December 2024: "A Holiday Celebration of Gratitude" | Eater Wine Club

Eater Wine Club

December 2024: "A Holiday Celebration of Gratitude"

 

This month’s theme:  A Holiday Celebration of Gratitude"

Finca Abril, Pie de Palo Malbec  Mendoza, Argentina; Red Wine, Malbec: Finca Abril is a winery that knows how to make a Malbec sing. Nestled in the heart of Mendoza, they harness the perfect combination of sun, soil, and elevation to create wines that are bold, rich, and incredibly smooth. Their Pie de Palo Malbec is the kind of wine that makes you sit up and take notice. We chose it because they’re not just about producing great wine—they’re about producing the best, and it shows in every glass. "Bold, velvety, and just plain delicious." Think ripe blackberries, juicy plums, and a hint of spice. Pair with steak, a hearty stew, or just good friends. It’s the perfect wine for a cozy December night.

Tullia, Brut Prosecco di Treviso |  Veneto, Italy; Sparkling White Wine, Glera, Pinot Nero: Tullia is the Italian winemaker that’s all about fun, fizz, and feeling fabulous. They craft Prosecco that is sparkling in every sense—bubbly, effervescent, and full of personality. We picked Tullia because they’ve mastered the art of making every sip feel like a celebration. This is the bottle you’ll reach for when you want to add a little extra sparkle to your December. "Bubbly, crisp, and so much fun." Fresh apple, a little citrus zest, and delicate floral notes make it the life of any party. Pair with seafood, creamy pastas, or toast the season just because. It’s the perfect sparkle to light up December.

Bodegas Santalba, Ermita San Felices Crianza Rioja | Rioja, Spain; Red Wine, Tempranillo, Grenache, Viura, Malvasia Riojana: Bodegas Santalba is a family-run gem that’s been making Rioja wines for generations. Their focus? Tradition with a twist. By blending old-school techniques with modern innovation, they’ve created a Crianza that embodies the true spirit of Rioja. We picked them because this wine is a perfect example of how they balance the rich history of the region with a contemporary, approachable style. Every sip tells a story. "Rich, toasty, and oh-so-satisfying." Ripe berries, a touch of vanilla, and just the right hint of oak. Pair with roasted lamb, hearty tapas, or cozy nights with good company. This one feels like a celebration of all things December.

Gustav, Grüner Veltliner | Niederösterreich, Austria; White Wine, Grüner Veltliner: Gustav is all about precision. They craft wines with a sense of place that’s as refreshing as the Alpine air in Austria. This Grüner Veltliner is no exception. We picked Gustav because they know how to bring out the pure, vibrant flavors in their wines, creating something that’s both elegant and easy to enjoy. This wine is like a crisp mountain breeze—refreshing and unforgettable. "Zippy, fresh, and totally vibrant." Green apple, citrus, and a little hint of white pepper make it pop. It’s a dream with sushi, roasted veggies, or anything light and fresh. Perfect for balancing out the heaviness of holiday feasts.

Clovis, Côtes du Rhône | Rhône Valley, France; Red Wine, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan: Clovis is all about classic French style with a laid-back vibe. They craft wines that are easy to drink, but never easy to forget. We chose Clovis because they bring that quintessential Rhône flavor to life in a way that’s approachable yet sophisticated. It’s wine that makes you feel like you’re hanging out in the sun-drenched Rhône Valley, without leaving your couch. "Smooth, juicy, and just what you need." Red cherries, a little spice, and soft tannins make this one a crowd-pleaser. Pair with roasted veggies, a hearty stew, or even burgers. It’s cozy in all the best ways.

Circa, Pinot Grigio 'Stelvin' | Veneto, Italy; White Wine, Pinot Grigio: Circa is all about making crisp, fresh, and refreshing wines that capture the essence of Italy. Their Pinot Grigio is the kind of wine that’s always in style—no frills, just pure, clean flavors that let the grapes shine. We picked Circa because they’re the masters of creating wines that are perfect for any occasion, and this one is no exception. "Light, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing." Pear, melon, and a hint of citrus make it effortlessly drinkable. Pair with chicken, creamy pastas, or a charcuterie board. It’s a white wine that’ll keep the party going all December.

Gioventù, Chianti DOCG 'Organic' | Tuscany, Italy; Red Wine, Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo: Gioventù is the cool kid in the Chianti world. They’re all about organic farming and sustainable practices, but don’t think they sacrifice flavor for sustainability. Their Chianti is bright, juicy, and full of life. We picked Gioventù because they bring a fresh twist to the classic Chianti style, while staying true to the essence of Tuscany. "Bright, juicy, and unapologetically Italian." Red cherries, a touch of cranberry, and earthy herbal notes. Pair with pizza, pasta, or any dish that makes you crave Italy. It’s comfort food’s best friend this December.

Erste & Neue, Gewürztraminer DOC |  Alto Adige, Italy; White Wine, Gewürztraminer: Erste & Neue are wine pioneers, creating wines that reflect the unique alpine climate of Alto Adige. Their Gewürztraminer is one-of-a-kind—bold, aromatic, and full of personality. We picked Erste & Neue because they combine old-world craftsmanship with a bold new vision. This wine is as memorable as your favorite holiday tradition. "Aromatic, exotic, and unforgettable." Rose petals, lychee, and a little spice bring this wine to life. Pair it with spicy dishes, Asian cuisine, or even blue cheese. It’s a total showstopper and the perfect way to elevate your December table.