Whether for gifting or for pairing with the best dishes, choosing the perfect wine to succeed at Christmas is something we all have in mind.
And it is that there are many factors that we must consider when choosing a good wine for Christmas. One can opt for wines from recognized Designations of Origin, or also for recently awarded wines; one can also choose wines from prestigious wineries or winemakers, or decide on a prominent novelty from an emerging producer.
The key to success when choosing wines to triumph this Christmas, however, surely lies in a single fact: being able to share it with those we love most.
Here we have selected five great wines with which, for sure, you will succeed this Christmas (and all year round)!
Raza 2001. Bodegas Carmelo Rodero. D.O. Ribera del Duero
Race 2021it is a celebration of the Ribera del Duero terroir and the oenological vision of Beatriz Rodero, who imprints her unique mark on this extraordinary wine. A wine that reflects the soul of the vineyards of Pedrosa de Duero, a privileged enclave within the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin. Raza 2021 has already been recognized by some of the best guides with 97 points in the Proensa Guide and 98 in the Gourmets Wine Guide.Raza 2021, made with Tempranillo (90%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), is a balanced and deep red wine. Visually, it presents an attractive intense cherry red color with violet rims, denoting its youth and vivacity. On the nose, it displays an aromatic range of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and redcurrants, with delicate notes of sweet spices, cocoa, and a mineral background that evokes its calcareous-clay origin.
On the palate, as expected for a great Ribera, it is elegant and silky, with polished tannins and a perfectly integrated acidity that provides freshness. Its passage is broad and persistent, leaving an aftertaste marked by balsamic touches and a pleasant spicy sensation. This wine not only satisfies but invites to discover more in each sip.
Price: 33.50 euros.
Alma Alacer 2020. Bodegas Riojanas. D.O. Ribera del Duero
"Conceived to transmit, defying limits, the pure essence." This is how this Ribera del Duero from Bodegas Riojanas is presented, a wine that combines tradition, modernity, and an extraordinary connection with the terroir. This Tempranillo displays all its potential, a clear reflection of the area where it is produced and its vineyards, located more than 850 meters above sea level.Alma Alacer 2020 seduces with a deep garnet red color, with violet reflections that suggest its vibrant character. On the nose, it surprises with its aromatic complexity: an explosion of ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and plum, intertwined with delicate notes of licorice, vanilla, and a subtle toasted background, a result of its aging in French and American oak barrels.
On the palate, it is seductive and powerful, with a well-defined structure. The tannins are soft and velvety, offering a perfect balance between ripe fruit and spicy nuances. The acidity provides freshness, while its finish is long and persistent, leaving a trace of dark chocolate and a mineral touch that evokes its origin.
Undoubtedly, this wine represents the purest interpretation of the region's Tempranillo, made with passion and absolute respect for the natural environment. Alma Alacer 2020 is an ideal companion for special moments, such as Christmas.
Price: 24 euros.
Altos de Corral 2018. Bodegas Corral. D.O. La Rioja
Altos de Corral is a tribute to the diversity and richness of the terroir of the historic wine region of La Rioja. Produced by Bodegas Corral exclusively with Tempranillo, this wine aims to unite the century-old tradition of the Riojan winery with a contemporary approach that highlights the uniqueness of an exceptional vineyard.A red wine that stands out for its intense ruby red color, with garnet reflections that anticipate its elegance. On the nose, it displays extraordinary complexity, combining aromas of ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and plum, with notes of sweet spices, roasted coffee, and a delicate balsamic touch.
On the palate, it is round and structured, with silky tannins that provide texture and a perfectly integrated acidity that gives it freshness and balance. Its passage is persistent, leaving a memory of cocoa, vanilla, and a subtle mineral touch that alludes to its clay-calcareous soil. It is a deep and harmonious wine, ideal for enjoying in good company, but also for reserving for special occasions, thanks to its great aging potential.
Price: 18 euros.
A Contracorriente 2023. Bodega Campo Elíseo. D.O. Toro
A Contracorriente is an innovative and unique wine jewel, a tribute to authenticity and creative rebellion produced by the Campo Elíseo winery. Although it is a Toro, this wine challenges norms while deeply respecting the region's roots. With a base of Tinta de Toro grown in low-production vineyards, it stands out for its freshness, fruit intensity, and unique expression of the terroir.Intense cherry red color, bright and with violet reflections, typical of its youth, on the nose, it surprises with its aromatic power, dominated by notes of fresh red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, and a subtle spicy touch that adds complexity.
On the palate, it is vibrant and juicy, with a gentle entry and a silky texture. Soft tannins, which make it accessible and enveloping. Ripe red fruits stand out, with a mineral touch and a persistent finish. A perfect wine for Christmas feasts, thanks to its great gastronomic versatility.
Price: 18 euros.
El pas de l'estudiant 2024. Josep Grau Viticultor. D.O. Montsant
El Pas de l'Estudiant is much more than a wine: it is the result of Josep Grau's commitment to the recovery of Montsant's wine heritage. Made from historic vineyards of Garnacha Peluda and Cariñena, cultivated in an impressive natural amphitheater facing north, this wine reflects the richness of the environment and the dedication to preserving the wine tradition.The vineyard, recovered after decades of abandonment, is located on a dry stone terraced estate, where Josep Grau has worked to preserve its identity and adapt it to sustainable practices. This wine is a tribute to the Montsant terroir, made with minimal intervention and an artisanal approach that seeks to respect the natural language of the vineyard.
On the nose, it dazzles with aromas of fresh red fruits, such as wild cherries, intertwined with floral and herbaceous nuances that evoke the Mediterranean forest. On the palate, it is vibrant, pure, and deep, with an enveloping texture and a long finish where cherry stands out with great finesse. Its balance between freshness and complexity makes it a dynamic wine, which evolves wonderfully in the glass and maintains attention in each sip.
Price: 38 euros.