Blumond Blue Bubbly

Tuscany, Italy $$24

This sparkling wine has grown in popularity since it was introduced a few years ago by the Fratelli Saraceni family who operates their winery in the heart of Tuscany. Two of the brothers came up with this First Blue Sparkling wine, crafted from premium Italian grapes. It’s refreshing and vibrant with lively acidity. Blue Bubbly offers delicious peach flavors with a well-balanced and sweet mouthfeel. This light-bodied sparkler is only 7% ABV, so you can enjoy all day long with many lighter foods for holiday gatherings, celebrations, and weddings.

Ramey Chardonnay Russian River 2023

Sonoma County, California $47

This Chardonnay earned a 95-point rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. It was barrel fermented and matured for 12 months in 10% new French oak barrels. On the nose, aromatics of white stone fruit and pineapple, with notes of toasted brioche and honey. The palate offers concentrated flavors of mango and ripe peach with bright acidity and a lingering finish of lemon and tangerine drops. Enjoy this holiday season with rich and savory dishes like roasted chicken, seafood, or creamy pasta. Drink now, or cellar for another few years.

Taittinger La Francaise Brut Champagne N/V

Reims, France $44

Maison Taittinger has been based in Reims since it was founded in 1734. Pierre Taittinger and his sons Francois and Claude led the growth of the business, and by the 1960s it was a world renown champagne house. This dry Champagne shows a brilliant pale gold in the glass, with hints of spice and flowers in the nose. On the palate, a complex mixture of stone fruits that yield a toasty lemon mouthfeel. Due to its acidity, it goes well with lobster, oysters and sushi, and fried foods too. La Francaise will help make this year’s holiday time more fun!

Stollar Family Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2018

Willamette Valley, Oregon $40

The grapes for this unique Pinot were carefully chosen over time from sections of the many vineyards. The yeast is fermented in stainless steel tanks, then stored for 12 months in French oak barrels. This Reserve opens with aromas of ripe plum, dried cherries, and baking spice. The mouthfeel is supple, with flavors of cola, cedar and flint. You can enjoy now, but it will improve with proper aging. With a wine this big, the 14.1% ABV is expected. Serve with holiday feasts like roasted beef, filet mignon, turkey and venison.

Luc Belaire Lux Rosé N/V

Provence, France $30

A unique blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah red grapes give this bubbly classic taste and easy drinkability for the coming year. A deep pink color with aromas of fresh strawberry and raspberry bring a creamy and rich palate with berry flavors. A slight touch of wood adds to the spritzy vigor and long, velvety finish. This is a food-friendly wine, and just right for celebrating the year's end with hors d’oeuvres, and seafood plates such as mussels and shrimp dishes. Lux Belaire offers other products in colorful bottles with white, gold, and black labels.