Many variables influence when choosing what to serve at parties: the weather, the place, the guests and the food. That is why the ideal is to offer alternatives to satisfy everyone and thus achieve an unforgettable celebration.

It is not a matter of showing off when choosing the wines and drinks to serve at these parties, but offering alternatives for all tastes, and for this, several aspects must be taken into account beyond preferences; the atmosphere, the guests, the food, the drinks, the service temperature highly conditioned by the weather, among others.

It is known that the holidays arrive and sparkling wine is the most chosen, for being an icon of the celebrations. And although its consumption has been seasonally adjusted in recent years, in December it becomes the star wine, and more so in the last decade. Because the quality of the national sparkling wines has nothing to envy to that of the famous Champagnes. It is true that now comes a long journey to gain prestige, but the most important thing is already there; quality, consistency and style.

Undoubtedly, it is one of the categories that has developed the most and best, reaching the highest quality in history from grapes grown at higher altitudes that reach more marked and defined levels of natural acidity. The great knowledge achieved in the last twenty years with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the two most used varieties in Champagne, was also key. As well as the best management of both production methods, the Champenoise, bottle by bottle (used in the Champagne region), and the Charmat, made in large pressurized tanks.

But getting here was not so easy and it took a long time. After challenging their own limits and exploring new lands that would show the way to excellence. The key was to obtain grapes with a higher concentration of natural acidity and polyphenolic balance, carrying out customized viticulture, with winemaking processes that always sought to preserve the natural freshness of the fruit.

A laborious and artisan work, carried out by viticulturists who take care of their vineyards throughout the year and pickers who choose the grapes by hand in each harvest. The incorporation of the pneumatic press, the stainless steel tanks and large-scale drip irrigation were all innovations that minimized human intervention, allowing nature to always express itself with the highest quality.

But sparkling wine is not the only option, there are also vermouths that can be served as aperitifs, white and rosé wines to start with, chilled reds to follow, and cider or sweet wines to accompany the sweets.

The hosts usually put a lot of dedication into preparing the setting and the menu, even though everyone collaborates. That is why the drink also deserves the same dedication. Not so that the guests are thinking about the pairings, because if there is something that Christmas tables have, it is diversity, but so that everyone can have a drink of their liking at hand, which allows them to enjoy what they are eating more, and , therefore, the moment.

Options to enjoy the toast at Christmas

The key is to think chronologically. When the guests arrive there is like a revolution, and nobody pays much attention. There are reunions, some take gifts to the little tree, the first talks standing still. There, the drink is not the protagonist, but it can be used to start relaxing diners.

Yes or if it should be something refreshing, a beer, a glass of sparkling wine or a vermouth, well served; In a glass place a lot of ice, 70% red vermouth and 30% soda, and add a slice of lemon. The ideal is to set up a table with all the necessary elements and products so that each one can be served at ease, which is why it is best to propose practical drinks and drinks that are easy to prepare. You can also be surprised with drinks made from the sparkling natural sweets, which are also served with ice and citrus slices.

When it comes to wines, you never have to think of a single label, although it is good that all diners who want to drink wines can enjoy each uncorked bottle, which is why you have to think of one bottle for every seven diners.

But instead of six identical bottles, it is better to buy six different ones, remembering that each one is enough for seven drinks. White and rosé wines must be very cold when serving them, better in small glasses and small quantities so that they do not lose their temperature quickly. If the bottles are placed in a place so that each one can be served, keep in mind that they must be kept very cool. To do this, place them in plastic jars or sinks with ice and water, and respect a certain order so that the guests understand that there is a planned progression.

First a fresh and vivacious rosé, then an expressive white (Torrontés or Sauvignon Blanc) and another more austere with more body (Chardonnay or Semillon), for example.

And reds must be treated similarly, therefore, one should not go with “great wine” but rather offer a couple of reds with an agile body and refreshing expression, which do not suffer when served colder than normal. Later, when the flood has passed and they are all comfortably seated, especially after dinner thinking about the twelve strokes to come, you can go out with that wine saved for special occasions, taking care of its temperature and in good glasses.

But the wine that can accompany everything that is served at Christmas, and is the one chosen by the majority, is the sparkling wine. And although it seems increasingly difficult to find the right wine to celebrate at parties, in reality the diversity that gondolas display today makes the task easier.

Beyond the price; which is usually a very accurate indicator of quality; Style is the most important aspect of a natural sparkling wine, if you want to surprise your guests. Those made by the Charmat method (in large pressurized tanks) are ideal for informal and massive celebrations. Because they seek to highlight the fruit character and direct freshness of the wine. That is why they go well both at the reception and after dinner, accompanying desserts, sweet bread and nuts. They are also used to prepare drinks.

To receive guests at home, you don’t have to choose the best, but rather a neutral sparkling wine, to cleanse the mouth and awaken the senses, like an Extra Brut. Then usually several cold bites arrive long before you even sit down at the table. There the Brut, since it is usually more enveloping. Then you can move on to a Rosado that will go better with chicken and meat bites.

At the table you have to shine, first with an elegant Nature and to end in style, one with many years of aging on lees. So, if you want to stand out at the table, you have to opt for a sparkling traditional method (or Champenoise), because when the second fermentation occurs bottle by bottle, the chef de cave (oenologist) manages to enhance all the complexity that he imagined from the start. vineyard. The fine textures and bubbles, along with delicate aromas and flavors, are typical of Champagne.

And all good sparkling wine aspires to achieve the same greatness with its own style. If the base is Pinot Noir, its appearance will be rosier and its structure more firm. It is the most appropriate to serve with fish and poultry; but also with grilled red meats in delicate preparations. And for those large family tables that are set up at home, a magnum (1.5l) or a double magnum (3l) may be the best option, so everyone can enjoy the same bottle.

10 sparkling wines to wear on the Christmas table

Chandon Extra Brut /Chandon Winery, Mendoza $2900

There is a lot of balance in this sparkling wine, the most consumed and enjoyed in Argentina for decades. The key lies in the origin of the grapes and in the fact that they are harvested earlier each time to maintain a sustained acidity and a more tense freshness, which add vivacity to its passage through the mouth.

Indomitable Blanc de Malbec Champenoise / Colosso Wines, Mendoza $2900

100% made with Malbec from Los Chacayes. With a pale pink appearance and primary aromas of Malbec, fresh red fruits from the first fermentation, spring flowers and spices in perfect balance. On the palate it is fresh and fruity, and its mid palate is broad and balanced.

Wind Rose Nature Pinot Noir / Schroeder Family, Neuquén $3100

It is made in small tanks (6,000 liters) by the Charmat method. With a bright appearance and an attractive name, persistent bubbles, good character and a refreshing balance. Friendly and expressive finish.

Del Fin del Mundo Brut Nature Pinot Noir / Bodega Del Fin del Mundo, Neuquén $3500

100% Pinot Noir, produced using the Champenoise method, remains in contact with the yeast for 36 months and a further 6 months in cork storage. Yellow in color with copper reflections, it reflects the presence of Pinot Noir and has an intense, complex aroma. On the palate it is friendly, creamy, smooth and has small bubbles.

Aurum Extra Brut / Finca Bandini, Mendoza $4400

Cofermentation of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer, designed for the extraction of floral and fruit aromas. And after 8 months of working with its lees, it goes to the second fermentation in stainless steel tanks, where pressure and temperature are taken care of (not higher than 16º C), and finally it is bottled.

DV Catena Nature / Catena Zapata, Mendoza $6950

Blend of Chardonnay (70%) and Pinot Noir (30%), produced by Alejandro Vigil using the traditional method, aged for 30 months on lees. From classic and elegant aromas to ripe and baked white fruits. Tense and friendly palate, with fine bubbles and a complex finish.

The house’s first sparkling wine with its own name, the winemaker’s tribute to his grandmother, wife of the founder of the winery at the end of the 19th century. A Brut Nature with a higher proportion of Chardonnay than Pinot Noir. Fresh and elegant, with fine bubbles and a persistent finish.

Otronia Brut Nature Rosé / Otronia Winery, Chubut $7900

Made from 100% organic Pinot Noir and by the traditional method, it remained on its lees for 25 months. It is a Limited game of only 1900 Bottles. It presents aromas of toasted bread, fruits such as white peach, citrus, and herbal and floral notes. In the mouth, the soft bubbles provide a balanced texture and elegance.

Baron B Cuvée Millésimée Brut Nature / Baron B, Mendoza $8800

It is not just another combination of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but rather an exceptional one, with its own style and personality that evolves with each vintage. Here you can feel the freshness of the vintage and the high mountain terroir. Extremely balanced beyond its tense pace, its persistent finish and harmonic bubbles. Drink or save.

Bohème Brut Nature / Luigi Bosca Winery, Mendoza $9500

The years go by and its style is maintained, with freshness and delicacy, more supported by the complexity provided by the yeasts during the two years that the foam has been made. Of the few that, in addition to Pinot Noir (50%) and Chardonnay (40%), contains Pinot Meunier.

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