The Cozy Red Wines to Gift for the Holidays
A globe-trotting mix of cabernets, pinot noirs and off-beat varietals proves that the season’s coziest red-wine gifts don’t have to be predictable.
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Universally celebrated around the world, an elegant bottle of red wine is a classic gift that boasts sophistication and poise. Though there is a time and place for priceless bottles worthy of the most discerning collectors, there is also an approachable sweet spot that can be more appropriate for gift-giving.
Whether you’re looking to warm up with a complex Napa Valley cabernet or keep things balanced with a fruit-forward Santa Barbara pinot noir, California is known for producing cozy wines with bold flavor and plenty of finesse. However, if there was ever a perfect time to introduce your loved ones to lesser-known varietals and purveyors from around the world, it’s during the holiday season.
Washington state boasts an underrated wine scene, characterized by a semi-arid climate, which makes it an ideal place to grow Bordeaux-style reds with depth and structure. Rather than sticking with a classic Chianti from Italy, explore the region’s more unique Amarones, or take your taste buds on a journey to Austria with a rare bottle of Blaufränkisch. From a French blend made with zero filtration to a California cab franc with balanced acidity, these are the coziest red wines to gift this holiday season.
The Best Red Wines to Gift for the Holidays
- Côtes du Vivarais La Syrare
- Mark Ryan Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon
- Emeritus Single Block Collection
- Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
- Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
- EnRoute “Northern Spy Vineyard” Pinot Noir
- Gut Oggau Joschuari
- Hall Exzellenz Cabernet Sauvignon
- Daou Estate Collection Cabernet Franc
- Jonata Todos Red
Côtes du Vivarais La Syrare
Made from a blend of 30 percent Grenache and 70 percent syrah, this macerated red is crafted with zero fining or filtration, yielding a raw expression that captures the complexity of Côtes du Vivarais. Delicate smoky aromas are met with notes of blackberry, violet and black pepper, complementing a full body that is ripe with velvety tannins, balanced acidity and a spiced finish. An old school label with cursive inscriptions contributes to the bottle’s overall elegance and timelessness.
Mark Ryan Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon
Hailing from the mountainous terroir of Washington wine country, this expressive red opens up with a bouquet of plum, boysenberry, cigar box and cedar. About 88 percent of Mark Ryan Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in new French oak for 21 months, with the remaining 12 percent being aged in used French oak. The flavor beautifully reflects the vibrancy of Washington’s Red Mountain AVA, unfolding with cozy currant, sweet dark fruit, olive and clove flavors. This customizable bottle can also be engraved with a personalized message or signature.
Emeritus Single Block Collection
A comforting collection worth splurging on, this high-end trio of pinot noir from Emeritus features three 2021 single block vintages, all boasting their own unique character and finesse. The Halberg Elite is the most robust, revealing a dense texture with a plush mouthfeel and lengthy finish. Slightly lighter and brighter, the Don’s Block Pinot Noir maintains earthy complexity with forest floor, clove and a hint of cedar, while the rich La Combette entices your senses with elegant notes of pomegranate, red currant and violets. This is the ideal gift for a budding collector hoping to expand their palate with three top-notch Sonoma County pinot noirs.
Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Share a taste of la dolce vita with Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. The vintage-inspired label appears like worn parchment, adding a classy touch to any cellar. Despite its intense nose and palate, this flagship Amarone is well-balanced, featuring wild berry notes and subtly spicy undertones. Made mostly from corvina, the grapes are sourced from two prime plots in the Valpolicella Classico region: the La Groletta Vineyard and the Conca d’Oro Vineyard.
Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
One of California’s best wineries for robust reds, Darioush offers a masterclass in concentrated cabernets. The brand’s flagship wine is made from 100 percent cabernet sauvignon, resulting in a pure expression with bold aromas of ripe blackcurrant, crushed blueberry, dried fig, blackberry and juicy Damson plum. The wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 21 months, contributing to the red’s overall depth, fruit-forward tone and underlying earthiness. Intricate layers of dark cocoa, spiced sandalwood and smoked thyme emerge at first sip, accented by polished tannins and a velvety palate. If you’re shopping for a collector seeking something that will age nicely in the cellar, Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is a top option.
EnRoute “Northern Spy Vineyard” Pinot Noir
At first pour, EnRoute’s Russian River Valley pinot noir captures your attention with comforting aromas of Earl Grey tea, cardamom and citrus. These cozy scents are ideal for winter nights at home, but when it comes to the palate, muddled red fruit is laced with bold acidity and elegant notes of potpourri. Made exclusively from pinot noir grapes that are aged in French oak barrels for 16 months, this exceptional red is a consistent crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with festive dishes like roasted lamb, rosemary-crusted chicken and holiday pies.
Gut Oggau Joschuari
Founded by Eduard and Stephanie Tscheppe, Gut Oggau is an Austrian winery with a biodynamic Demeter certification. The organic Joschuari is a rich, 100 percent Blaufränkisch with balanced florals and a hint of spice. This rare bottle is a treat for Austrian wine lovers, and its robust profile enables it to pair well with hearty winter recipes on chilly evenings. Expect a medium-weight with intense tannins and red fruit flavors.
Hall Exzellenz Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a hallmark of Hall Wines. Crafted in the rolling hills of Napa Valley, this deep and intense red boasts holiday aromas of black cherry, freshly ground coffee and warm baking spice. Equally as powerful is the palate, which showcases an energetic combo of leather, chocolate and jammy dark fruits. Hall Exzellenz Cabernet Sauvignon is a pure bottle with chewy tannins, focused flavors and earthy opulence. The overall complexity and depth can be attributed to the long aging process, which includes 28 months in 80 percent new French oak.
Daou Estate Collection Cabernet Franc
Daou is one of Paso Robles’ most beloved purveyors, and the estate collection cabernet franc is the winery's crown jewel of complex reds. The calcareous-clay soils of Daou Mountain produce juicy and flavorful grapes that extend far beyond the standard fruit flavors of this classic Bordeaux-style wine. Beautiful aromas of violet, blueberry, blackberry and cassis are balanced by unexpected scents of graphite, sage and toasted pine nuts. Prominent flavors of pomegranate and burberry contribute to the overall acidity, but it is the touch of stony granite that lingers on the lengthy finish.
Jonata Todos Red
Looking for an approachable red that everyone will love? Produced in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley, Jonata Todos Red is a silky blend with a structured backbone and lush texture. The dark and gamey profile can be attributed to a primary base of syrah, with subtle influences from cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit sirah. On the nose, dark fruit layers erupt with mulberry, blackberry and black truffle, while a spicy and subtly savory palate features clove, black tea and prosciutto. This wine pairs beautifully with a hearty roast or grilled lamb chops—ideal entrées for a festive holiday dinner.
