It’s the most wonderful time of the year, made wonderful, in part, by beloved traditions that make the season special. And what could make those traditions even better? Finding the perfect glass of wine to accompany them. Read on for our recommended M Cellars wines to pair with 12 of our favorite Christmas traditions.
1. Decorating the Tree | 2019 Pinot Noir Reserve Amphora
Pinot is French for pine cone, so these two already seem made for each other. Add to that the warm aromas of bright bing cherry, cocoa and baking spices that seem specifically crafted for a cozy winter’s eve. And because this wine was aged in the ancient amphora vessel, it feels just right to accompany an age-old tradition.
2. Addressing Christmas Cards | 2020 Cabernet Franc
What better match for an evening of hand-written greetings than a wine that was hand-planted, hand-crafted, and aged in clay amphorae to deliver a pure expression of the grape and terroir? Possibly our favorite 2020 release, the beautifully balanced characteristics and super-smooth texture of our 2020 Cabernet Franc will make filling out addresses feel like a gift.
3. Baking Christmas Cookies | 2020 Blanc De Blancs
While the goal here is MAKING cookies, surely there will be tastes happening here and there. For this, we recommend opening a bottle of our newly released 2020 Blanc de Blancs — especially if you’re hosting a cookie-making party. The pleasing acidity is a perfect balance for the creamy butteriness of traditional Christmas sugar cookies, and the bubbles make a lovely textural contrast. Made in the traditional method, it’s an excellent pairing for this sweet holiday tradition. Note: This wine is a Wine Club members exclusive.
4. Making Gingerbread Houses | 2019 Riesling
Like cookie making, you can’t expect to build a gingerbread house without losing some of the raw materials to taste tests. The light, fruit-forward character of our 2019 Riesling will bring a delightful contrast to the gingerbread—its touch of sweetness will accentuate the winter spices, while its creamy texture counters the hard, porous cookie surface.
5. Hanging Stockings | 2019 Pinot Noir Reserve
Stockings are generally hung by the chimney (with care). And for an evening in front of the fire, we love a glass of our 2019 barrel-aged Pinot Noir Reserve. A beautiful representative of one of our finest growing seasons, the notes of warm harvest spices and silky texture will make a lovely match for sitting back, cozying up and admiring your festive work.
6. Ordering Last Minute Gifts Online | 2020 Rkatsiteli
You’ve just been notified that your delivery is back-ordered, or realized that there’s a name still to be crossed off your gift list. So you turn to the internet to find the perfect thing (with fast shipping) — but what wine should you turn to? We recommend a wine that matches the energy of this all-too-familiar situation. Our bright, lively and slightly spicy 2020 Rkatsiteli will provide excellent company while you execute a Christmas miracle.
7. Watching Christmas Movies | 2020 Chardonnay Reserve Barrique
You may have waited a whole year to watch your favorite Christmas movies, and for that, we’ve got a wine that we’ve been waiting to release until just the right time. The smooth body and delicate aromatics of our newly debuted 2020 Chardonnay Reserve Barrique will make an ideal accompaniment for any classic holiday film. You may even want to make it a marathon. Note: This wine is a Wine Club members exclusive.
8. Wrapping Presents | 2020 Dry Rosé
Lively and well-balanced, our versatile Dry Rosé is a great match for gift wrapping. Its light and refreshing characteristics will keep your energy up. And since it’s five grapes wrapped up in one crisp, clean package, feel free to drink in the inspiration as you wrap up your own.
9. Singing Carols | 2020 Dolce Razz
Whether you’re recording a home video to share with friends or family, practicing for a surprise neighborhood performance, or just feeling extra festive, this sweet holiday pastime deserves a good partner. If port-style wine suits you, we recommend our fortified 2020 Dolce Razz. It’ll help warm up your vocal cords, and it’s perfect for slow sips between songs.
10. Wearing Ugly Sweaters | 2019 Meritage Reserve
Just because you look like you don’t have taste doesn’t mean your taste buds should be punished. While most ugly sweaters sport clashing colors, our award-winning Meritage Reserve takes mixing and matching seriously, with a delicious Bordeaux blend of Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cab Franc. And if you spill, it’ll probably just make the sweater better.
11. Having a White Elephant | 2020 Cuveé
It is said that the term “white elephant” originally referred to a legendary devious practice of the King of Siam, which is modern-day Thailand. At Christmas, it refers to a fun gift swap which usually results in friendly competition and highly entertaining exchanges. Our 2020 Cuveé, with its notes of lychee (a southeast Asian fruit), fresh lemon and warm, soft spices, will make a welcome player. Plus, if things get wild, its low tannins make it easier to clean up any spills.
12. Hosting a Holiday Brunch | 2019 Brut Rosé
Nothing says celebration like effervescence, and our 2019 Brut Rosé makes for a joyful kick-off to any holiday festivities. Its dry, clean characteristics make a great match for many brunch menu items — sweet and savory alike. And the long-lasting bubbles will cleanse palates between bites and courses. It’s also great as a main player in a signature fizzy drink, pomosa or classic mimosa.
Do you have any traditions to share? We’d love to hear them! Connect with us online or stop into the winery for an evening in front of our fire. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and we hope to see you soon.
