Brunches, holiday dinners and other gatherings will follow one another in the coming weeks.
Which wines should you serve ? Wheter it's to pair with your meal, or to give as an hostess gifts, here are our suggestions of wines.
Sparkling wines
Nothing says celebration like the "pop" of a freshly opened bottle of sparkling wine! Here are 4 suggestions for different budgets.
1. L'Orpailleur Brut
A great product from Quebec to raise a glass during the holiday celebrations. Made of seyval and vidal, the notes of cooked apples and pears are very pleasant. Produced according to the traditional method, you'll also perceive the characteristic notes of cookies which bring a beautiful complexity to these fine bubbles.
It is served as an aperitif, with seafood, smoked salmon, fish, dishes with cream sauce or soft cheeses. Available at the SAQ.
2. Pas Sages Brut 2021
With its fine bubbles, notes of pear, apple and lemon, a pleasant acidity in the mouth and a touch of minerality, this is a sparkling wine that will not disappoint during the holidays! And at less than 20$, the quality-price ratio is excellent. Available at the SAQ.
3. Ackerman Crémant de Loire
When it comes to bubbles, the crémants of the Loire are another unbeatable value for money. This one, from Ackerman, proves it! With just the right amount of roundness and freshness, the apple and lemon aromas rub shoulders with the brioche and cookie notes brought on by the aging on laths. Available at the SAQ.
4. Bottega Pink Gold Prosecco Brut 2021
This rosé prosecco, a little more expensive than the usual proseccos, will bring a festive air to the table with its pretty glittering bottle! You'll find aromas of apple, citrus and white peach with light notes of red fruits brought by the presence of pinot noir. Available at the SAQ.
5. Champagne Collet Esprit Couture
To spoil yourself or to offer as a gift, make way for Esprit Couture champagne from the Maison Collet. In a bottle molded on a perfume bottle and adorned with a bracelet, you'll enjoy the fine bubbles, its characteristic fruity and brioche notes, with a touch of minerality and a silky finish. And it comes in a beautiful box, a nod to the houses of haute couture. A treat for the taste buds and the eyes. Available at the SAQ.
White wines
6. William Blanc 2021 - Vignoble Rivière du Chêne
This fruity and dry wine, with aromas of pears, green apples and citrus, is perfect for the aperitif!
Fresh, with a sustained acidity, it is very good served alone as an aperitif or to accompany fish, sushi and seafood, poultry and goat cheese. And under $15, it's a great value. Available at the SAQ.
7. Vincent Carême Vouvray Spring 2020
The Vincent Carême is a favorite here for the aperitif. This vouvray, 100% chenin, charms with its notes of tropical fruits, apples, pears and citrus. A hint of minerality and a certain acidity complete the picture, making it the perfect companion to oysters, lobster or sushi. Available at the SAQ.
8. Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2020
This Washington State Chardonnay, with its oaky notes and apple and pear aromas, will be perfect with creamy dishes, scallops or crab croquettes, turkey or pasta in creamy sauce. Available at the SAQ.
Red wines
9. Altamente Jumilla 2020
Composed of 100% monastrell, this organic and natural wine charms with its generous mouth of raspberry, cherry and a touch of pepper.
Balanced, with just the right amount of tannin and acidity, it will be perfect with a Chinese fondue, meatball stew or meat pie. And under $15, don't hold back on always a few bottles on hand. Available at the SAQ.
10. Modus Toscana 2019 - Ruffino
The Modus is a supertoscan, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese, with the first vintage dating back to 1997. Blackberries, cherries, plums and floral aromas give way to a finish with a hint of spice, cocoa and clove.
Aged 12 months in barrel, this full-bodied, fruity wine with soft tannins is the perfect accompaniment to braised meat such as ossobuco, grilled red meat or meat-stuffed pasta. Available at the SAQ.
11. Château Bouscassé Madiran
A blend of tannat (50%), cabernet-sauvignon and cabernet-franc, this wine from the Madiran appellation will be perfect to accompany Lac St-Jean tourtières with game and red meat dishes. Available at the SAQ.
Dessert wine
12. Lafrance Ice Cider - Domaine Lafrance
What a delight this ice cider is! Made by cryoconcentration, which means that the pressed apple juice is kept outside during the winter, this sweet cider has notes of ripe and stewed apples as well as peach.
It will be perfect with dark chocolate desserts, Christmas logs, fine cheeses or a fruit platter. But don't limit yourself to serving it for dessert, as it will also be excellent with foie gras as an appetizer or with a cheese platter. Available at the SAQ.