How to Choose a Wine for Your Celebrations?

Behind a group of friends reuniting, a family sharing an anecdote, or a couple talking about love, there is a celebration. There is a momentum especially if there is a dish fresh from the oven, a stew that smells like time in a large clay pot, or a casserole, the result of caramelization provided by a copper pot. The music that ties it all together is the laughter and the inexorable clink of glasses. I do not want to tell you how to live your celebrations. What two wine experts and I will recommend in this editorial letter is how to choose those bottles that will accompany you in your special moments. I know that buying them involves a cost, and although sharing them with your loved ones is already a gift, I will leave you some tips that will make your choice more assertive.Bubbles or no bubbles? Some say there is no celebration without bubbles. Laura Santander, sommelier of Loretta and founder of vinosadomicilio.com.mx, explains that it is all the fault of the Marquise de Pompadour. In her parties with the French elite, champagne flowed like rivers during the rainy season. Then, in the 19th century, champagne became the favorite drink of the Belle Époque nights, so much so that society affectionately referred to it as “champ.” Also, even today, whenever a ship is launched, bottles of this bubbly liquid are uncorked so that its content is the first to touch the ship. Therefore, it is not surprising that, especially in Europe, champagne is the preferred drink when it comes to celebrations. However, Raphael Baillin, Brand Building Manager at the wine distributor Everest, states: “You don’t have to celebrate with a sparkling wine. But sparkling wines, because of their vibrant bubbles, represent effervescence, spirit; they awaken the senses in the mouth. Also, considering that we can celebrate with food, champagne is the most versatile wine for pairings.” I personally frame a special occasion with a glass of bubbles, although it does not necessarily have to be champagne (only sparkling wines from the Champagne region can be called champagne). I love Spanish cavas because they are more affordable, and if I am celebrating in style, I choose an Italian Franciacorta. Is region an indicator?There are undoubtedly regions famous for their soils and optimal climate for grape growth, for their old vines, for their great vintages, or for their exquisite and difficult-to-achieve methods. Examples include Sauternes wines, grand cru from Burgundy, and premier cru from Bordeaux. But let’s be honest: those wines cost a fortune and may never reach our glass. In contrast, there are other regions that are synonymous with quality and better prices.“Brunello di Montalcino is one of my favorites, as well as wines from Oregon: those pinot noir and pinot gris have my heart. For me, Oregon is a region that has changed my life,” comments Laura Santander. On his part, Raphael states that his favorite wines for celebrating do come from the Champagne region, but he never says no to a Mexican wine: “If I’m having a good meal, I like to pair it with Ícaro or Teziano. As for bubbles, I would choose Espuma de Piedra Blanc de Blancs.”Let’s talk about investmentWines can be as expensive as a car, but don’t worry, we won’t talk about those. Although the investment could give you a parameter about the quality and methods applied in the wine, you don’t need to spend a fortune. I’ll just say this: when you are about to buy a wine for less than 150 pesos, remember that alcohol is taxed. It is likely to be a wine from mass production processes and not necessarily of the best quality.   Laura Santander prefers to stay on the romantic side, “when you are celebrating, the important thing is to be with your loved ones and with what they like to drink.”The experts recommend (and for under $500)Laura's celebration wines:Gota de arena. If Castilla y León wasn’t on your radar, Bodegas Tridente reveals it in the blink of an eye. It’s a Tempranillo de Tinta de Toro – that’s what the Tempranillo grape is called in this area – with aromas of black fruits and spices.Palmo de tierra. If you want to celebrate with a Mexican wine, Laura recommends this wine, made from Baja California Tempranillo that spent 13 months in barrels.Raphael's celebration wines:Pruno. A classic from Ribera del Duero where you will find aromas of red fruits and fleshy taste that fills the mouth. Cousiño Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon. From the renowned Chilean winery. Having been aged in French oak, you will find aromas of blackberries and ripe plums, as well as soft tannins on the palate.Shadia's celebration wines:Chandon Brut sparkling white wine. This dry sparkling wine, with fun bubbles, comes from Argentina. It’s perfect for toasting with glasses due to its aromas of green apple and pear.Chateau Domecq selected harvest 2016. A wine that knows how to blend the present and the past, just like its winery. Find aromas of black fruit, leather, and spices in it.