I think it’s safe to assume that most of us gift wine at some point during the holidays. That’s because – unlike that festive sweater you never wanted – wine is a present that’s happily received by virtually everyone. But with seemingly endless options, it can be a bit of a daunting task to find the perfect bottle for that special someone. Let’s face it, we’ve all been there, hopelessly staring down the LCBO aisle waiting for “the one” to pop out. Newsflash: it never does. To make things more challenging, this year many of us are shopping online due to the pandemic — we thought the aisles were overwhelming, I recently discovered that scrolling to find the right wine is not for the faint-hearted. So, to make things less stressful these holidays, I’ve partnered with Wines from Spain to showcase five wines (all under $30) that I’d recommend gifting this season. Salud!
5 Spanish Wines To Gift This Holiday Season
1. Sparkle Sparkle: Pere Ventura Tresor Brut Reserva Cava
My favourite type of wine to gift during the holidays? Sparkling. It’s fun, elegant and a special treat since most people don’t buy sparkling wine for themselves. For those unfamiliar, Spain produces incredible sparkling wine called Cava. Made in the traditional method (bottle-fermented) , it’s usually fruitier than Champagne and not as sweet as Prosecco. My kind of sparkling!
Photo c/o Sik Photography
You’ll find many Cava DO options on LCBO shelves/online and the majority are a fraction of the price compared to their French counterparts. Labelled according to the amount of sweetness (least sweet: Brut, most sweet: Dulce), you’ll want to select one suited for your recipient’s palate. I like my bubbly dry so my pick is the Pere Ventura Tresor Brut Reserva Cava 2017. It’s bright, citrusy and well-balanced. On the palate I get green apple and pear with a hit of nectarine. This sparkling is fresh with fine bubbles (a light mousse) that is positively food-friendly. You’ll want to grab a few bottles for NYE!
2. Rioja Red: Muga Reserva
Rioja is arguably Spain’s most famous wine region and one I often resort to when I’m not quite sure what to buy. That’s because wines from Rioja Denominación de Origen Calificada rarely disappoint. Located in northern Spain, there are over 600 wineries in Rioja producing memorable, world-class wines that will transport your palate with each sip. A virtual escape we can all appreciate this year…
Produced by a family-run winery that prides itself in following traditional methods, Muga Reserva is a Tempranillo blend (Rioja’s most commonly used grape variety). It’s a powerful and memorable wine. Think: cherry, blackberry and cedar with a hit of vanilla. It’s dry, full-bodied and has a long finish — it’s basically made for cozy nights by the fireplace.
3. Aromatic Chardonnay: Raimat Castell Chardonnay 2018
Oh Chardonnay, a noble yet often misunderstood grape. Before you scroll past this reco, let me assure you that not all Chardonnays are big and buttery (a characteristic that’s turned many people off the varietal). In fact, the ones I’ve tasted from Spain are anything but. Like other warm-climate regions, Spanish Chardonnays are known to have notes of white peach, melon and tropical fruits. Sound fresh and fruity? Many are!
I recently made a pomegranate molasses and orange glazed chicken and decided to serve it with the Raimat Castell Chardonnay 2018. It paired wonderfully not only with the chicken, but also with the brussels sprouts and twice-baked potatoes so it’s definitely versatile! This wine is fresh, balanced and citrusy. You can taste a bit of oak, but it doesn’t overpower the fruits in the wine so I think most palates would enjoy it.
4. A Bit Of Spice And Everything Nice: La Tremenda Monastrell 2017
Monastrell (also known as Murviedro, Mourvedre or Mataró) is a grape mainly found in Murcia, Alicante, Jumilla, Albacete and Valencia. It often results in wines with a deep colour and deep flavour profile. If you like big, rustic wines like I do, you’ll want to give this varietal a try…
If I had to choose my favourite of the five wines listed here, La Tremenda Monastrell 2017 would be it. Made from the estate’s 30-year-old La Tremenda vineyard, this juicy red has been aged for six months in French oak. It’s expressive, round and has a silky mouthfeel. With notes of rosemary and thyme it’s perfect for that holiday dinner. Grab a few bottles because you’re truly getting incredible value here.
5. Juicy Tempranillo: 5 Meses en Barrica Monteabellón 2018
For my last recommendation, we head to a winery in Ribera del Duero DO where Tempranillo-based wines reign supreme.
This was my first time tasting 5 Meses en Barrica Monteabellón 2018 and certainly not the last. The mouthfeel of this wine is incredible — so silky! Overall it’s a balanced, easy drinking and flavourful Tempranillo — a red that’s both complex and approachable. I also love that Bodegas Monteabellón is also a family winery. Located in the small town of Nava de Roa, they pride themselves in only using native grape varieties and seem to be quite meticulous which means you’re guaranteed to drink a wine they’re proud of!
Hope this little guide is helpful when you’re looking for that perfect bottle of wine to gift this season. And to make it extra special, I recommend setting up a themed virtual wine night with the recipient too. It’s a great way to share the experience in a safe and fun way. Happy holidays!
A huge thanks to Wines From Spain for sponsoring this post so I can share my recommendations with you.
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