Early Bird Ends
January 31, 2025
Judging
Date
May 19, 2025
Winners Announcement
June 10, 2025
With the festive season approaching, wine retailers are eager to offer customers exceptional options that suit a variety of tastes and occasions. Sommeliers Choice Awards’ curated selection showcases wines that range from refreshing whites like Res Fortes Blanc 2023 to bold reds like Triens, with options perfect for everything from casual dinners to festive celebrations. These thoughtfully crafted wines, representing diverse regions and varietals, will make an excellent addition to any retailer’s stock—ideal for both gifting and pairing with holiday meals. Whether a refined champagne or a smooth Pinot Noir, this collection has something for everyone.
[[relatedPurchasesItems-61]]
Res Fortes Blanc 2023 is a beautifully crafted dry white wine from a blend of 20% Macabeu, 50% Grenache Gris, and 30% Grenache Blanc. This refreshing and crisp wine is ideal for summer sipping and pairs perfectly with seafood dishes like moules-frites, pasta vongole, and roast chicken. Serve chilled for a delightful experience. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with food, it’s a versatile addition to any collection, offering balanced flavors that will satisfy every palate.
Image: Res Fortes Blanc 2023
Château de la Greffière's Saint-Amour is a beautifully crafted wine from the Beaujolais region. It offers aromatic complexity with hints of red berries and floral notes. The wine has a fresh, elegant finish, making it a perfect choice for a variety of occasions, especially for those who enjoy a refined and delicate red. This wine is an excellent option for gifting or pairing with dishes like roasted meats or cheeses.
Image: Saint Amour
Also read: The Rise of Wine Tourism: How Wineries Are Captivating a New Generation of Travellers
For a perfect addition to any holiday gift list, Marchese Manodori from Venturini Baldini is a standout sparkling red wine. Known for its fresh, fruity notes and fine bubbles, it offers a delightful drinking experience. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with rich appetizers like charcuterie or roasted meats, this elegant wine makes a versatile and festive choice for retailers looking to stock up for the season. Its approachable style and vibrant flavor will impress any wine lover.
Image: Marchese Manodori
Château de Pierreux Brouilly Réserve du Château 2021 is a beautifully crafted Gamay, showcasing deep purple hues and floral aromas. Its rich flavors of blackcurrant and peony, complemented by silky tannins, make it a standout choice for the holiday season. Aged for six months in oak, it has the structure to age gracefully for up to six years. Its elegance and complex profile make it an excellent stocking wine for retailers looking to offer a refined and versatile option to customers this season.
Also read: Ranier Reglos on Crafting Exceptional Beverage Programs Through Customer-Centric Wine Menus
Image: Brouilly Réserve Du Château
Bacus Vineyards' Parable Pinot Noir is a full-bodied wine made from the Pommard heritage clone, harvested later in the season to enhance flavor development. The fruit comes from Oregon’s Eola/Amity and Chehalem Mountains AVAs, where unique marine sedimentary soils provide vigor to the vines. Aged for 15 months in French oak (23% new), it boasts a refined structure with deep, complex flavors. Perfect for retailers looking to stock a premium, age-worthy wine for the holidays.
Image: 2022 Parable Pinot Noir
Lyrarakis Wines' Liatiko Aggelis 2021 is an expressive wine from Crete, crafted from the indigenous Liatiko variety. The wine showcases a harmonious balance of ripe fruit flavors and vibrant acidity, reflecting the unique terroir. With its smooth texture and deep aromas, it's an excellent choice for retailers looking to offer a distinctive Greek wine for the holiday season. Its elegance and complexity make it versatile for pairing with Mediterranean dishes or enjoying on its own.
Image: Liatiko Aggelis
Compris Vineyard's 2021 Mountain Echo Estate Pinot Noir is a finely crafted wine from Oregon, with vibrant fruit flavors and a balanced structure. Known for its smooth tannins and layered complexity, it offers an elegant tasting experience with notes of dark berries and subtle spice. A perfect selection for retailers seeking a refined and approachable Pinot Noir for the holiday season.
Image: Mountain Echo Estate Pinot Noir
Triens by Legado de Orniz is a bold expression of Tinta de Toro, showcasing the region’s terroir through its dark red hue and vibrant fruit-forward profile. Aromas of ripe red fruits like raspberries and cherries are balanced by floral notes of violets, while subtle hints of vanilla and toast from its French oak aging add complexity. On the palate, it delivers a fresh, intense, and persistent experience with smooth tannins and a perfectly balanced acidity. A refined choice for retailers looking to offer a distinctive Spanish red this holiday season.
Image: Triens
Champagne Philippe Dechelle's Blanc de Blancs 2014 is a refined, elegant cuvée showcasing the purity of Chardonnay. It features delicate aromas of white flowers and citrus, with a well-balanced structure and a refreshing finish. Aged to perfection, this champagne offers complexity and finesse, making it a standout choice for fine celebrations or as a gift this holiday season.
Image: Blanc de Blancs
Piera 1899's Terre Magre Sauvignon DOC Friuli is a vibrant, aromatic wine with notes of citrus and tropical fruits, balanced by a crisp acidity. It’s an excellent match for seafood dishes and light salads, offering refreshing and lively flavors. This wine reflects the essence of the region's terroir, making it a perfect addition to a holiday gifting selection.
Image: Terre Magre Sauvignon DOC Friuli
These exceptional wines not only stand out for their versatility and flavor but also received Gold Medals at the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards, further solidifying their excellence. From the refreshing Res Fortes Blanc 2023 to the elegant Champagne Philippe Dechelle Blanc de Blancs, each selection embodies the craftsmanship and quality that wine enthusiasts seek. Retailers looking to enhance their holiday offerings will find that these award-winning wines are a perfect addition to their collection, ensuring both customer satisfaction and seasonal success.
Header image sourced from Pixabay
Related Links
Jane Lopes: Australian Wine Importer & Legend Co-Founder Bringing Aussie Wines to U.S. Market
Looking to Elevate Your Wine Brand’s Presence in the US Market?
2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards submissions is now open for domestic and international wines. Enter your Wines now to get the early bird pricing.