While we have great gift recommendations that guests can give to their party hosts, sometimes the most fuss-free but popular gift option is none other than a good bottle of wine.
A great bottle of wine doesn’t just make for a good conversation starter, but definitely add to the ambience of the party.
Now, the important question what are some fail-safe, sure-fire bottles of wines that are definite crowd-pleasers?
If the thought has crossed your mind once or twice, well, you’re in luck— because Avenue One has done your homework for you by hunting down the 15 best wines to bring to Christmas parties that are sure to impress. (And nope, they’re not all pricey!)
Let’s get started:
White wines
1. Giovanni Rosso Etna Bianco 2017
When it comes to big parties, you’ll definitely want something that full-bodied, versatile, and flavourful, which is exactly what you’re going to get with the Giovanni Rosso Etna Blanco 2017.
According to the experts, this bad boy is both sweet and savoury as well as juicy and brisk, making it ultra refreshing and great to sip on. It also pairs really well with seafood and pasta dishes such as risotto. Mm!
One of the best wines to bring as gifts for Christmas parties? No doubt about it!
The Giovanni Rosso Etna Bianco 2016 is available on Vinomofo and retails at SGD64.90.
2. Pikes The Valley End Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013
Citrusy wines are a classic choice when it comes to house parties, so why not opt for the Pikes The Valley End Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013? Containing a blend of passionfruit, green apple, and lime, this will complement rich, heavy Christmas meals perfectly.
It also goes amazingly with cheese platters and pastas, so you can consider asking your giftee to bust it out to be served alongside appetisers.
The Pikes The Valley End Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013 is available on Wine Directions and retails at SGD36.
3. A. Cailbourdin Pouilly Fumé Les Cris 2017
Described to be a true thoroughbred and the most characteristic of wines, the A.Cailbourdin Pouilly Fume Les Cris 2017 is undoubtedly one of the best wines to bring as gifts for Christmas parties.
This one leans more towards fruity than anything, with the aroma of pineapple, citrus, and peaches wafting through each sip. According to the experts, it also complements cured meats (yes, we’re talking the hams and salamis that makes a frequent appearance at Christmas parties) as well as fine goat cheese. Mm!
The A. Cailbourdin Pouilly Fume Les Cris 2017 is available on ewineasia and retails at SGD56.
4. Bladen Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Looking for something a little more unique than most? The Bladen Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is the one for you, then. You can expect the lifting aromas of grapefruit and lemon zest along with… stone fruit, mowen grass, and capsicum?! Nope, you’re not reading that wrong!
Sounds a little out of the box, but it is precisely this unique combination of flavours that makes the Bladen Sauvignon Blanc 2017 stand out from the crowd. Trust us, it’s bound to be a hit at whichever party you attend.
The Bladen Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is available on The Wine Company and retails at SGD53.90.
5. Finca Racons 2015
If you’re willing to splash out a little more cash, then the Finca Racons 2015 is a good choice. Elegant, smoky, and with soft, toasty undertones, you’ll feel amazingly luxurious and decadent sipping at this.
With notes of honey, almond, pistachio and hazelnut, this white wine is explosive on the palate all while being balanced with fresh acidity, making it a rich, complex wine that is sure to fit in at all the fanciest of Christmas parties. No wonder it is considered to be one of the best wines to bring as gifts at Christmas parties!
The Finca Racons 2015 is available on Wine Studio and retails at SGD72.
6. Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Chardonnay Marlborough 2011
Fans of Chardonnay are sure to adore the Fairhall Downs Single VIneyard Chardonnay Marlborough 2011. With hints of stone fruit and mild citrus, this wine is smooth, subtle, and oh so elegant, with the taste only improving over the years.
Pair this with butter sauced seafood, creamy fowl dishes or pastas for a guaranteed delightful experience.
The Fairhall Downs Single VIneyard Chardonnay Marlborough 2011 is available on Wine Directions and retails at SGD39.
Red wines
7. Alain Graillot Syrocco Rouge Maroc 2015
Red wine is a pretty safe choice when it comes to gifts (and one of the most popular ones to boot), so make sure to opt for something with that is a hint more unusual to stand out from the crowd. This Alain Graillot Syrocco Rouge Maroc 2015 is a great choice, with a long, dry, and classical finish that mingles amongst sandalwood, herb, and spice.
Perfect for anyone that prefers rich, fragrant flavours! We highly recommend this to anyone who’s looking to impress at Christmas parties.
The Alain Graillot Syrocco Rouge Maroc 2015 is available at ewineasia and retails at SGD50.
8. Tarrawarra Reserve Pinot Noir Yarra Valley 2008
A beautiful deep red wine with cherry hues, the Tarrawarra Reserve Pinot Noir Yarra Valley 2008 makes for an amazing gift, especially if your giftee happens to be a fan of rich, earthy flavours. Black fruits and fresh, earthy mushrooms come together in a potent blend that matches gorgeously with rich, heavy fare.
Yup, we’re talking beef stews, lambs, and the like! Trust us, this will make a perfect gift for any of your steak-loving friends or family.
The Tarrawarra Reserve Pinot Noir Yarra Valley 2008 is available at Wine Directions and retails at SGD59.
9. Cortijo Los Aguilares Pinot Noir 2015
You can’t go wrong with a good Pinot Noir. The Cortijo Los Aguilares Pinot Noir 2015, more specifically, is definitely one of the best wines to bring as gifts for Christmas parties. The aroma of bramble bush, fresh red fruits, and pine lingers sweetly on the tongue, with experts claiming that it is easy to drink, and easy to like.
Fun fact: it was also the twice winner of the Gold Medal (2010) and the Great Gold Medal (2008) at the Mundial du Pinot Noir held annually en Sierre, Switzerland. Make sure to bring this up when someone asks you about it!
The Cortijo Los Aguilares Pinot Noir 2015 is available at Wine Studio and retails at SGD92.80.
10. Blackwood Fishbone Merlot 2017
A no frills or fuss type of wine, the Blackwood Fishbone Merlot 2017 is great if you’re heading for intimate family gatherings or a meetup between friends. The vibrant plum and mixed berry flavours screams fun more than anything, with the quirky packaging and bright colours complementing it.
Our advice? Snag it if you’re going for a fun Christmas party with your friends.
The Blackwood Fishbone Merlot 2017 is available at The Wine Company and retails at SGD53.90.
11. World’s Cellar PengWine Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine 2009
Known to be a hot favourite amongst us locals, the World’s Cellar PengWine Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine 2009 is a elegant, smooth, and complex red that is known to age beautifully. Carefully crafted by hand-picked ripe harvest, it is recommended to be paired with rich, savoury dishes for maximum enjoyment. Yum.
Besides, the adorable packaging is a great conversation starter, right? Bring it for social events that you have to attend for work and such, and watch it do its magic!
The World’s Cellar PengWine Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine 2009 is available on Redmart and retails at SGD20.90.
12. Matua Regional Pinot Noir Smooth Red Wine
It is not often that red wines can taste light and toasty, but that’s precisely what you’ll be getting with the Matua Regional Pinot Noir Smooth Red Wine. This one comes with a dash of red fruit and bramble, and supposedly complements barbecued meat really well?!
Yup, it’s the first we’re hearing of it, but apparently it is the choice of wine for grilled meats. Oh, and did we mention that it was awarded the New Zealand Producer of the Year 2016 at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition in London? Not too shabby, we must say!
The Matua Regional Pinot Noir Smooth Red Wine is available at Redmart and retails at SGD27.50.
Dessert wines
13. Brown Brothers Moscato Rosa
Regarded to be a wine of universal appeal, you simply can’t go wrong with the Brown Brothers Moscato Rosa.
This bad boy comes in a gorgeous strawberry pink hue, for one, and also tastes of rose petals, red berry as well as freshly crushed grapes. Sounds delicious already! Naturally, it is particularly popular amongst the ladies, so be sure to grab a bottle or two of these if the Christmas celebration veers more towards a girls night out.
The Brown Brothers Moscato Rosa is available on winesnspirits.sg and retails at SGD20.
14. Chateau Grillon Sauternes
When it comes to dessert wines, Sauternes — undoubtedly — reigns supreme. The Chateau Grillon Sauternes is a must-try, with its friendly bouquet of honey, citrus, vanilla and peach that is sure to appeal with the masses.
Full bodied and dry with a nice, smooth, and long finish, it is one wine that will most certainly impress at even the most formal of occasions. Plus, there’s no denying how appealing the packaging is. Trust us, it’ll make a nice addition to just about anyone’s wine cellar.
The Chateau Grillon Sauternes is available at Wine Connection and retails at SGD29.
15. Inniskillin Gold Oak Aged Vidal Icewine
Best served chilled, iced wine is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Our pick? The Inniskillin Gold Oak Aged Vidal Icewine, which is bold, explosive, and contains several complex flavours of marmalade, candied brown sugar and vanilla.
Don’t worry about it being too acidic either— we’re told that the ample natural acidity is tempered by the oak ageing process, which gives it more of a creamy, rich texture. Nice!
The Inniskillin Gold Oak Aged Vidal Icewine is available at Red Mart and retails at SGD124.50.
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