The Bougiest Wines To Gift When You Really Want To Impress

“Don't let the chardonnay grape fool you — this Champagne is divine. It's medium-bodied with bright acid and fresh minerality alongside white flower aromas and lemon, green apple, pear, and fresh apricot flavors with a touch of brioche,” says Nia Ruth, WSET Level 3 Certified Wine Expert and Wine Club founder. “It's a dream in a glass!”

“If you are looking to gift wine to a collector or someone with an experienced palate, this wine will make a great impression,” says Courtney Wieland, director of private clients at Thatcher’s Wine Consulting. “Grand Cru is arguably the top category of vineyards you can find, and Domaine Ramonet is one of the most iconic winemakers globally. With some age, these bottles aren’t so easy to come by.”

This would be a “rare and truly wonderful Champagne to gift this year,” says Ramon Manglano, sommelier at The Musket Room. “Coming from a small, 1.5 hectare plot in the village of Polisy, it’s concentrated, deep, and flavorful... an exceptionally thoughtful gift idea.”

“Comtes de Champagne is produced only in exceptional vintage years and is composed entirely of the first press of pinot noir and chardonnay grapes grown in the top vineyards of the prestigious Côte des Blancs,” says Amy Racine, beverage director of JF Restaurants. “It is layered with tart berry, mineral, and brioche tones.”

“I love gifting this for the holidays, especially if the recipient is sharing!” says Jason Hedges, sommelier and director of beverage at Laurent Tourondel Hospitality's L’Amico, The Vine, and Skirt Steak NYC. “It’s elegant and generous of freshly toasted brioche and notes of ripe and dried fruit and finishes with vanilla and a touch of praline.”

“One of my favorite wines to gift is the champagne from Bondle,” says Pascal Shin, co-founder of Punch+Co and beverage consultant at The Den on Sunset. “It's elegant, balanced, complex, and evokes white fruit (pear) notes. The best part...all of its wines come in magnums so it's great for sharing!”

“There is nothing more enjoyable to me than a beautiful bottle of off-dry or dry riesling,” says Evelyn Goreshnik, wine director of Last Word Hospitality (Found Oyster, Nossa Caipirinha Bar, The Copper Room, and more). “Keller has been planting and producing some of the world’s most incredible riesling since the ‘60s.”

“Lisini makes a wonderful brunello,” says Ben Zuba, wine director of Rare Society. “Located in Montalcino, the Lisini family has owned land since the 16th century. Their brunellos are full-figured, powerful, and vibrant — the perfect companion to any meaty roast.”

“One of the most appealing, consistently delicious, and visually recognizable cuvées is undoubtedly Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque,” says Giuseppe Santochirico, beverage director of Midnight Theatre, Hidden Leaf, and Midnight Cafe. “Do not wait for NYE: Grab a bottle of the 2013 vintage and enjoy it over king crab, fleshy white fish, or aged cheese.”