Wines and Spirits for a Lively Holiday Season

With the holidays around the corner, let’s explore some exciting wine and spirits suggestions for a lively holiday season. Whiskies, wines, champagne and non-alcoholic options.

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Wines and Spirits for a Lively Holiday Season: Whiskys

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The Dalmore 12

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At Gentologie, this particular Scotch Whisky holds a special place. We adore its velvety texture, effortless sipping, and versatility as both an apéritif and digestif. Additionally, it shines when paired with a Maraschino Cherry in a Manhattan cocktail. It’s a great way to start our list of wines and spirits for a lively holiday season.

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SAQ Code 11247906

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Fettercairn 12

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In 2024, Fettercain will mark its bicentennial anniversary. As a gateway to the world of Scotch Whisky, their entry-level offering, the 12-Year-Old, is an excellent choice. It boasts a slightly spicy flavour with a touch of vanilla, followed by a gentle tingle on the palate. The finish is extended, with subtle fruit notes. It is an excellent choice for the festive season.

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SAQ Code 14849945

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The Macallan Harmony Edition No. 4

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The No. 4 Edition of The Macallan, a collaboration with Cirque du Soleil to celebrate the brand’s 200th anniversary, is truly remarkable. It is smooth and vanilla-scented with a long finish, and it is sure to bring you great pleasure. The Harmony No. 4 Edition is now available in select SAQ.

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SAQ Code 15425183

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Glenmorangie 16 The Nectar

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Beware not to confuse this nectar, “The Nectar,” with its predecessor, “Le Nectar d’Or.” Unlike its forebear, which was crafted to evoke the sensations of stepping into a French bakery, The Nectar is a masterpiece unto itself. It takes Dr. Bill Lumsden’s signature blend of sweet and spicy flavours to new heights, maturing for 16 additional years in a refined mix of bourbon barrels and sweet white wine. As a result, this whisky boasts an unmatched depth and richness. The tantalizing scents of pastry, brioche, meringue and caramelized apples mingle with sweet and sticky notes that evoke a delicious dessert. The flavours of white chocolate, almond and honey complete the experience.

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SAQ Code 15386436

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Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old Solera

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This delightful whisky, aged in new American oak barrels, sherry casks and bourbon casks, boasts a one-of-a-kind and intricate flavour profile. The result is a liquid that captures the essence of the holiday season, with notes of honey, dried fruit and nuts.

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SAQ Code 11027031

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Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26-Year-Old

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It will be available soon at the SAQ. Keep an eye out for the Glenfiddich 30-Year-Old Time Series and 40-Year-Old Time Series, which are due to hit stores in a few weeks.

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Coming soon in SAQ, now in LCBO (Code: 28123)

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Wines and Spirits for a Lively Holiday Season: Still Wines

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Whites

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Chante-Alouette Hermitage by M. Chapoutier 2020

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Tasted at the Grande Dégustation de Montréal, this vintage stands out with flavours of honey, almonds and ginger, it’s truly a delight. A winning pairing with poultry, cheese and seafood.

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SAQ Code 15302001

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Queylus Signature Chardonnay 2019

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This white wine is truly remarkable. We had the pleasure of sampling it at Montréal’s prestigious Grand Tasting. It was not your typical Californian Chardonnay, but rather one with remarkable acidity, vibrant freshness, and a strong, lingering flavour.

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In private import

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Rosés

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Minuty M — Côtes de Provence 2023

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For a moment, bring summer back to your plate with Minuty M. This fresh, full-bodied rosé is far from sweet. Pair it with a tantalizing starter of burrata and tomatoes for a delightful twist on traditional dishes.

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SAQ Code 13680762

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Reds

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Beronia Gran Reserva 2016

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Its alluring aromas of dark cherries, spices, and ripened fruits will captivate your senses.

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SAQ Code 15339066

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Terrazas de Los Andes Reserva Malbec Mendoza 2021

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A wine that is ideal for the holiday season, especially when paired with hearty red meat dishes. Its delicate floral aromas, rich black fruit flavours, and woody spices will captivate your guests.

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SAQ Code 10399297

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Château Pesquié Ventoux Quintessence 2021

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This magnificent wine is an excellent match for braised dishes. Its black cherry notes and velvety tannins will enhance the flavour of your meal. It has a pleasant balance between acidity and freshness. Pair it with duck for an unforgettable experience.

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SAQ Code 969303

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The Prisoner

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While tasting the wines with brand ambassador Drew Schneider at the recently renovated Vargas that I was inspired to share these wines with you. We enjoy expressive California wines, but if you’re having red meat such as beef carpaccio, the Pinot Noir will be perfect. For a well-aged grilled steak, the Cabernet-Sauvignon blend would be more appropriate.

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In SAQ

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Wynns Coonawarra Shiraz 2022

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Have you ever thought you knew everything about Australian wines? Well, prepare to be astonished. This Shiraz from Wynns is about to shatter all your preconceptions. The nose reveals intense fruit and white flowers (yes, in a red wine). On the palate, it’s velvety and refined, with alluring black fruit flavours. It’s a wine that will captivate your senses. Pair it with grilled or smoked meats and vegetables for a truly unforgettable experience.

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SAQ Code 15330871

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Wines and Spirits for a Lively Holiday Season: Champagne

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Telmont Réserve Brut

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This year’s breakthrough discovery is a vibrant sparkling wine, boasting delicate, effervescent bubbles that dance on the tongue. Check out our article for more details. It pairs perfectly with oysters or foie gras, but can elevate just about any dish. We have not sampled the rosé edition, but rest assured, its quality matches that of this exceptional cuvée.

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SAQ Code 15255655

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Bollinger Spécial Cuvé Brut

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James Bond’s preferred champagne is a timeless choice at the table. While he favours the La Grande Année range, we acknowledge that it may not be within everyone’s budget. Nonetheless, it is a delightful blend of brioche and spices.

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SAQ Code 384529

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Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Non Vintage (NV)

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It’s a classic, delicious, festive wine, perfect as an aperitif with an aged cheese starter. There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s sure to please any visitor. What’s more, if you go to the SAQ Sélection at Carrefour Candiac from Thursday to Sunday until 22 December, you’ll be eligible for a gift box with the purchase of any bottle of the brand, as well as other surprises.

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SAQ Code 453084

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Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015

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This champagne is resplendent and illuminating! It has a delicate fruit flavour, not overpowering, but delightful. There is a subtle hint of nutty flavours, especially almonds.

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SAQ Code 10453601

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Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016

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This sparkling wine, while not as bold as its predecessor, still has a significant appetite, with hints of winter citrus and toasted bread.Don’t pass on it.

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SAQ Code 15389848

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Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé 2015

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This wine embodies a single term: intensity. It yearned to be released from the bottle, eager to express itself. We lean towards the flavours of dark fruits, rather than sweet ones. The aroma of spices, such as pepper, is also pleasing to our palate. Paired with a decadent dessert, such as a strawberry Pavlova, this wine will provide an exquisite contrast.

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Soon in SAQ

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Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé 2016

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This wine, similar to the Grand Vintage of the same year, has less lightness. It maintains a refined and harmonious quality, unfolding with a vibrant freshness and intense red fruit notes. It pairs well with a dish that is not overly sweet, but has a strong fruit flavour.

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SAQ Code 461160

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G.H. Mumm et Cie Grand Cordon Brut

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This is a classic. We love this champagne. It has good acidity and a lingering green apple taste. It pairs well with a fatty appetizer to balance the acidity.

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Code SAQ 308056

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Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature

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We appreciate the uncomplicated nature of Laurent-Perrier, which offers refined effervescence, wintery citrus scents, and a zero-dosage blend. It goes well with fish and seafood, or caviar.

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Code SAQ 14471567

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Palmer & Co. Brut Réserve

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This exquisite Champagne boasts a captivating aroma of brioche. It’s truly divine, pairing beautifully with rich foie gras on toasted brioche, or succulent smoked salmon in Koulibiac.

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SAQ Code 15247532

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Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

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This premium Champagne boasts notes of buttery brioche. It is a full-bodied champagne that pairs perfectly with foie gras as an appetizer. We highly recommend Rougié as an excellent choice.

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SAQ Code 13677272

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Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve

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The Rose edition of the previous champagne boasts a rich, tangy, and fruit-forward profile, with notes of juicy strawberries and tart raspberries. This bubbly delight pairs perfectly with succulent shrimp or smoky salmon.

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SAQ Code 15312525

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Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs

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Unlike the previously mentioned Laurent-Perrier, this one has a refined and delicate effervescence, not at all harsh or abrasive, but rather smooth and silky. The freshness is good. It goes well with a plate of fruit, tasty cheeses, nuts, or oysters.

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Code SAQ 15312576

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Piper-Heidsieck Brut

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This sparkling wine is perfect for starting a meal. It pairs wonderfully with oysters or salmon tartare, thanks to its brioche flavour.

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SAQ Code 462432

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Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de blancs

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This wine boasts a zesty, freshness and minerality. You’ll love it with top-quality oysters. (We recommend our friends at La Mer).

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SAQ Code  15214466

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Piper Heidsieck — Rare 2008

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This exceptional vintage takes you somewhere else. It is a sophisticated, full-bodied champagne with a buttery taste, perfect for celebratory moments.

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SAQ Code 15298858

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Devaux Coeur des Bar — Blanc de Noirs

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This champagne is a gourmet delight, boasting a rich fruit flavour that elevates it to a refined level. It would pair perfectly with honey-infused brioche bread, creating a truly decadent experience.

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Code SAQ 14202543

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Nicolas Feuillatte Grand Cru 2015 Blanc de Noirs

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An exquisite, creamy champagne, perfect for pairing with food, especially seafood such as classic scallops (without the potatoes).

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Code SAQ 14199680

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Wines and Spirits for a Lively Holiday Season: No-Alcohol

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Guinness 0.0

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The beloved seasonal beer is now offered in a no-alcohol alternative. It boasts a remarkably similar taste that is sure to satisfy. This year, the alcoholic range was expanded to include Guinness Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, which tastes like vanilla ice cream. Or, for a more robust and full-bodied experience, try the Guinness Extra Stout.

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In grocery stores

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Moderato

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The Moderato series of wines, while perhaps not quite on par with traditional wine, is strikingly similar, particularly among whites. It excels as a pre-dinner drink, or any time one desires a pause from imbibing.

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Discover the range in SAQ

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Seedlip Notas de Agave

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An alcohol-free spirit that captures the essence of tequila, not in taste but in spice, imparting a flavour reminiscent of the agave spirit. While it may not match up to a high-end brand like Patrón, Seedlip offers an enjoyable and refreshing alternative. Read all about Seedlip and discover why it’s worth trying.

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Buy on Amazon

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And that concludes our selection of wines and spirits for a lively holiday season.Drink in moderation, and if you drive, take a taxi, call Nez Rouge or have a designated driver.