The lighting of cities and shopping centers announce that Christmas is already here. And one more year, tables will be dressed up with the best provisions and, of course, also the best wines. And it is that, on these opulent and gargantuan dates, the best wines from the land cannot be missing to toast and to pair those moments we share with friends and family.
On these special dates, furthermore, there is a greater tendency to look for different wines, limited editions, or great wines that you don't usually uncork daily. Wines that, due to their uniqueness, deserve to grace Christmas tables. Here we have selected five wines, precisely, to enjoy at Christmas, or before. Because surely you can find a good reason to delight yourself with a good wine.
El Linze 2021. Bodegas Selección Lucendo. Vinos de Castilla. €19.55
Chosen best Spanish wine and among the 50 best in the world, according to the list annually compiled by Andreas Larsson, El Linze is a very unique wine. A great wine at an unbeatable price.
Made with the almost disappearing variety, Tinto Velasco (75%), and Syrah (25%), this red expresses power and character. On the nose it is complex and aromatic, with a predominance of red and fresh fruit notes. Flowers such as violets, blackberry and a slight hint of coffee can also be perceived. On the palate it is flavorful, balanced, structured and with mature tannins. A wine that excites connoisseurs for its great potential, but also appeals to neophytes for its friendliness.
In addition to Larsson's distinction, it repeats as best wine of the year in the red wine category 2022/2023 in the Wine Up! guide.
Príncipe de Viana Aniversario 2018. Bodegas Príncipe de Viana. DO Navarra. €44
There is a wine for every moment, and this one, without a doubt, is for a special moment. On the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the Principality of Viana, the Navarrese winery has launched a very special edition, this Aniversario 2018.
An elegant wine, very elegant, enveloping, sweet. Made with a perfect blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha, and Cabernet Sauvignon from small plots. With intensity on the palate and ripe tannins that make its passage very pleasant, like silk. And an equally intense, complex, and elegant finish. A fantastic blend with Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha, and Cabernet. In the words of Pablo Pávez, winemaker at Príncipe de Viana, "It is a versatile and "polyglot" wine, as it makes itself understood by anyone who dares to try it. With an elegant bouquet, structured, elegant, and complex, it delights experts and laypeople alike, because the virtues of a great wine do not lie in the number of adjectives we are capable of applying to it, but in the full enjoyment of its sip."
Por ti. Bodegas de Luzón. DO Jumilla. 25,75€
"You are what I never dreamed of, what I never believed I deserved." With this suggestive phrase on its label, Por ti, from wineries Luzón, is presented. A wine whose previous name was Por tú, until 2015, and whose history began in 2007. A red wine inspired by the birth of the first daughter of one of the winery's workers. And from that event, a collection of personal, emotional wines has been built.
This Por ti is a red wine made from Monastrell (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), aged in wood, with 18 months in French and American oak barrels. Crafted with care from the hand-harvesting of the grapes, it is spicy on the palate, with a very balanced body, the terroir in a glass. A modern, rich, powerfully structured, flavorful wine, however. On the palate, with good structure, candied, flavorful, with ripe and sweet tannins. A long and pleasant wine.
Beronia Reserva 50 Aniversario. Bodegas Beronia. D.O.Ca. Rioja. 17€
Created to be enjoyed on special occasions, this commemorative edition of Beronia Reserva is from the 2019 vintage, rated as "Excellent". Made with Tempranillo and Graciano grapes, this local wine has managed to express the elegance and balance characteristic of Rioja Alta, two ideal features for aging wines.
Its essence is reflected in the beautiful deep garnet color with a high layer and in the attractive and complex nose it displays, where red fruits emerge and a chocolate background over balsamic and menthol notes. When enjoyed on the palate, it is round, flavorful, long, and with a balanced acidity. Ideal to enjoy with roasts, Iberian cured meats, and aged cheeses.
Cérvoles Estrat 2019. Celler Cérvoles. DO Costers del Segre. 62,35€
More than a quarter of a century has passed since the owners of the centenary winery Castell del Remei fell in love with the vineyards of the La Pobla de Cérvoles estate (Les Garrigues, Lleida) and decided to create Cérvoles Celler. An anniversary that allows us to rediscover some of their most exclusive wines, such as this Estrats 2019.
A very expressive red wine, made after a careful and exhaustive selection of the best grapes harvested from their Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot vineyards.
A wine with 18 months in new French oak barrels that gives it that very intense and deep cherry red color. On the nose, a fragrant aroma of cherries, blackberries, fresh black fruit accompanied by balsamic profiles, with notes of pepper, clove, and cedar. On the palate, a vibrant explosion, which evidences the possible long life of this wine. The fruit is very present, followed by notes of vanilla, coffee, and chocolates. Freshness and good structure. A long-lasting wine (aging wine). One of the "greats", with 94 points in Peñín, which pairs with red meats, roasts, and cheeses.
Add The New Barcelona Post as your preferred Google source for free
Stay informed with the latest news.