These reds will fare well on the open house circuit, and they’ll even meet most budgets for those office Secret Santa festivities
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There’s no more denying the arrival of the holiday season. I’ve already faced Whamageddon, the other day unexpectedly walking into a store cheerfully blaring Last Christmas. So let’s get on with — and into — it, time to tackle pairing wines with the holiday season. This week we start with a trio of reds, all versatile and cheery. They’ll fare well when brought along on the open house circuit, they’re ready to take on a wide array of meals, and they’ll even meet most budgets for those office Secret Santa festivities — or simply make a great bottled gift.
Amalaya 2023 Malbec, Argentina
($23.99, #168294)
The holidays are about gatherings, and gatherings are often about pleasing a crowd. And generally speaking, gregarious Malbec manages broad appeal. Admittedly to a fault at times, with too much oomph and fruit and not enough structure and pizzazz. Which is where Amalaya’s generous yet complex Malbec comes in; it will sate a crowd while engaging serious wine types. The high elevation vineyards no doubt play a part, this punchy red hails from vineyards nearly 1,800 metres in elevation in the arid Salta region of northwest Argentina. It’s plush and perfumed, fruity yet savoury, tense yet balanced. In short, it’s a delicious study of contrasts.
Bottom line: A-, Ripe for the holiday table.
Matilda Nieves 2021 Mencia, Spain
($25.99, #442106)
Looking for more of a curveball pick? The Ribeira Sacra area of northwest Spain is not the most well-known wine region, but there’s no need to look further if you want to surprise a wine fan or group of friends with a new tasty red. In Ribeira Sacra, Mencía is the red grape of note, and this bottle provides a great representation of both its prowess and elegance. Pouring a dullish garnet, it boasts an abundance of aromatics: flowers, red fruit, herbs, a touch of earth. It’s juicy and smooth, but also lithe and engaging. Time to gather under the mistletoe with this lip-smacking red.
Bottom line: A, Fresh, elegant, complex.
Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery 2021 Granite, B.C.
($29.99, available through the winery or at select private wines stores)
Teamwork makes the dream work, and with their new Granite bottling Oliver-based Bartier Bros. has launched a distinctly B.C. red blend. Featuring four grapes from three different regions, it pours a deep purple black and doesn’t hold back on aromas or flavours. There’s Syrah (53 per cent) from Black Sage Terrace, Merlot (32 per cent) from the Golden Mile Bench, as well as Cabernet Franc (12 per cent) and Cabernet Sauvignon (3 per cent) from the Cawston area in the Similkameen Valley. The grape team comes together in a robust style — lots of lush dark fruit, mocha, and savoury bacon fat — but maintains an overall freshness before a lengthy, toasty and herb-flecked finish.
Bottom line: B+, Rich and festive.
The Swirl: Sip and Sparkle
Time to head out to the wineries of Langley for a little Sip and Sparkle. From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (some locations open until 6 p.m.) on Dec, 7 and 8, nine Fraser Valley locations will be joining together in festive fun as they light up their vineyards and open up their tasting rooms. Events vary by location, with most offering tastings, mulled wine and other holiday treats, as well as local food trucks. Walk-ins are welcome space permitting, though reservations for tastings are recommended.