If you are still looking for your holiday wine, here are some wonderful suggestions from Vineyard Brands to explore. Certainly, these wines could bring some joy to your holiday season. And the good news – a beautiful white from Chateau Climens is available at Total Wines in the Seattle area. Specifically, read on for details about four wines we enjoyed last week.

Chateau Climens Asphodèle 2019 ($42)

Most important, this is our favorite new white wine of December. This dry wine from the Climens Vineyard is 100% Semillon, and so fresh, textured and seductive. Clay and limestone soil, plus eight months in stainless steel tanks, bring a beautiful salinity and minerality to each glass. Aromas and flavors of tangerine and lime merge into richness and vibrancy. Chateau Climens recommends aerating first to experience its full expressiveness. We love this wine!

Famille Perrin Nature Rosé 2019 ($15)

Oh my, we enjoyed sipping this wine by the fireplace before dinner! Famille Perrin Nature Rosé is a beautiful, salmon-colored Rhône blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Elegant and well-balanced, aromas of citrus and red fruit mirror the flavors. Serve with light cuisine, Mediterranean food or simply as we did, as an aperitif. The Perrin family is often referred to as the “first family of the Rhône Valley”. They are pioneers in their innovative approach to organic farming in 1950, and later biodynamic farming in 1974.

Domaine Matrot Maranges Vieilles Vignes 2017 ($39)

What a pretty Burgundy Pinot Noir from Thierry Et Pascale Matrot. Medium bodied and complex, the nose opens with raspberries, herbs, orange peel and crushed stones, followed by flavors of cherries, earthy notes and more herbs. This will go well with holiday meals, for sure. Domaine Matrot is a family estate, established in 1914 in Meursault, the most southern appellation of the Côte de Beaune.

Domaine Stephane Ogier Le Temps Est Venu 2018 ($23)

Wine geeks certainly know the name Stephane Ogier, whose wines are a reference point for the northern Rhône Valley and are sought out by great chefs and serious wine lovers. This is a beautiful blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. The wine opens up with black currant, black cherry, spices and leathery aromas, followed by flavors of more cherries, cranberries and black fruit. Pair it with meat dishes – marinated, grilled or barbecued – or sip it with aged cheese.

Summary

In conclusion, we recommend these stellar wines from Vineyard brands whom, above all, we thank for the introduction and the samples. These wines are available in the U.S., and we will be making a purchase soon.

We’ve also updated our list of holiday wines to include some of these beauties.

Most importantly, we hope you stay safe, stay home, and enjoy the season.

Cheers!
Margot and Dave