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Eight exciting wines that announce the onset of the festive season

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/22 .. at-announce-the-onset-of-the-festive-season.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 12:57 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Eight Wines to Try This Holiday Season

The Globe and Mail’s latest wine guide offers a thoughtful tasting itinerary for the winter holiday, pairing seasonal comfort with a splash of sophistication. The article, written by a seasoned wine columnist, curates eight bottles that span the globe and the palate, each chosen for its balance of quality, value, and festive appeal. Below is a summary of the recommendations, tasting notes, pairing ideas, and links to the winemakers for those who wish to explore further.

1. A Canadian Sparkling: Château de la Vie, Boucherville, Québec

The guide opens with a sparkling that celebrates Canadian terroir. Château de la Vie’s Brut Nature is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier harvested in the cooler climate of Boucherville. The wine displays bright citrus and green apple notes, a crisp minerality, and a lingering mousse that makes it an elegant opener for any holiday gathering. Its high acidity also works well with smoked salmon or a buttered brie platter. The article links directly to the estate’s website where visitors can order the bottle online or learn about the estate’s sustainable practices.

2. French Champagne: Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut

Next on the list is a classic Champagne, the Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut. The wine offers a bouquet of white flowers, stone fruit, and a subtle yeasty nuance that is characteristic of the prestige cuvée. The guide recommends serving it at 6–8 °C, noting that its bright acidity and fine bubbles complement everything from foie gras to roast turkey. A quick link to Moët’s official page provides pricing, availability, and a history of the house’s legacy.

3. Spanish Rioja Reserva: Marqués de Murrieta Castillo de Monjardín

The article highlights a Rioja Reserva that showcases the region’s traditional Tempranillo base. Marqués de Murrieta’s bottle boasts a complex aroma of dried cherry, leather, and subtle oak, with a palate of smooth tannins, plum, and a hint of vanilla. The guide suggests pairing this with roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, or a mature cheese platter. The link to the house’s website gives additional tasting notes, vineyard history, and a short video interview with the winemaker.

4. Italian Barolo: Castello di Gabbiano, Piedmont

For those who enjoy a robust, earthy red, the guide points to Castello di Gabbiano’s Barolo. This wine offers an intense bouquet of rose petals, tar, and truffle, followed by a velvety body of ripe cherry, tobacco, and a lingering spice. The article recommends the wine with a hearty winter stew or a classic lasagna. The link directs readers to the estate’s full tasting sheet, vineyard map, and an audio guide about the vinification process.

5. Australian Shiraz: Penfolds Grange (Special Edition)

Penfolds Grange is a perennial favorite in the wine world, and the article features its special holiday edition. The Shiraz presents a deep purple color and aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, and smoked cedar. On the palate, the wine balances powerful fruit with a subtle smoky finish, creating a mouth‑watering experience. The guide recommends pairing it with roast beef or a rich chocolate dessert. A link to Penfolds’ online shop offers options for gift packaging and shipping.

6. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: Cloudy Bay, Marlborough

A crisp, aromatic white is a must‑have for the holiday table, and the guide recommends Cloudy Bay’s Sauvignon Blanc. The wine carries bright citrus, green apple, and a hint of tropical fruit, with a refreshing finish. The article highlights its versatility with seafood, salads, and even as a pre‑dinner aperitif. Readers can click the link to Cloudy Bay’s site to view the full range of their Marlborough wines and learn about their sustainable vineyards.

7. German Riesling: Dr. Loosen “Schaumwein” Riesling Kabinett

Adding a touch of elegance, the guide presents Dr. Loosen’s Riesling Kabinett, a sparkling version that balances sweet and tart notes. The wine’s flavors of white peach, apricot, and a mineral undertone make it an excellent match for spicy Asian cuisine or a light dessert. The link in the article opens Dr. Loosen’s homepage, where one can explore the estate’s history, the Riesling’s journey from vineyard to bottle, and other sparkling options.

8. American Dessert Wine: Late Harvest Zinfandel, Ridge Vineyards

Finally, the guide concludes with a luscious dessert wine: Ridge Vineyards’ Late Harvest Zinfandel. The wine is a luscious blend of blackberry, vanilla, and a subtle honey finish. Its rich sweetness and low acidity make it a perfect accompaniment to a cheese plate or a pumpkin pie. A link to Ridge Vineyards leads readers to their online store, where they can purchase the bottle and read about the vineyard’s heritage and winemaking philosophy.

Why These Choices?

The article’s structure reflects a careful balance of classic indulgence and modern sensibilities. By offering a sparkling, a Champagne, a Rioja, a Barolo, a Shiraz, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Riesling, and a dessert wine, the guide ensures there is a wine for every palate and every holiday dish. Each recommendation is paired with tasting notes, suggested serving temperatures, and food pairings that enhance the wine’s character while complementing festive fare.

Accessing More Information

The Globe and Mail article includes clickable links that direct readers to each producer’s official website or an authoritative wine database. These links provide deeper insights—full tasting sheets, vineyard tours, behind‑the‑scenes videos, and buying options—allowing enthusiasts to learn more about each wine’s provenance, winemaking techniques, and how they fit into a holiday menu. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these resources add layers of appreciation to each bottle.

In a nutshell, the guide offers a curated eight‑bottle tasting tour that celebrates the richness of global wine traditions while staying attuned to holiday celebrations. From sparkling Canada to a dessert‑savvy American Zinfandel, the list showcases the diversity and depth that makes wine a timeless part of holiday hospitality. Whether you’re gifting a bottle, hosting a dinner party, or simply savoring the season, the Globe and Mail’s selection provides a roadmap to the finest wine experiences this holiday season.