'Tis the season of endless lists. Gifts, groceries, errands and chores... You might as well add 鈥減ick up booze鈥� to one of them. It'll save you the stress of running around at the last minute. When you get to the liquor store or your local wine shop, stock up on half a dozen or so wines. Even if you don't open all of them during the Christmas festivities, you'll be glad to have a bonus bottle on hand after the celebrations have settled down. Here are five essentials that can be slotted into multiple holiday situations.
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2016 Cot茅 Mas, , Pays d'Oc IGP, France $13.99(1 litre) BC Liquor Stores
If the ros茅 craze hasn't convinced you to drink pink year-round yet, then this will surely be the tipping point. Classically dry and pale salmon in colour, the Cot茅 Mas from the south of France is replete with delicate red berries and dried herbs. It'll satisfy on so many levels. Besides bringing some liquid sunshine to those dark and rainy nights, it's a highly appropriate companion for the Christmas bird. And, that extra 250ml at a killer price makes it perfect for a big party. Buy in multiples.
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2016 Abbazia di Novacella, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige DOC Valle Isarco, Italy $29.99 BC Liquor Stores
Far from being just another innocuous Pinot Grigio, this stunningly concentrated, medium weight white hails from an active monastery nestled high up by the chilly Alps. Intense and expressive, it offers aromas and flavours of ripe apricot, melon, pear, mountain blossoms and a touch of honey. On the palate, the richness of fruit is cut by steely acidity. Christmas turkey or ham? Yes. Fancy dinner party? You bet! Warming winter white? Absolutely!!!
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2014 Montecariano, , Italy $26.49BC Liquor Stores
This lighthearted cheerful red is all about sipping with gusto. With bright red currant, juicy cherry and a lift of black pepper, it will stimulate the appetite 鈥� crucial when feasting is frequent. Besides being ideal for casual drop-in parties centered around p芒t茅s and cheese, it has an affinity for cranberry sauce. Just give it a bit of a chill for maximum pleasure.
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n/v Barons de Rothschild, Brut, , France $72.99 BC Liquor Stores
Because at some point, only Champagne will do. If you want to branch out from the usual suspects, here's one that will still provide some 鈥渂rand鈥� recognition. It's a newish project that brings together the three offshoots of Bordeaux's famous Rothschild families to craft seriously delicious bubble. Dry and focused, it demonstrates candied lemon peel and very subtle brioche nuances. The lovely creamy texture is countered by a thrillingly bracing undertow that is way more enjoyable than New Year's Day Polar Bear swim.
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Gonzalez Byass, 'No茅' VORS Pedro Xim茅nez aged 30 years, Jerez DO, Spain $34.99(375ml) BC Liquor Stores
When the holidays are an excuse to indulge a sweet tooth, don't hold back! This sherry is one of the most luscious treats out there. Made from sun-dried Pedro-Xim茅nez grapes and aged for more than 30 years, the No茅 is a rich mouthful of prunes, dried figs, toffee and sweet baking spices with a lingering nutty finish. You could drink it with dessert, but even on its own it's like Christmas pudding in a glass.
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Prices exclusive of taxes.
