For those of you who start Xmas shopping early, here is a list of lovely wines for the Holiday season. These celebrations with family, friends and work colleagues are great opportunities to enjoy good food paired with fine wines.
This list of tasty wines should move quickly. I recommend you not wait last minute to purchase some of these, as they might dissapear from the SAQ shelves. A Champagne, a sparkler, a lovely California Chard and reds that should satisfy the most demanding palates. They might also make great gift ideas. Enjoy !
Two effervescent wines for starters and hors-d’oeuvres :
A sparkler :
Gran Cuvée Reseerva, Segura Viudas Espagne 19,85 $ 12696210
This lovely sparkler is made according to the traditionnal Champagne method with Chardonnay, Macabeo, Perallada and Pinot Noir. Its typical nose displays fruity scents of apple with toasted bread and hints of petroleum products. A fresh, well balanced, perfectly priced sparkler. Score : 88/100
A Champagne :
Champagne Lallier Grande Réserve, France, 48,50 $ 11374251
A Champagne made exclusively with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This easy drinking «Grande Réserve» offers refreshing acidity. Regardless of its 12 gr/li of residual sugar, this Champagne remains fresh and refined. Creamy froth from tiny bubbles should satisfy the high quality sparkling wine afficionado. Score : 90/100
An excellent white for fish and seafood dishes :
Chardonnay Morning Fog 2015 Livermore Valley, Wente, USA 19,50 $ 10754084
Fans of Chardonnay, don’t miss this one ! The Livermore valley morning fog helps maintain refreshing acidity in this lovely Chardonnay. An amazing bargain that exibits charming fruity aromas (apple and pear) with just a kiss of oak. Medium weight with lasting satisfying flavors offered at very attractive price. Score : 88/100
An amazing red for meats or to offer as a gift :
Le Grand Rouge 2014 Bouches du Rhône, Revelette, France 37,75 $ 10259745
Sounds pretentious, but this «Grand Rouge» does deliver the goods ! A superb blend of Syrah (51%), Cabernet Sauvignon (29%), Grenache (15%) and Carignan (5%). Field berries and graphite scents. Brimming with ripe flavors, this characterful red displays perfect balance, good length and great aging potential: 4 to 7 years. Score : 91/100
Three reds for the Christmas turkey :
La Folie 2014 Saumur-Champigny, Château Yvonne, France 27,30 $ 11665534
In the last 10 to 15 years, the best producers from Saumur-Champigny have been crafting reds with more character. Entirely made with Cabernet Franc, this tasty red displays fruity, vegetal and animal scents. A medium bodied, well balanced red with good length. To enhance its nose and flavours , decant it to let it breathe for an hour or two. Score : 88/100
La Catiède 2014 Faugères, Mas des Capitelles, France 17,95 $ 12798742
Organically grown, this lovely blend of Carignan (50%), Grenache (20%), Mourvèdre (20%) and Syrah (10%) seduces. Its fruity nose also displays animal and floral scents. This serious domaine from the Languedoc focuses on delivering a wine that reflects its terroir. Elegance over power is the mindset here. A rather charming wine that should be discovered for its typicity and originality. Very well priced! Score : 88/100
Chiroubles 2015 Christophe Pacalet, France 27,95 $ 12847831
The fan of Beaujolais should be excited with the arrival of 2015 reds. A great year for the Gamay grape. This lovely Chiroubles is a perfect example ! Deeply coloured with an intense fruity nose displaying berry scents. Brimming with fruit, this ripe, soft and supple cru is a charmer. Quite satisfying ! Score : 90/100
NICK HAMILTON
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