Wines with Christmas Spirit

By VITA Daily

Whether you’re looking to gift something unforgettable, or you’re an adventurous soul looking to explore the weird and wonderful world of wine, these bottles below are sure to impress. Unusually special, and otherworldly flavourful, these wines have been kissed with the Christmas spirit. Stuff some stockings (don’t forget your own) or bring as your party trick to share amongst your audacious friends, and get ready to see what happens when you take a look into Pandora’s box of wine! —Laura Starr

• 1. Barolo Chinato

  By VITA Daily

  It looks like port, but trust me, this wine elixir packs a punch of flavour. Multitasking as an aperitif, a digestif, or a dessert wine, Chinato excites your palate with an influx of secret herbs, spices, and botanicals. Some of them smell like Christmas potpourri, others have a similar profile to Fernet or (in the classiest of ways) Jagermeister. But this makes sense, as it is essentially an Amaro) as the base liquor, used to fortify aged Barolo wine. Prepare to be wowed!                                                             **TRY: **Cappellano Barolo Chinato NV

• 2. Lambrusco

  By VITA Daily

  Here’s where you can capture the attention of someone who doesn’t understand or appreciate wine culture…specifically someone who likes hotdogs and pizza, because this is a perfect pairing! Look for a dry Lambrusco and find a dark, cherry cola-esque sparkling red wine that is fresh, lively, and fun in your mouth! TRY: Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano

• 3. Canadian Icewine

  By VITA Daily

  What makes ice-wine so cool (ha!) is the behind-the-scenes work that goes into its production. First of all, you are not allowed to freeze the grapes; they must freeze naturally, meaning only special areas around the world will have climates that allow the grapes enough time to ripen perfectly and then FREEZE, not too soon and not too late, in order to squeeze one, perfect, single drop of grape juice from each grape, resulting in this heavenly and honeyed concoction. Let me repeat that: one drop PER grape! Lucky for us, Canada hosts a few of these special climates. Peller Estates makes an incredible Cab Franc icewine that screams red currant jelly with honey and molasses. It pairs perfectly with your holiday desserts (rum cake anyone?). TRY: Peller Estates Signature Series, Cabernet Franc Icewine 2013

• 4. Orange Wine

  By VITA Daily

  Sometimes, white wine is left to steep in its skins for a while, and these crazy beautiful, golden-hued wines are created, that carry all the warm flavours of gold itself. It is white wine that warms the soul, but also awakens the palate. You will often find some interesting herbaceous flavours, like bergamot and dried flowers, and the texture will be full, round, and silky on your tongue. The best part is the tannins though, that gum-tingling dryness that is usually savoured uniquely amongst red wines, but because these grapes got to hang with their skins for a while, they brought that fun tannic feeling along with them to the party. This is a nerd wine, and sometimes an acquired taste. So gift accordingly, or share your own bottle only with those who will appreciate the adventure! TRY: Paolo Bea 2009 Arboreus Bianco IGT