Every year, after the harvest, I delight in thinking of the approach of the Festive Season. I like the social occasions planned around delicious food cooked by one and all with, of course, some good bottles to add to the festivity. It seems to me that excesses are finally allowed, and not just under the mistletoe…. Here are a few suggestions to add some freshness and lightness to your seasonal meals, which are often rich in fats and carbohydrates. I suggest here some great wine types from regions where the climate and soil develop both lively fruitiness and a high level of finesse. These wines bring people together and the bubbles will fill the occasion with gaiety.

Starting with the bubbles
In this galaxy of bottles, houses and appellations, there are several vintages to be found that are less well-known and good for all budgets. The wines I suggest here are made using the traditional Champagne method (they undergo a second fermentation in the bottle, which leads to fine bubbles) and come from sustainable viticulture that’s healthy for the soil and for us, as well.

An authentic sparkling wines that does a good job of representing its terroir: Lombardy, in northern Italy. The Bellavista, of the Franciacorta appellation, is a worthy Italian cousin of Champagne. With an assemblage dominated by chardonnay, it offers pleasant fruitiness, roundness, and sustained fine bubbles. A nice way to begin the evening! Franciacorta Bellavista, Alma gran cuvée, brut no. 340505 $37.75

From the house J. Laurens, a crémant de Limoux brut (dry), vintage. Delicate aromas and lasting texture. Excellent value. Laurens, Clos des Demoiselles, tête de cuvée 2014, no. 10498973 $22.50

Of course, there’s Champagne, in which the harmony of bubbles and texture goes without saying. Pascal Doquet grows his vines on the côte des blancs (chalky, limestone area) in Champagne. He offers, as a premier cru, a 100 per cent chardonnay blanc de blancs that is dry and natural, and most reasonably priced for this kind of vintage. The texture is fine and fresh, on notes of fresh brioche. Pairs beautifully with shellfish, mollusks and oysters. Pascal Doquet, Arpège, 1^er cru blanc de blancs, no.12024253 $60.50

For the turkey, hors d’œuvre and fans of red wine, a purebred pinot noir from Patagonia, Argnetina. Barda is a real charmer! Grown on old vines, vinified with indigenous yeasts and inspired by biodynamic viticulture for both tretmant and harvests. Aging for 12 month in old barrels from Burgundian coopers (barrel-makers) adds texture. With fruitiness and violet notes, and not too much acidity. A nice balance with silky tannins. In other words, you could think this was a classified cru, the precision of the whole wine is so astonishing. This Barda is a real find. Chacra, Barda, pinot noir, 2015 no. 11517515 $29.65

Dare to discover…and I wish you wonderful tastings and Happy Holidays, with delicious vintages to share.

Your health, dear readers!