Christmas Dinner Wine Picks

December 20, 2022 Candice Mathis

Order today to receive before Christmas! A few wines that will definitely be at my table + some gift sets for those last minute shoppers. Go out with a bang! PS - Here’s a $30 off coupon for wine.com first time shoppers <3 $30 OFF LINK CLICK HERE

Faiveley Mercurey Rouge 2020

Pinot Noir from Mercurey, Cote Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France

This beauty is one I drink alone or pair with almost any dish I make. It’s incredibly versatile when it comes to pairings and pocket books.

Chateau Laroque 2016

Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France

A bolder wine to pair with beef bourguignon and steak dishes. I love this wine with those bigger umami dishes!

Maison Champy Pernand-Vergelesses 2016

Chardonnay from Pernand-Vergelesses, Cote de Beaune, Cote d'Or, Burgundy, France

This white burgundy can stand up to some very hearty dishes! If you prefer white wine, or are just in the mood for a winter white — grab this one!

Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rose 2009

Sparkling Rosé from Champagne, France

I recently had the pleasure of a pairing where this beauty was included. In La Fête LA this past fall, Elisabeth was a contender. I think it’s probably one of my most favorite rosé sparkling wines. It has the ability to stand up to the heartiest and umami-est of dishes! If you’re a champagne drinker, don’t shy away from a champagne pairing on the holidays.

A luminous appearance with soft, coppery shimmers and a sustained salmon pink hue. A highly alluring ensemble with a lustrous, elegant sparkle. A refreshing yet sultry sensory experience of citrus peel and red and black berry jelly, with the exquisite sensation of a rich and complex aromatic range (blackcurrants, blackberries and blueberries). Gorgeously refined and mature olfactory notes bring out the inimitable fragrances of sweet spices and candied violets. A distinctive mouthfeel arising from a measured strength which is simultaneously delicate and charming, with flavors developing in perfect harmony (panettone, candied clementines and ginger). A delicate character in the mouth revealing a chalky edge and persistent finish of citron zest. This highly sophisticated wine presents its personality with wonderful delicacy of texture and flavor. An aromatic charm with an unusual mineral quality: pair with poached lobster, tartare of sakura leaf, tomato and rhubarb. Blend: 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes - wine.com

Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose

Sparkling Rosé from Champagne, France

Another very special rosé that I enjoy as an aperitif! I visited Laurent-Perrier on my recent trip to Champagne this past September and it was the most magical experience.

The Cuvée Rosé from Laurent-Perrier is the most recognized rosé champagne in the world.The house uses its proprietary maceration technique and the wine is crafted for a fragrance and not mixed for a color. Held in an elegant bottle inspired by King Henri IV, it has been widely acknowledged for its consistent high quality for more than 40 years, and it is the benchmark for rosé champagne around the world. Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé is truly remarkable for its highly expressive bouquet, stemming from very careful preservation of fresh fruit aromas during the wine making. Made with 100% Pinot Noir from 10 different "crus " (or villages), from the North and South areas of the Montagne de Reims, as well as the famous village of Bouzy. Grapes from carefully selected plots are meticulously sorted and de-stemmed before going into the vats, and the controlled maceration helps with the color extraction and the development of the full aromatic richness of the Pinot Noir. Intensely fruity flavors, clean and slightly sharp, the wine opens to the sensation of freshly picked red berries: strawberries, Morello cherries, black currants and raspberries. The finish is supple and rounded.

Winemaker Notes - wine.com

Gift SETS

Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rose with Wooden Gift Box 2004

Sparkling Rosé from Champagne, France

A tasting of Alexandra Rose Millesime is one of those all-too-rare moments – a unique sensory experience. A delicate ring of bubbles circles the inside of the glass, enlivened by a fine, persistent stream of bubbles. The color register is anything but the usual shade of redcurrant or raspberry. Instead, what you see illuminating the lead-crystal glass is a diaphanous amber-pink. The nose of deliciously satisfying aromas of candied citrus is amplified on the palate. Next, a strong sensation of minerality structures the palate and the wine releases its tensions to deliver a succession of taste sensations. The range is wide, moving from the smoothly spicy to hints of metal, tangy fruit, and dried rose petals. But despite the obvious complexity, the senses never lose their way in this uniquely pleasurable experience. Alexandra Rosé Millésimé surrenders up its singular personality, which is simultaneously masculine in its intensity and its powerful structure, and feminine in the infinite delicacy of its color and taste sensations. The experience is unforgettable.

Winemaker Notes - wine.com

Louis Roederer Collection 242 & Neuhaus Pairing Collection Sparkling Edition

Champagne, like chocolate, is the product of true craftsmanship, and is therefore a wonderful companion to fine chocolates. The complex and nuanced flavor that characterize both chocolate and champagne have inspired our Maîtres Chocolatiers to create 4 multi-layered chocolates that perfectly pair with a glass of champagne. The combination elevates the flavor of both, for a truly unique tasting experience. We’ve selected Louis Roederer’s very highly rated Brut Premier for this pairing and think you’ll find the combination truly irresistible! Wine Gift Set Includes: Louis Roederer Collection 242 The Collection 242 blend is dominated by Chardonnay which was of exceptional quality in the 2017 vintage. The perfectly ripe Chardonnay grapes lend the wine its aromas of ripe, sweet fruit complemented by subtle oaky notes. The palate is rich and ripe with a luxurious texture that coats the palate, the signature of an outstanding Chardonnay. The Pinot noir and Meunier grapes from the Vallée de la Marne complete the wine’s broad, luscious, smooth and juicy character. The finish is energetic and fresh. Rated 94 Points: James Suckling Neuhaus Pairing Collection – Sparkling Edition This sparkling and refined Champagne Pairing Collection is the ideal gift to indulge the chocolate lover as well as the wine connoisseur. Celebrated Belgian sommelier Yanick Dehandschutter collaborated with our Maîtres Chocolatiers to provide a series of champagne pairing recommendations for this collection. The chocolate flavors include: Almond Lemon Lime, Caramel Honey Curcuma, Ganache Apple Coffee and Ganache Chili Pepper. The box contains 24 chocolates. Neuhaus invented the Praline and has never stopped inventing. For more than 160 years, Neuhaus has been regarded as the quintessence of Belgian Chocolate excellence. Driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to stay true to the standards of excellence their Master chocolatiers still uphold to this day. All Neuhaus pralines and truffles are still made entirely in Belgium and imported fresh weekly. Neuhaus proudly uses only UTZ-certified cocoa. The UTZ certification demands that the cocoa has been sourced following a strict code of conduct which helps to ensure better working conditions, wages and training for cocoa farmers and environmental protection for the land they farm. Due to the popularity of this gift, vintages sometimes sell out. Should this happen, we will always substitute with an alternate vintage of equal or greater value. Pursuant to state laws in New York, gifts that contain both food and wine will be sent in two separate packages.

wine.com

90 Point Laurent-perriEr Champagne & Neuhaus Belgian Chocolates

Any chocolate enthusiast will adore this discovery collection of Belgian Chocolates from Neuhaus. The helpful mapping on the back of the box allows you to select the perfect chocolate for any moment. Follow that up with the champagne pairing we’ve selected, Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut, and you have a culinary experience that you’ll want to repeat again and again. Makes a great gift! Wine Gift Set Includes: Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France. The wine comes from the purest grape juice and it alone allows Laurent-Perrier to craft 'La Cuvée', a champagne of great finesse and a beautiful freshness obtained after a long ageing process in their cellars. Rated 91 Points: James Suckling Neuhaus Belgium Chocolate Discovery Collection, 24pc The Neuhaus Discovery Collection box brilliantly showcases the luxury of Neuhaus Belgian chocolate. A selection of 24 timeless Neuhaus chocolates have been carefully selected to demonstrate the range and variety of our gourmet Belgian chocolates. Milk, dark and white chocolates filled with pralinés, ganaches, caramels and more are elegantly displayed in a contemporary, colorful and luxurious gift box. A delicious chocolate assortment to send for any occasion. 10.12 oz. Neuhaus invented the Praline and has never stopped inventing. For more than 160 years, Neuhaus has been regarded as the quintessence of Belgian Chocolate excellence. Driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to stay true to the standards of excellence their Master chocolatiers still uphold to this day. All Neuhaus pralines and truffles are still made entirely in Belgium and imported fresh weekly. Neuhaus proudly uses only UTZ-certified cocoa. The UTZ certification demands that the cocoa has been sourced following a strict code of conduct which helps to ensure better working conditions, wages and training for cocoa farmers and environmental protection for the land they farm. Due to the popularity of this gift, wines or vintages sometimes sell out. Should this happen, we will always substitute with wines of equal or greater value. Pursuant to state laws in New York, gifts that contain both food and wine will be sent in two separate packages.

wine.com