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A Gewurtztraminer for Grandma

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Wow your grandma this holiday season with a German Gewürtztraminer, or Gewürz for short! Ripening well in the Baden, Pfalz, and Rheinhessen regions, Gewürtztraminer is one of the oldest grape varieties still cultivated in Germany. Its rich history and fine aroma make it a wine worthy of a holiday dinner table. 

With an impressive name and a fruity, slightly spicy flavor profile, Gewürtztraminer is most commonly vinified off-dry with a touch of sweetness. We recommend opting for a dry style to stand up to meats like duck or turkey while surprising grandma with a wine unlike anything she has ever tasted. 

Heinz Eifel Shine Rheinhessen Gewürztraminer 2020

• Region: Rheinhessen
• Avg price: $12.99

A Cotes de Bordeaux for the In-laws

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Want to impress your partner’s persnickety parents? Bring a bottle of Côtes de Bordeaux to their holiday party and come prepared with tasting notes and recommended pairings! Everyone will enjoy the pre-feast charcuterie board a little bit more with your generous addition. 

Côtes de Bordeaux is celebrated for its historic vineyard sites, complex flavors and velvety tannins. This red wine drinks well above its price tag, so you can rest assured that you are gifting a bottle that won’t go unnoticed – whether your in-laws plan to open it today or save for a rainy day. 

Poupille Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

• Grapes: Merlot
• Avg price: $29.99

A Sekt for the Party Animal

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For the friend who has a never-ending number of New Year’s Eve parties to attend, what better gift can you give than a bottle of sparkling German wine? 

German Sekt is a unique sparkler and a great alternative to more popular options like Prosecco and Cava. Often made using the traditional method, Sekt is budget-friendly, delivers on quality, and will even earn some “cool points” with crowds.

Exceptionally light and refreshing, German Sekt made from Riesling grapes is up-and-coming in the wine world, and sure to impress at any toast-worthy function.

A Sauternes for Sweet Treats with Your Bestie

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If you’re anything like us, your day does not feel complete without a little sweet treat, preferably shared with a friend. This holiday season, give your besties the sweetest gift ever—a bottle of Sauternes (bonus points if you bring pastries to pair with it!) 

Sauternes is a sweet white wine from Bordeaux made with grapes affected by Botrytis, or noble rot. Its juicy, syrupy-tasting notes of honeysuckle, apricot, and peaches and slight acidity make it a perfect gift for the dessert lovers in your life. 

2016 Chateau Cantegril Sauternes

• Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
• Avg price: $29.99

Find more bottles of German or Bordeaux wine at Total Wine or your local retail shop.

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