Ottawa, ON

December 19, 2022

Today on CTV Morning Live, Sommelier Matt Steeves showed some of his Sommelier-recommended wine picks that make excellent last minute gifts this holiday season. Check out the video here.

The holidays have a way of creeping up on us which can make those last minute gifts particularly stressful to find, especially when you’re looking for a gift for someone that already has everything.

Matt’s solution for last minute gifts is a nice bottle of wine. A thoughtfully selected delicious wine which can be enjoyed over the holidays or saved for another special occasion and ideally enjoyed together.

Since the right bottle can make the difference between a great gift and a re-gift, Matt’s sommelier-recommended list of top wine picks will make sure you get the right one!

Scouring the isles of the local LCBO for the perfect gift can be challenging with so many options to choose from.  But Sommelier Matt Steeves has narrowed it down to a few fantastic options for every palate and price point too.

Matt has selected some fan-favourites from Tuscany, California, Bordeaux, and right here in Canada too. All wines that will be well received and enjoyed this holiday season! These are wines I think it’s safe to say that anyone would love to receive!

1.      J. Lebegue Lussac St-Emilion, Bordeaux, France – $19.95

Classic dry and savoury Bordeaux at a great price. Look for tart cherries, plum, dark chocolate, pencil shavings and earthiness. Medium bodied, subtle fine tannins, and a refreshing texture in this right bank Merlot-focused Bordeaux.  This makes for a wonderful host gift and great option to serve at your holiday dinner parties.

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy – $27.95

A benchmark Tuscan wine, first released in 1927 specifically for the Duke as his special reserve wine. A renowned Chianti Classico, look for cherry, plum, spice, and leather notes on the nose; dry, medium to full bodied, tart cherry and plum flavours with hints of cedar. Serve with braised dishes, like osso buco, or flame-grilled steaks.  This wine has stood the test of time, nearly a century since its debut, it remains an absolutely wonderful choice for serving and gifting over the holidays. 

The Prisoner Red Blend, California – $56.95

This bold blend combines Zinfandel with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Charbono to create a robust, ripe, and smooth California red. Named for and featuring the 1807 etching by Francisco de Goya on the label, this is a wine that will deliver prune, dark chocolate and toast alongside rich dark fruit preserve tones. A powerhouse wine that calls for a grilled tomahawk steak, short ribs, or a fancy Beef Wellington roast.

Bemjamin Bridge Nova 7, Nova Scotia, Canada – $25.95

Proudly Canadian and loved by all that have had the opportunity to taste it.  Conveniently it’s now available at LCBO for the holidays so this is the opportunity to pick some up, gift and enjoy at your holiday parties or brunch. There’s a tendency to compare Nova 7 to Italy’s Moscato d’Asti, given its gentle effervescence and off-dry low alcohol style, but Nova 7 is in a league of its own. Crisper, perfectly balanced, more complex, and loaded with refreshing minerality, Nova 7 is unlike no others, and many Canadians have caught on to this, making it arguably Canada’s favourite wine.

These wines will be well received by any lucky recipient! Take the time you saved shopping and do something enjoyable for yourself! You deserve it!

Wishing you and yours all the best this holiday season!

Matt Steeves – Sommelier, Wine Writer, & Former Director with the National Capital Sommelier Guild – follow Matt on Instagram @Quercusvino or www.topwines.ca

Advertisement