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Holiday Cheer is Here
Ring in the holidays with this month's party and gift-giving shopping list. Whether $10 or $100, there's a bottle (or two) for you.
Bubbles: Santa wouldn't ho-ho-ho without fizz and you don't have to either with these well-priced options.
$15 and under
Cristalino Rose Brut Cava, Spain $10 - Spanish Cava is the go-to bubbly for value. Fruity and light, it gets the party started.
Barefoot Bubbly Extra-Dry, California $10 - For colorful cocktails, add a dash of cranberry juice to this lightly-sweet sparkler then pop in pomegranate seeds.
Mionetto Brut Prosecco, Italy $13 - Mix with orange juice for a classic Christmas-morning treat.
Trapiche "Extra Brut," Mendoza, Argentina $13 - A unique fizz that's dry yet mouth-wateringly fresh. Serve with salty nuts and chips.
Codorniu Pinot Noir Brut, Cava, Spain $15 - Impress for less with this beautifully-packaged pink wine made from 100 percent Pinot Noir. Complex and classy, it's worth twice the price.
$20-45
J "Cuvee 20," Russian River Valley, California $20 - J is focused on bubbly and at this price you can't afford NOT to drink it all season long.
Mumm Napa "Brut Prestige," Napa Valley, California $20 - Brut indicates a dry wine and this is smooth yet succulent.
Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose, Cremant d'Alsace, France $23 - Hailing from the Alsace region, this top-notch pink sparkler is perfect paired with holiday fare.
Iron Horse "Russian Cuvee," Green Valley, California $33 - With a crimson label and lush, rich style the Russian cuvee (from California's top sparkling wine house), is a holiday treasure.
Henriot Brut "Souverain," Champagne, France $44 - Henriot's sleek sophistication is known to insiders who love Champagne.
Pol Roger Reserve Brut, Champagne, France $45 - A full-bodied winner from one of Champagne's traditional houses.
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Unique Gift Ideas: Cross the boss, in-laws, and thirsty friends off your list with these picks.
Under $25
For the sweet lover:
2008 Michele Chiarlo "Nivole" Moscato d'Asti, Italy $15 (half bottle) - Lightly-fizzy, lightly-sweet, this delicate Moscato is heaven with Christmas cookies.
For the classic drinker:
2008 La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, California $24 - An aromatic, layered Pinot Noir that's elegant and stylish.
For the vino adventurer:
2005 Albino Armani Foja Tonda, Vallagarina, Italy $25 - This 400-year old producer brought the spicy red grape, Foja Tonda, back from near extinction.
Party Packs around $100: More money to spend? Give a party pack.
Domestic Triple Threat:
2007 Domaine Drouhin "Arthur" Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, Oregon $30 - From Dijon clones grown in Oregon, this classy white is named for winemaker Veronique Drouhin's son.
2007 Cadaretta Syrah, Columbia Valley, Washington $35 - A boutique producer garnering rave reviews for intense, hearty reds.
2007 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California $42 - A perennial favorite that captures the sexy allure of Pinot Noir.
International Red Duo:
2004 Ceretto Barolo "Zonchera" Barolo, Italy $51 - Classic Barolo showcasing personality and sense of place without a typical "ouch" price tag.
2006 Melis "Elix" Priorat, Spain $45 - Power-packed yet approachable, this blend based on Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, marries Priorat's ruggedness with New World flair.
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