Toast the holidays in French this year. Here are some vivid ways to do it.
Loaded with blackberry and blueberry notes is the 2015 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau ($11), a light, round, uncomplicated match for appetizers and simply prepared chicken, turkey and ham.
Enjoy the fruity, intense 2011 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhône Rouge ($15), a bargain price for a versatile, berry-rich, casual red. For a meaty, spicy, concentrated red, consider the 2011 E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage Rouge ($29). And you'll find a balanced, excellent, sure to be long-lived star from the Rhône with the classic 2010 E. Guigal Chteauneuf-du-Pape ($59).
Aromatic and elegant: the 2013 Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet ($70), a sterling white Burgundy, ideal with delicate preparations of shellfish and lighter finish. Veer red with the producer's straightforward 2013 Cote de Beaune-Villages ($28) and the fruity, rich 2013 Cote de Nuits-Villages ($31). Both pinot noirs are fine with red meat, burgers to steaks. And savor the ripe, powerful, harmonious 2013 Gevrey-Chambertin ($65), a smooth, muscular pinot noir ready for beef stew, roast duck or goose.
Celebrate with the delightful nonvintage Duval-Leroy Rose Prestige Premier Cru Brut Champagne ($84), a mouthful with hints of citrus, cherry and ginger, in a pretty salmon hue. It's a terrific aperitif and a partner throughout your meal.
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The nonvintage Taittinger Prestige Rose ($84) is vibrant, shaded pink, and raspberry-driven, and appealing all night long. Taittinger peaks with the refined, supple 2006 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs ($199), a deluxe Champagne, with suggestions of grapefruit, that's lovely now and will be for years to come.
