by Richard Hope –
Having worked in the wine trade for the past year, you start to notice patterns in people’s purchasing habits, and with Christmas around the corner, I thought now would be the perfect time to introduce what I consider thoughtful “upgrades” to common selections. Whether you’re headed to a holiday party or seeking something special for your own table, these alternatives offer real value and might introduce you to your new favourite wine.
Price Guide $ ($10-$20), $$ ($20-$40), $$$ ($40+)
If you like Sauvignon Blanc … try Talamonti Trebi Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Here in B.C., New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has become our quintessential white wine, with brands like Kim Crawford, Matua and Oyster Bay offering that characteristic dry, refreshing profile at around the $20 mark. For something equally compelling but different, take a short trip to Italy’s eastern coast with Talamonti Trebi Trebbiano d’Abruzzo ($$). This elegant wine from Abruzzo makes both an excellent aperitif or companion to seafood and shellfish, delivering all the crisp refreshment of a white wine with its own distinctive Mediterranean character.
If you like Chardonnay … try Unsworth 2021 Chardonnay
For Chardonnay lovers with a generous holiday budget, tradition points to Chablis ($$$) from Burgundy, widely considered the world’s finest white wine. For something closer to home but just as good, I highly recommend Unsworth 2021 Chardonnay ($$). At a recent blind tasting panel in Victoria, this Chardonnay made the top five, beating wines from all over the world. It often sells out quickly and has a deep minerality from being grown in limestone soils. It is a great accompaniment to your Christmas cheeseboard and creamy dishes.
If you like Pinot Gris … try Picpoul de Pinet
Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio in Italy) is a remarkably successful wine; sales reached US$2.5 billion in 2023. While it’s abundantly present in B.C.’s vineyards, producing excellent light wines with hints of pepper and peach, the market remains dominated by familiar brands like Barefoot, Cono Sur and Jackson Triggs. This Christmas, I highly recommend Picpoul de Pinet ($) from southwest France. It has bright citrus notes and pairs very well with fried food.
If you like Pinot Noir … try Cassini Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir was not my go-to wine before moving to Canada, but its elegant lightness offers a welcome alternative to heavier reds. While Oregon and California producers like Meiomi and Bread & Butter have captured the local market with their fruit-forward styles, it is well worth considering local providers here in B.C. Cassini Pinot Noir ($$) from Osoyoos has a light intensity and sophisticated profile of cherry, anise and blackcurrant, making it an inspired choice for the Christmas turkey.
If you like Merlot … try Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore
Merlot is a deep red from Bordeaux in France and is probably most people’s introduction to red wine. The grape grows in cold and warm climates (and extensively here in B.C.), can be easily blended, and is a major component in Bordeaux wine. This alternative has a very distinct label: Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore ($$). Made from the Gaglioppo grape grown in Calabria, Southern Italy, it’s a great accompaniment to pizza and pasta.
If you like Malbec … try Masseria Li Veli Askos Susumaniello 2022
There has been a real craze for Malbec over the last 20 years. Originally from France but adopted by Argentina, it went from a small forgotten grape varietal to becoming Argentina’s most valuable wine, making up over three-quarters of production. For an exciting alternative, I highly recommend Masseria Li Veli Askos Susumaniello 2022 ($$$), usually priced around the $40 mark. Like Malbec, it thrives in warm climates, originates in the Mediterranean (Puglia, Italy) and has real depth. For me, this is my wine of the year, and it is that good. Susumaniello was a largely forgotten grape until this century; it is very old and possibly has a Greek origin. Highly recommended on its own or great with red meat.
Richard Hope is immersed in the wine trade, specializing in helping wine lovers discover new favourites. Keep in touch: Kibo.rjhope@gmail.com
