It's nearly Christmas, and the final orders are arriving at wine shops, with everyone gearing up to celebrate the holidays. Customers have been on the lookout for unique bottles as gifts or the perfect wine for their Christmas dinner. For our engaged VinoVossers, here's a quick list of wines to make your Christmas special. Some wines come with great stories, while others are simply for enjoyment.

Having the right wine can make or break the Christmas feast. (Drobot Dean/stock.adobe.com)

Ask yourself this question: What wine will you use to celebrate the best time of the year with your loved ones? Champagne, of course! Here are four Champagnes, ranging from budget-friendly options for your in-laws to exquisite choices to enjoy with your loved ones.

Champagne All Day

Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Aÿ Champagne

One of the best value Champagnes out there is Bollinger. It's highly intense and very complex, featuring rich brioche notes and everything you need. Available in small, standard, or even magnum bottles, it can compete with more expensive vintage Champagnes.

This Champagne rose to fame, as late Madame Bollinger once said: “I drink my Champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I'm thirsty.”

Jacques Selosse Initial Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne Grand Cru 'Avize'

One of the most sought-after Champagne producers is known for their unique approach to aging and maturing wine using a solera system, combined with extended lees aging, which contributes to its outstanding quality. Additionally, they only use their own yeasts and minimize the use of SO2. Part of their wine is fermented in new French oak barrels and allowed to mature on the fine lees, adding to its luxurious mouthfeel. This makes for a unique wine that's a hit with enthusiasts and offers a broad range of discussion.

Krug Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne

Krug stands as one of the most renowned and prestigious Champagne producers. Despite its high price point, the quality it offers is exceptional. Krug skillfully blends the best vintage wines into this cuvée. Some Masters of Wine believe that the standard wine is of even higher quality. We'll leave that decision up to you. 

Pol Roger Réserve Brut Champagne
The Champagne of victors, Pol Roger, as the British often refer to it, was Winston Churchill's favorite Champagne. In honor of the late Prime Minister of WWII, Pol Roger created the Cuvée Winston Churchill, which is one of the most prestigious vintage Champagnes. The steely acidity of their Brut offers a budget-friendly alternative. 

Celebrating a White Christmas

White wines can be a perfect accompaniment to traditional roast turkey or ham, especially when paired with stuffed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The range of wines are as diverse as your family members.

The Pinot Project Pinot Grigio

You simply can't go wrong with a refreshing, crisp Pinot Grigio. Its neutral character, combined with a light body and a slightly bitter aftertaste, makes it an excellent choice. For the best enjoyment, select the youngest available vintage. No context is needed here – it's just good wine.

Domaine William Fèvre Chablis

The most classic Chablis out there is known for its light body, steely acidity, and versatile food pairing options, making it an excellent choice. This winery, considered one of the leading and finest wine producers in the region, has been following a natural approach since 1959.

You can enjoy it with oysters, seafood, or even light meats.

Schloss Johannisberg Gelblack Riesling trocken

Schloss Johannisberg is one of the most traditional estates in Germany, with a history tracing back to around 817 A.D. when Charlemagne planted the first vineyards in the Rheingau region. Later, the winery became renowned as the first to produce late-harvested wines of the highest quality. According to history, the delay of a horseman, who was supposed to bring the king's decree to begin harvesting, led to this discovery. This rider is perhaps the only person in the world commemorated with a statue for being late. The "lack," refers to the paint, indicating the sweetness level of the wines. For instance, the yellow color represents "dry."

Floral Christmas Gossip

Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé

You can't beat the gossip, even when it revolves around past events. It's always intriguing to discuss America's once most famous married couple, Brad and Angelina. They acquired an estate in the Provence region of France in 2008. Reportedly, they purchased the 35-room Château without realizing initially that it included a potentially award-winning winery. To capitalize on this serendipitous find, they collaborated with Perrin, a top winemaker in the region, to produce their wines. Despite the $350 million lawsuit against Brad, the wine they produce is exceptional and is even presented in a designer bottle.

The Code is Red

Red wine is usually the go-to choice for main courses, especially when serving steak, ribs, or other hearty dishes. However, as the holiday progresses, you might find yourself wanting a lighter red for in-between moments. Light reds have the advantage of being slightly chillable, offering a refreshing option throughout the day while the heavier wines are decanted, awaiting their moment at the feast.

Jean Foillard Morgon 

Morgon, which might prompt dad jokes about "Mordor" at the dinner table, is actually one of the prime locations for growing Gamay in Beaujolais. Its granite-based terroir, coupled with steep slopes and adequate heat, produces a wine with a muscular character and soft tannins. The low-intervention approach makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a natural wine experience. Not quite light, not heavy, but somewhere in between, it's a versatile option for various occasions. 

Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon

If you're in search of a classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that offers exceptional quality without breaking the bank, we've got just the recommendation for you. The Black is a benchmark in its category, offering a deep color and concentration, along with high grippy tannins and a long finish. Interestingly, older vintages are available, allowing you to benefit from softer tannins and savory notes. This wine is a great choice for those who appreciate the complexity and depth of a well-crafted Napa Cabernet.

Pio Cesare Barolo
This winery, with a history spanning over 135 years, is currently helmed by the 5th generation of winemakers who continue to produce record-breaking wines. Their success is attributed to a low-intervention approach and a commitment to using only the finest Nebbiolo grapes. Despite their pale color, a characteristic stemming from the grape's thin skin, Nebbiolo wines are renowned for their very high grippy tannins and complex flavor profiles. This serves as a reminder that exceptional wines don't always have to come from Burgundy.

As Christmas approaches, we hope that this small selection inspires you to enjoy the best wines for the season. Merry Christmas from the  VinoVoss Team!

Peter Douglas