What are the best red wines for the holidays?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Malbec
- Sangiovese
- Shiraz/Syrah
Overview
Red wines are a holiday staple in Filipino celebrations, adding elegance and flavor to gatherings. Whether enjoyed on their own, in mulled wine, or paired with holiday dishes, red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Sangiovese, and Shiraz complement festive meals.
Red wines have become a staple on Filipino tables during the holiday season. Whether it's for a casual gathering or a grand Christmas party, these wines bring an extra touch of flavor and elegance to any celebration.
Enjoyed straight from the bottle, in mulled wine or cocktails, or paired with your favorite holiday dishes, red wine is a versatile holiday drink. Its rich flavors and smooth texture complement everything from savory dishes to sweet desserts.
To help you find the perfect wine for your Christmas celebrations, here are some of the
best red wine bottles for the holidays from Ralph’s Wine & Spirits.
Cabernet Sauvignon
As the "king of red wines," Cabernet Sauvignon has become a popular choice for Filipino holiday celebrations, adding a touch of prestige to any gathering. Its rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and blackcurrant, combined with hints of spice and oak, make it ideal for bold wine enthusiasts, particularly during festive meals like Pork Barbecue.
This wine pairs beautifully with traditional Filipino dishes such as lechon, adobo, and grilled meats. Its full-bodied nature enhances the richness of these meals, making it the perfect complement to holiday feasts. Bottles like Hopes End Brandy and Montes Classic Selection Cabernet Sauvignon are especially favored for their bold character.
Merlot
Merlot is known for its soft, velvety texture and luscious fruit flavors, such as ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry.
Wines like Montes Classic Series Merlot and Wente Sandstone make it an approachable choice for a wide range of palates, including those new to red wine. Its smoothness allows it to be enjoyed on its own or paired with food without overwhelming the senses.
This wine is also one of the best red wine bottles for the holidays, as it pairs well with many Filipino holiday dishes, including roasted meats, stews, and even pasta. Its medium body and balanced acidity complement rich flavors without overshadowing them. For example, it can enhance dishes like adobo or bistek tagalog, making it a versatile option for festive meals.
Pinot Noir
With vibrant flavors of cherry, raspberry, and plum, Pinot Noir is perfect for Filipinos who enjoy fruit-forward wines. Its refreshing and approachable nature makes it a great choice for holiday celebrations, whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food. The wine’s versatility and smooth elegance bring a touch of refinement to any gathering.
Bottles like Le Grand Noir and Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir, with their light to medium body and bright acidity, pair well with a variety of dishes. This wine complements holiday favorites like lechon, adobo, and pasta, enhancing their flavors without overpowering them, making it an excellent option for festive meals.
Malbec
Malbec is celebrated for its deep, rich flavors, featuring dark fruits like blackberry, plum, and black cherry. These bold and jammy characteristics appeal to the Filipino palate, which often leans toward fruity wines, especially during festive occasions with hearty dishes on the table. With bottles such as Trapiche Broquel Malbec and Le Grand Noir Malbec being particular standouts.
Malbec pairs wonderfully with Filipino holiday favorites, enhancing rich dishes like lechon, grilled meats, and spicy specialties. Its versatility extends to festive desserts, making it a great choice for Noche Buena. Adding Malbec to holiday traditions brings an international touch, symbolizing joy and togetherness, values central to Filipino family gatherings.
Sangiovese
In many cultures, including Italian traditions where Sangiovese originates, wine is an important part of celebrations. Adding Sangiovese to Filipino holiday festivities, with bottles such as Citra Sangiovese Terre Di Chieti and Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello Di Montalcino Docg, brings a sense of joy and togetherness, fitting right in with family gatherings during the season.
Sangiovese is loved for its bright acidity and medium to full body, offering a mix of flavors like cherry, plum, and strawberry. You might also catch hints of spice, leather, or earthy tones if it’s aged. These layers of flavor make it enjoyable for a variety of tastes, adding something special to holiday get-togethers.
What’s more, the wine’s smooth finish and rich tannins leave a pleasant taste that lingers on your palette. This makes it an excellent match for holiday meals, turning every sip into a memorable part of the celebration.
Shiraz/Syrah
Shiraz is celebrated for its full-bodied character and bold flavors. It often features dark fruit notes like blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry, along with hints of chocolate, pepper, and occasionally smoked meat. This rich profile makes it a great choice for holiday celebrations, where hearty, robust tastes take center stage.
The wine’s natural spiciness, derived from compounds like rotundone, adds an extra layer of depth to its flavor. This complexity enhances the dining experience, making each sip a delightful part of the festive meal.
Introducing Shiraz with bottles such as Kaapzicht Kaleidoscope Red and Pirramimma Stock's Hill Shiraz into holiday traditions can bring a touch of global wine culture to Filipino celebrations. With its strong ties to festive occasions worldwide, serving Shiraz can symbolize joy and togetherness, perfectly aligning with the spirit of family gatherings.
Key Takeaway
With these wine bottles, you are sure to celebrate your Christmas with a bang, creating memorable moments with every toast.
Looking for a unique drink this holiday season? Explore Ralph’s Wines & Spirits online store today! Whether you're searching for a thoughtful gift, the perfect pairing for your holiday feast, or just something to sip and enjoy, our wide selection of wines in the Philippines is ready for delivery.
