Doesn’t everyone love an adult beverage under the tree or as one (or more) of the eight gifts of Hanukkah??
With its storied past and continuing commitment to quality, Napa Valley staple, Chateau Montelena, still producing their stalwart Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but, for those who seek whites of character, Chateau Montelena Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are equally good choices. Try their holiday gifts to impress even the most finicky wine lovers. www.chateaumontelena.com/shop/curatedcollections.
Want to surprise and stump your friends with a wine variety produced by only one winery in the US? Try heading to the Finger Lakes region for Knapp Winery’s 2024 Siegerrebe, a German variety descended from Gewurztraminer that is aromatic with flavors of grapefruit, lychee, pears and spice. At only $24, make a statement with this unique wine that will sing with you Christmas Day Chinese food. If visiting the Finger Lakes, make sure you try Knapp’s Cabernet Franc and Riesling then dine at the award-winning Field & Vine Restaurant. www.knappwine.com.
If you happen to be in Dry Creek Valley, or jonesing for Zinfandel from there, consider stopping by Papapietro Perry for some Zin and stay for their incomparable Pinot Noirs. A lovely story of two couples that came together to make wine after experimenting in their garages. Although Bruce Perry passed, the tea continues strong. A mouthful to say but very worthwhile to drink. Order gift packs for the holidays that include cool accessories like bottle openers and boxes of chocolate. www.papapietroperry.com and shipping is included. From another renowned Pinot producer who is never afraid of experimenting with something new, try the 2022 Grenache from Inman Family Wines and farmer/winemaker Kathleen Inman. Grenache is one of my favorite varieties which is rarely produced in Northern California and, even more rarely, by a winemaker of the caliber of Ms. Inman.
I am a huge fan of second label wines from reputable estates whose primary wines are out of my price range. Same winemaking style and excellent vineyards without the hit to the wallet. Try the 2020 Madame de Beaucaillou from Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou at a retail price of about $30 while her big sister is in the $150 range. www.chateau-ducru-beaucaillou.com and online wine retailers like wine.com. Looking for France in a bottle? Chateau de Mille, the oldest continuously producing winery in the Luberon Valley of Provence, was rescued and restored by Franco-American couple, Constance and Lawrence Slaughter, who spared nothing to make this former papal retreat a work of art with organic vineyards that reflect that terroir of the area. Try the Saint Lucide Syrah blend or its cousin, Saint Lucide Bllanc, a white blend.
I don’t know about you but, when the weather chills and fires are lit, I love a warming cognac at the end of the night. Affordable but luscious, Maison Martell Blue Swift Cognac is a modern classic that is as easy to sip over ice or blend into cocktails, perfect for whiskey and bourbon lovers. Beautifully packaged and a classy twist on an adult beverage as a gift. About $50. www.martell.com.
