I approached some of the best and brightest wine pros around town and asked for their holiday wine recommendations to share in these pages. The only parameters given were to keep things under 30 bucks and holiday-savvy. Enjoy this weeks winter fare, there will be more coming next week.
As always, if youre having trouble finding something or just want to say hi, find me via KurtisKolt.com or on Twitter @KurtisKolt.
Lini 910 Labrusca Lambrusco Rosso NV | Italy | $19.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Jess Bryans, the wine buyer for the Joey restaurant chain, has an adventurous palate that Ive long admired. It comes as no shock to me that she shook things up a little bit by going with this gem of a sparkling red.
I chose this Lambrusco because to me it has all the makings of a treat for the holidays. Its bubbly and festive, but also has that ripe berry character youd find in a hearty red. Lively on the palate with refreshing acidity and flavours of raspberry, blueberry and black cherry, its perfect for sitting by the fire, snacking on charcuterie, cheese and rustic bread.
Valle dellAcate 2011 Frappato Vittoria | Italy | $24.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Brooke Delves, wine director at Wildebeest, is also prone to venture off the beaten path to find wines that suit Wildebeests playful, carnivorous fare.
Whether youre decorating the tree or needing something to pair with a traditional turkey feast, this light-bodied, gulpable red should suit any holiday occasion. Full of ripe strawberries, cherries, mint and orange blossom, its so delicious that this isnt just a recommendation, but a wine that Im really bringing to my family Christmas dinner!
Vale do Bomfim 2011 Reserva | Portugal | $19.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Emily Walker is currently on maternity leave from her position as the sommelier at the Four Seasons Hotel but, as someone who doesnt idle well, she still comes in a couple days a week to run her wine program now with baby in tow.
From the famed Port house of Dows, this tasty Portuguese red is packed with cozy and festive flavours of currants, baking spice and licorice, plus savoury notes of black olives and mineral. It will make for a worthy guest at your dinner table, pairing nicely with a variety of traditional holiday dishes such as baked ham, candied yams and Grandmas famous stuffing!
Château Rousselle 2009 Côtes de Bourg | France $29.99 | Liberty Wine Merchants/Private Stores
Tyler Dawson runs the Park Royal location of Liberty Wine Merchants while Tweeting a slew of deals, tasting notes and more, over at @TyTheWineGuy.
In a nod to many Bordeaux wines being ultra-expensive and the fantastic values being tough to find, he shares that, This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc is a delicious reason this Christmas to believe (in Bordeaux) again. Theres supple fruit, plump plums, classic Bourgeois dirt, and the label even looks like Christmas!
Gonzalez Byass Pedro Ximenez Dulce Nectar Spain | $29.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Bryant Mao, the Hawksworth Restaurant wine director, is ensuring that hes saving room for dessert this year with a little something that should warm you up quite nicely.
This intensely sweet Sherry is Christmas pudding in a glass! With plenty of warm flavours including raisins, dark chocolate and toffee with cinnamon and nutmeg, its great poured over ice cream, too!
