While prepping your holiday menu, don’t forget the most important detail—the wine. Here to help every host find the perfect bottles are Boston’s premier sommeliers and wine experts.
Keeping these bottles on hand promises the most excellent dinner parties.
Andrew Thompson Sommelier, Bistro du Midi, bistrodumidi.com
The Sip: Bugey-Cerdon
“The drink is fruit forward, semisweet and has a low ABV [alcohol by volume], so it drinks light. It’s my favorite with chocolate- and fruit-based desserts, and really great for family members who don’t think they like wine because it’s so approachable!”
Benjamin Appleby, Wine and Beverage Director, Abe & Louie’s, abeandlouies.com
The Sip: 2007 Ferreira Vintage Ruby
“ A bottle of port is not something you might think to buy for yourself most of the year, but it is the perfect thing to serve at gatherings before or after dinner. Port is sweet, so it pairs easily with any dessert, but the vintage rubies are also famously good with savory foods like Stilton cheese or nuts. My current favorite is the 2007 Ferreira Vintage Ruby.”
Keep a bottle of Ca’ del Bosco on hand for a crisp sip
Carri Wroblewski Co-Owner, Brix Wine Shop, brixwineshop.com
The Sip: Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige
“With its signature golden-orange wrapper, not only does it look good, but it tastes even better. Coming from over 216 different vineyard parcels, which are all vinified separately and then blended, this bubbly makes a stunning hostess gift yet is affordable enough to pour at your holiday cocktail party. Elegant and crisp on the palate, it has flavors of fresh citrus, stone fruit and a zesty, mineral finish.”
Chris Campbell Sommelier, Troquet on South, troquetboston.com
The Sip: Krug Grande Cuvée Champagne 170ème Édition
“Champagne is a perfect way to celebrate with friends and family, and these wines age beautifully. A full body with lively bubbles and hints of citrus, honey and almonds, this Champagne is served best as an aperitif but rich enough to enjoy with dinner.”
It’s not a proper celebration without Krug, Grande Cuvée.
Hugo Bensimon Wine Director and Advanced Sommelier, Grill 23, grill23.com
The Sip: Krug, Grande Cuvée
“In my opinion, it’s one of the best bottles of bubbles you can get. It combines the freshness of current-release Champagne with the complexity of older wine to create the best of the best. It’s great with all food and perfect to sip alone. I always recommend drinking it in a white wine glass to appreciate it to its fullest.”
Howie Rubin General Manager and Wine Buyer, Bauer Wine & Spirits, bauerwines.com
The Sip: Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé
“This makes for the perfect holiday beverage, as rosé Champagnes are at the top of the festive beverage category. The Champagne is a pale salmon color, due to it being 100% pinot noir, from grand cru vineyards. It’s brilliant in the glass, with explosive strawberry aromas and delicate flavors of bright berries and toasted nuts. A long, persistent finish makes it an ideal mate for sushi or holiday party appetizers, and it comes in a gorgeous gift box, if you need to bring over a hostess gift.”
Photography by: CORINA RAINER/UNSPLASH; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND
