From the classic to chic; from sparkling wines to whiskies, we round up this season’s best wine and spirits. Make good taste count as a perfect gift for a friend, as a party favor, or for simple enjoyment at home. As always, enjoy responsibly.
Something Classic: Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C.
Cinzano Sparkling Prosecco D.O.C.
Who would dare turn down a glass of sparkling wine? It’s the signature of celebration and personality, and Cinzano sparkling wines have carried the tradition for over 200 years. Cinzano’s expertise in the magic of Prosecco is legendary, having earned countless awards. Cinzano’s Sparkling Prosecco is a fruit-forward but not overly-sweet, featuring apple and pear. The Prosecco is suitable for a range of cocktails as well as good sipping as an aperitivo. Available in a distinctive box, it also makes an excellent gift, guaranteed to be well-received. Get it from $18.00 at ReserveBar.
Something Fruity: CÎROC Pomegranate Limited Edition
CIROC Limited Edition Pomegranate
Sean Diddy Combs and CÎROC teamed up to welcome a new era of love with the Limited Edition CÎROC Pomegranate. Featuring notes of juicy red berries with hints of strawberry, there are bursts of sweet and fruity pomegranate flavors, culminate in a silky-smooth finish perfect for mixing in your favorite cocktail. Try it with a splash of orange juice and Prosecco or even simply mixed with soda water for a refreshing drink. The limited edition vodka is available for as long as supply lasts. Get it from $38.99 at ReserveBar.
Something Warm: Santa Teresa 1796 Aged Rum
Santa Teresa 1796 Rum
Recently, we were able to sample the Santa Teresa 1796 single estate rum with brand ambassador Marlo Gamora at a cocktail mixing experience in NYC. Since then, it’s stayed top-of-mind with its bold and elegant Venezuelan single-estate character made with blends aged up to 35 years in bourbon oak barrels. We recommend preparing it as a “new” Old Fashioned, mixed with coffee bitters and Demerara syrup, for a seasonally suitable concoction. The warmth of this rum is not to be missed, so be sure to have a sip straight up as well. Get it from $39.99 at Total Wine.
Something Blended: The Prisoner 2019 Chardonnay “Carneros”
The Prisoner Chardonnay
The Prisoner, the pioneer of the Napa red blend also has a delicious and seductive white, blending Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Gewürztraminer in the same tradition as the red. The result is a sophisticated and wonderfully unpredictable wine with a rich aroma of vanilla, apple pie, and even pineapple. The taste isn’t to be forgotten: a beautiful palette composed of baked apple, crème brûlée, and toasted oak. It’s earthy but not muddy; it’s neither sweet nor sour. Take it with something simple like a grilled cheese sandwich and it’s a wonderful winter treat. Get it from $39.99 at Drizly.
Something New: Starward Nova Single Malt Australian Whisky
Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky
With a chic label design that will suit the most sophisticated bar cart or shelf, Starward Nova Australian Whisky’s beautiful design isn’t the only thing that is challenging the status quo of the tradition-oriented world of whisky. The brand subscribes to the belief that whisky is suited to the dinner table as a meal companion, not simply a post-dining sip. The Award-winning Starward Nova is double distilled using Australian malted barley, fermented with brewers’ yeast for an extra bold flavor. Starward sources barrels from wineries in the nearby Yarra Valley and Barossa Valley so they keep their fresh red wine flavor profile. Altogether, it’s a new tasting experience, and not to be missed. Get it from $52.99 at Drizly.
Something Chic: Double Diamond 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby by Double Diamond and Joe Doucet. Photo Credit: William and Susan Brinson
Award-winning designer Joe Doucet partnered with Double Diamond wines to create the ultimate wine-lovers gift, Ruby by Double Diamond and Joe Doucet. Call it a design object or even simply art, the limited edition item functions as a svelte, elegant wine holder and statement piece when not in use. The piece’s form incorporates two D-shaped, interlocking faces that elevate and showcase the bottle and subtly celebrate the Double Diamond brand codes. The wine itself, included in the set, is Double Diamond’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from critically acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. Get the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon alone from $83.95 at Drizly. Get Ruby and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon as a set for $225 at Double Diamond.