mineral note drives a long, detailed finish that leaves a citrus pith note and a subtle touch of honey behind. Enjoy this wine by the glass or with seafood!

Earthy & Smoky

Ricardo Carreiro founded Coto de Gomariz in the seventies, when he managed to return to his land after emigrating to South America like so many other Galicians. His dream was to make wines and restore Gomariz's prestige as a historical vineyard. Known as the "Golden Mile" of the Ribeiro since the 10th century, Gomariz is the oldest Viticultural Reserve in the Iberian Peninsula and has exceptional characteristics for growing grapes.

When the flower and the bee meet, everything begins. This wine is the starting point to understand and appreciate the complexity of the Galician terroir and its native grape varieties. Deliciously easy-drinking, Coto de Gomariz has wanted The Flower and the Bee to be enjoyed unapologetically!

Shimmering violet. Smoke- and spice-accented cherry pit, blackberry and floral scents are complemented by hints of liquorice and succulent herbs. Nicely concentrated yet lively as well, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavours that slowly unfurl through the back half. Closes long and subtly chewy, with firming tannins and repeating spice and floral notes.

Enjoy on its own, or pair it with Spanish tapas.