6 fantastic fine wines for a truly popping festive season: with Thanksgiving, Christmas and Lunar New Year fast approaching, stock up on these vintage bubblies, pinot noirs and Rieslings

Nov 7 , 2022

Six fantastic bottles for a wine-derful festive season in 2022. Photo: Various

Thanksgiving, Christmas and Lunar New Year are all approaching in the next few months, which means your weight loss and diet plans might be better postponed to February. Till then though, if you’re determined to make the most of this gluttonous period of plenty, you’ll want to stock up on some fine wines before they go out of stock.

Kenneth Man, fine wine specialist at wine merchants Ginsberg+Chan, has selected six top bottles that will turn any festive meal into a memorably gratifying affair.

1. Larmandier-Bernier VV du Levant Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2012

Region: Champagne, France

Price: US$130 (HK$1,050)

Grape varieties: 100 per cent chardonnay

Man says: “No celebration is complete without some bubbles. This 2012 vintage opens nicely with seductive aromas of orange and pear intermingled with freshly baked bread. There is a nice chalky, biscuity aroma that adds to the complexity, with a beautiful mousse and layers of concentration that lead to an elegant floral, creamy and almost waxy finish.”

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2. 00 Wines ‘VGW’ Very Good White Chardonnay 2019

Region: Oregon, US

Price: US$100 (HK$780)

Grape varieties: 100 per cent chardonnay

Man says: “This boutique estate in Oregon’s Willamette Valley makes outstanding Burgundy-level chardonnay, utilising long-forgotten techniques to harness the expressiveness and purity of fruit. A beautiful perfume of baked lemons, poached pears and ground nutmeg from the moment you pop the cork, rounding out with a bright mineral-driven finish. Pair this with your turkey for a very sumptuous Christmas meal.”

Vineyards in Burgundy are mostly planted to pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Photo: Cocktail Steward

3. Chavy Chouet Meursault Genevrieres 1er Cru 2019

Region: Burgundy, France

Price: US$100 (HK$800)

Grape varieties: 100 per cent chardonnay

Man says: “Not just a fun name to pronounce, this is a stunning Premier Cru Meursault that offers superb value for money. Intense white peaches, spiced tea and lemon zest contribute to this powerful chardonnay that will go wonderfully with your turkey. The rich, creamy finish is balanced with lovely minerality that just leaves you wanting more.”

4. Henri Jouan Morey Saint Denis Clos Sorbe 1er Cru 2018

Region: Burgundy, France

Price: US$180 (HK$1,400)

Grape varieties: 100 per cent pinot noir

Man says: “You can’t go wrong with a red Burgundy for Christmas dinner. The signature elegance of a Morey St Denis is paired beautifully with the silky tannins and fragrant red fruits. It’s versatile, meaning you can drink it on its own or with gamy dishes. Expect concentrated red cherries, blackberries and hints of licorice with a smoky, long, velvety finish.”

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou produces some of the most consistently drinkable wines from Bordeaux, especially when aged. Photo: Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou

5. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 1994

Region: Bordeaux, France

Price: US$200 (HK$1,550)

Grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon, merlot (Bordeaux blend)

Man says: “What is Christmas without a good old traditional Claret? Ducru Beaucaillou is consistently among the most outstanding chateaux in Bordeaux. With a nice bit of age, this bottle [is perfect for drinking], with the velvety tannins integrating with the classic notes of cassis, pencil shavings and floral scented aromas. Pair with a roast leg of lamb for a memorable Christmas.”

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6. Clemens Busch Marienburg Falkenlay Riesling Auslese Half Bottle 2019

Region: Mosel, Germany

Price: US$60 (HK$500)

Grape varieties: 100 per cent Riesling

Man says: “One of the most celebrated biodynamic producers in the Mosel, this medium sweet Riesling Auslese is the perfect way to finish your dinner. Orange marmalade, honey and hints of spice are overlaid with beautiful freshness. Rich, powerful, but not in any way syrupy, drink on its own as a digestif or with a nice cheese board.”

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Wine and Spirits

With the festive season just around the corner, we speak with Ginsberg+Chan’s fine wine specialist Kenneth Man on his top 6 bottle recommendations right now
From a 2012 vintage bubbly from Champagne and 00 Wines’ Very Good white chardonnay, to a Morey St Denis pinot noir and a Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou Bordeaux blend