What to Drink

Award-winning wines to drink this Holiday Season

Tasted and approved by the finest sommeliers and wine experts in the country, these wines are here to make your holidays exciting.

The much-awaited Holiday Season is here, and as the city lights up, so does our search for some great wines. Whether you are looking to sip on a fine Bordeaux by itself or searching for a riesling to accompany the dessert pies, or just want something to take to a friend/family’s dinner, our curated list of award-winning wines from the Paris Wine Cup will cater to all your needs.

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With an aim to recognize, reward, and promote wine brands that have been created to identify with a specific wine drinker, the Paris Wine Cup singles out wines that not only deserve a spot on the retailer’s shelf but also those with the ability to retain it.

Judged on the basis of quality, value, and appearance, the wines are assessed by an esteemed panel of experts from the industry. Some judges on the list include Emily Lester (Sommelier and Wine Journalist), David Belayche (Head Sommelier and wine buyer at Le Royal Monceau, Paris), and Anastasia Zamaraeva (Head Sommelier at COYA Paris Beaupassage, Paris).

To make sure you only choose from the best, we have selected the wines that were star performers at the competition this year. If you can, then wine not?

Porta da Ravessa Reserva

pariswinecup Porta da Ravessa Reserva

Topping our list with the Wine of the Year, Winery of the Year, Best in Show by Country (Portugal), Best in Show by Quality, and Best in Show by Packaging titles at the competition, Porta da Ravessa Reserva is the only double gold winner on the list.

Impressing the judges with aromas of lemon, nectarine, and peach on the nose, this white wine from Portugal is smooth and versatile, making it pair well with appetizers like baked sea scallops.

Average price: €7.99 per bottle.

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Rosso 39

pariswinecup Rosso 39

A ruby red-colored Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosso 39 presents long-lasting blackcurrant and cherry flavors. With a long peppery finish, the full-bodied wine is an ideal pairing option to go with festive main course dishes like duck with mashed potatoes and gnocchi with goose sauce.

Rosso 39 took home the Best in Show by Country (Italy) and Best Wine by Varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) accolades with 94 points on the board at the 2021 Paris Wine Cup.

Average price: €16 per bottle.

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Negre

pariswinecup Negre

Whiffing off thyme, green pepper, and black fruit aromas, Negre expresses the native Moldovan grape ‘Feteasca Negre’ with a palate dominated by blackberries and sweet spices.

Claiming the Best in Show by Country (Republic of Moldova) award with 93 points, tee up this gold medal-winning wine with grilled dishes this holiday season.

Average price: €19.97 per bottle.

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Chateau Barrail Tapon

pariswinecup Chateau Barrail Tapon

Acclaimed as the best wine from France at the competition, Chateau Barrail Tapon was recognized with the Best in Show by Country (France), Best in Show by Region of France (Bordeaux), Best Wine by Varietal (Merlot), Best Bordeaux of the Year, and Best in Show by Value titles. 

Lingering with notes of strawberry, blackcurrant, and cherry, the full-bodied wine offers a velvety and juicy mouthfeel. If you’re going to be indulging in a lot of roast dinners this Holiday Season, then this red blend is the perfect match.

Average price: €11 per bottle.

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Dirupo Extra Dry

pariswinecup Dirupo Extra Dry

Made from handpicked grapes on Andreola’s steepest vineyards, Dirupo Extra Dry showcases delightful aromas of pear, apple, and peach. Bagging the Best in Show by Varietal (Prosecco) accolade at the 2021 Paris Wine Cup, the sparkling wine pairs well with oysters, stuffed mushrooms, and mussels.

Pro tip: This award-winning bubbly is also a great option to bring to dinner as a gift for the host.

Average price: €9.80 per bottle.

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Read Next: French wines you need to try today

Siresol Severino Collezione Jako Wine

pariswinecup Siresol Severino Collezione Jako Wine

Highlighting light spicy notes in the background, Siresol Severino Collezione Jako Wine rounds off its sweet and creamy palate with vanilla, plum, cedar, cherry, strawberry, and chocolate nuances.

The gold medal-winning wine is barrel-aged for a minimum of 2 years in Slovakian and French oaks for a distinctive flavor, and pairs beautifully with poultry and grilled meats.

Average price: €51 per bottle.

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Odisseia Grande Reserva

pariswinecup Odisseia Grande Reserva

Produced only during the best years when the climate conditions allow the grapes to reach exceptional quality, Odisseia Grande Reserva exudes dark fruit flavors of blackberry, cherry, tobacco, and vanilla. 

Bagging a gold at the competition, this wine will be a great addition to your holiday shopping list, making a remarkable pair with rich meat dishes.

Average price: €89.23 per bottle.

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Barbera D'asti Superiore Solneri

pariswinecup Barbera D'asti Superiore Solneri

With a red fruit-driven nose, Barbera D'asti Superiore Solneri is well balanced on the palate with dark raspberry, vanilla, cocoa powder, and mint nuances. 

Pair this gold-medal-winning Italian barbera with cheese charcuterie boards, braised meats, and pork veal for the ultimate meal.

Average price: €19.90 per bottle.

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Dr. Lippold Empress Josephine Riesling Hochgewächs

pariswinecup Dr. Lippold Empress Josephine Riesling Hochgewächs

Luring white wine enthusiasts with just the right amount of acidity, Dr. Lippold Empress Josephine Riesling Hochgewächs is a highly aromatic wine, scenting of white flowers, petrol, and beeswax. 

Flavors of honey, peach, and apple bring a dry finish to the drink. Enjoy this delightful Riesling with apple and pumpkin pies.

Average price: €12.11 per bottle.

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Aurore Feteasca Neagra - Tempranillo 2018

pariswinecup Aurore Feteasca Neagra - Tempranillo 2018

Last but not the least, Aurore Feteasca Neagra - Tempranillo 2018 offers a berry forward palate with nuances of strawberries, blueberries, and cherries. The medium-bodied wine grabbed a gold medal with its freshness and supple tannins at the 2021 Paris Wine Cup.

To make the most of this wine, pair it with a garlic rosemary roast leg of lamb.

Average price: €20.76 per bottle.

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