So, it’s the holiday season again! And you want to know what the perfect wine selections are for Christmas gifting, mulled wine crafting, home chilling, and beginner exploration? Here is a quick cheat sheet for you as recommended by wine sommelier Marco Santoni of Novikov, and Eataly London
Best Wines for Gifting during the Holiday Season
When it comes to gifting during the holiday season, for me, wine stands out as among the top gifts. That’s because, — when you think about it—it’s both a practical and delightful gift to give or receive. A good bottle can be a versatile and thoughtful present. One that can be enjoyed on Christmas Day or even saved to be popped at a New Year’s (Eve) dinner. But how do you go about choosing the best wine to gift?
Well, depending on your budget, Marco recommends that you should always consider the occasion. For the festive season, he recommends beginning with a sparkling wine.
“Don’t just limit yourself to Champagne. There are other equally quality wines from traditional methods. For example, Franciacorta, Trento DOC, and Cava, also offer a more cost-effective yet premium alternative, consequently extending the experience beyond the classic Champagne. And so, these options usually make for delightful bottles. Perfect for opening and sharing during the festive season with family and friends” he advises
And for reasons why sparkling wine is such a great gift, he goes on to say
“Anyone receiving sparkling wine as a gift during the festive season will love it. Because it of course also adds a touch of elegance to any celebration”.
I am sure we all agree on this one.
But what about wine gifts that aren’t on the fizzy side? An excellent non-sparkling option could also be a well-balanced, full-bodied red wine. Reason being, that they are a perfect fit for post-dinner relaxation in front of a fireplace. Or just in front of your telly — with a fake fire. Just imagine yourself sipping a rich red wine in front of a fireplace during a cosy evening. It does set the perfect ambience for unwinding, doesn’t it?
But if you’re not entirely sure what wine to choose, because let’s be honest, there are loads out there, how do you go about picking the best choice then?
“For a more diverse and curated approach, I would recommend exploring wine kits that offer a variety of styles. These may include white, red, dry, or even sweet. If you’re not very familiar with what your recipient enjoys, this will not only introduce them to a range of flavours, it will also enhance their wine experience. Thanks to you. And I think, it’s the thoughtfulness of a well-selected wine kit that can make the gift more memorable and much more appreciated.” he reckons
So essentially, the key is to tailor the wine choice to the recipient’s taste and the occasion, whether it’s a sparkling wine for a celebration or a curated wine kit for a more varied experience.
Best wines for crafting Mulled Wines
Mulled wine — often associated with Christmas — is why I love going to Christmas markets or just chilling with Christmas songs on the sofa.
Think about the scents of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus wafting through the air—it’s one aromatic delight that instantly evokes festive warmth. It’s also what says, yes, soon it will be Christmas Day again. But what if it’s one of those ‘too cold to go outside’ kind of days and all you really fancy is creating your own pot of delicious mulled wine? Marco says;
“Crafting the perfect mulled wine requires attention to specific characteristics in the wine selection. Look for a wine that is low in tannins, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable mulled wine. Since additional spices will be added later, opt for a wine that is not overly spicy and has a medium to full body.
Choose un-oaked, smooth, and fruity wines. It’s crucial to pick an inexpensive medium-quality wine since spices will be incorporated as the spices will complement and enhance the overall flavour profile”.
Sticking to international grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo he says, provides a more solid foundation for the mulled wine infusion.
Best Wines To Keep You Warm
When the goal is just to unwind and just chill in your PJs at home, a lovely glass of wine brings a bit of peace and relaxation. Particularly in the wet winter weather. While summer usually screams beach, winter for me screams wine, loungewear, and sofa! And if you’re anti-cold weather like me, you may wonder what would be the best wines to bring about more cosiness and warmth. Especially if you’re trying not to turn on the heating, in this high cost-of-living crisis lol!
Marco recommends going for red wines that are medium to full-bodied. That’s because they have a smooth texture, and have a slight oaky influence. These characteristics contribute to a comforting and satisfying sipping experience he says.
“Excellent choices would be Bordeaux blend wines. I am talking about red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. These are well known for their rich and full-bodied profiles. On the other hand, Amarone, Primitivo, Barolo, and Brunello di Montalcino are also excellent picks.” he adds.
They offer a complexity that enhances the overall enjoyment of a relaxing evening at home.
Best wines for beginners
Ever wondered about joining in on a wine adventure during the festive season? With everyone around you joyfully sipping, your curiosity might be piqued. If you’re taking your first steps into the world of wine or contemplating a thoughtful gift for someone initiating their vinous journey, this is for you. Marco emphasises wines that gently introduce the nuances of this delightful beverage.
“I always recommend starting with the basics and avoiding the overly oaky wines and blends. It’s crucial to begin with monovarietal wines to grasp the differences between grape varieties” he advises.
As for what he highlights as the best recommendations:
“For white wines, go for Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. These he says as these varietals showcase the range of flavours found in white wines, from the zesty to the buttery.
“For red wines, definitely reach out for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Primitivo, Merlot, Gamay,” he continues. These also offer a balance of fruitiness and tannins, providing a gentle introduction to red wine complexities.
For sparkling wines, he reckons the best way is to allow yourself to appreciate the diversity within the sparkling wine category as a novice.
“Start with Prosecco and Cava. I can tell you these are ideal for understanding the distinctions between the Champenois and Charmat methods,” Marco says.
Ultimately he says, choosing wines with these profiles ensures that the journey into the world of wine is enjoyable and accessible. It’s all about creating a festive atmosphere where both novices and seasoned enthusiasts can share in the joy of raising a glass.
And once started, individuals can explore and discover their preferences at their own pace.
So, which wine will mark your delightful entry into the world of festive sipping?