Because if anyone is going to know how to celebrate, it’s definitely going to be the French.
Shopping for wines this time of year can be somewhat overwhelming, and shopping for French wine stateside can be tricky, too. On the eve of what may soon be called the Great European Wine Shortage of 2022, I’m recommending a wide variety of fantastic French wines that are both all-time crowd pleasers and wines your friends and family will remember for years to come. I’ve provided a variety of online retailers below as well so that no matter which state you’re shipping to or picking up from, you should have a couple options.
My absolute favorites for the holidays every year are noted in green – but fear not: everything on this list is a wine I’ve enjoyed in the past (or in the case of sparkling, ones my boyfriend and family just can’t get enough of).
Thanksgiving
First year hosting formal Thanksgiving? I can feel your anxiety from here! My parents are coming up to our Thanksgiving this year, too, so I get it. My advice? Don’t venture too far away from the things you know multiple generations will enjoy – but maybe try a curveball or two just for fun.
- On a Budget ($50 and under)
- Catherine Le Goeuil, Côtes du Rhône Blanc, $20 (Mr. D)
- Thibault Liger-Belair, Moulin-à-Vent, Les Vieilles Vignes, $33 (Total Wine)
- Domaine des Roches Neuves, Saumur-Champigny, “Terres Chaudes”, $37 (Flatiron Spirits)
- Thibaud Boudignon, Rosé de Loire, $20 (Zachys)
- Splurge ($50+)
- Domaine Matrot, Blagny Premier Cru, “La Pièce Sous le Bois”, $79 (Wine.com)
- Isabelle & Denis Pommier, Chablis Premier Cru “Fourchaume”, $50 (Ryebrook Wine & Spirits)
Holiday Parties
Whether it’s the work party, the friends party, or the extended family party, these festive and versatile picks are sure to please a variety of palates.
- On a Budget ($50 and under)
- Domaine Jo Landron, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, “Les Houx”, $17 (Chambers Street Wine)
- Paul Prieur et Fils, Sancerre, “Les Monts Damnés”, $47 (Yiannis Wine)
- L’Epicurieux, Régnié, “Vin de Chacha”, $30 (Verve Wine)
- Splurge ($50+)
- Domaine Tollot-Beaut, Aloxe-Corton, $79 (Wine.com)
- Champagne De Sousa, 3A Grand Cru, $79 (Solano Cellars)
Christmas
The big kahuna! Just don’t overthink things. Burgundy and Bordeaux should do the trick no matter what you’re eating, but my favorite one here would have to be Bégude’s Bandol, which will pair beautifully with everything from the salad to the cheese course.
- On a Budget ($50 and under)
- Château Grand Corbin Despagne, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, $34 (Saratoga Wine Exchange)
- Chauvet Frères Morgon Côte du Py, $18 (Saratoga Wine Exchange)
- Domaine de la Bégude, Bandol, $28 (67 Wine)
- Splurge ($50+)
- Domaine Patrick Javillier Meursault, “Tête de Murgers”, $94 (Saratoga Wine Exchange)
- Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan, $50 (Saratoga Wine Exchange)
New Year’s
These are the party wines you want everyone to enjoy and never forget. I’ve kept things light here so that you can drink them all night long, and while I’m not the biggest fan of sparkling myself, the two I’ve listed here are ones I could drink again and again – especially Champagne De Sousa.
- On a Budget ($50 and under)
- Domaine Champalou Vouvray Brut, $23 (Wine.com)
- Isabelle et Pierre Clément, Menetou-Salon, $23 (Millesima)
- Château d’Aqueria, Tavel, $30 (Wine.com)
- Splurge ($50+)
- Champagne Vilmart & Cie, $70 (Premier Champagne)
- Champagne De Sousa Grand Cru “Caudalies”, $90 (VIVANT)
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy some of my favorite French wine picks for the holidays. I’m wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season! Santé!
