Christmas traditions… and wine traditions…
In the weeks leading up to December, city centers dress up and bring out our most tender feelings. It’s an unmistakable sign that Christmas is here!
Christmas is synonymous with tradition, gatherings, and reunions. But if we count the Christmas traditions related to wine or gastronomy, the list would be extensive.
Some of our favorites can be found in this post, and who knows… they might just bring out your most festive Christmas spirit!
Christmas markets and their signature mulled wine:
The streets sparkle with lights, and it’s common to find the iconic Christmas markets in European squares.
These magical spaces filled with light, color, and carols offer a wide array of gifts, local crafts, tastings of traditional products, and Christmas sweets.
And let’s not forget the characteristic scents of fresh pine or cinnamon… unique places where simply wandering through them feels like a gift in itself!
We think it’s a fantastic experience to stroll through these markets, soak up the magic of Christmas, and, of course, enjoy a cup of mulled wine!
Perhaps in Spanish cities, these markets are not as common as they are in Central European cities. The cold temperatures typical of this season make this sweetened and spiced drink an absolute must in those regions!
This “warming remedy” is usually made with red wine, though it can also be prepared with white wine. Lemon or orange peel and various spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, are typically added.
…There are those who are fans of this type of wine and others who might not be as enthusiastic… but we must admit that it’s something everyone should try at least once in their life!
Secret Santa:
Who hasn’t participated in a “Secret Santa” at some point?!
Surely most of us have had to think about “what” to give that person fate has randomly chosen for us. Whether at school, work, or among friends, we’ve all drawn that “lucky name.”
If you have a “Secret Santa” coming up this Christmas, what better gift than a bottle of wine? For wine enthusiasts, it’s bound to be a delight, and for those who aren’t yet into wine, it can serve as a wonderful introduction to this fantastic world.
A great starting point could be our range of EM wines aged 12 months in barrels, such as our @Monastrell-Merlot, @Pinot Noir, or @Monastrell-Cabernet.
Uncorking Moments…
The time of year has arrived when we bring out “all the stops”… that cherished tablecloth, the dinnerware we treat like treasure, and of course, the wine we’ve saved for “that special occasion.” Our @EM Santa Rosa perfectly embodies the kind of wine we patiently age at home, waiting for it to reach its peak to make special moments even more extraordinary. And if it’s a Magnum bottle, even better—perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Christmas Pairings:
There are certain types of wine that are inevitably associated with Christmas and the celebrations that come with it.
A clear example of this is sweet wines, and at Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, we have two options that transport us directly to these festive moments.
Our @EM Moscatel de La Marina, for example, pairs wonderfully with marzipan, Jijona nougat, or the traditional “Roscón de Reyes.” Meanwhile, our @EM Dolç de Mendoza highlights the flavors of Alicante nougat, panettone, and for those with a sweet tooth, chocolate nougat.
And if you can’t decide between Dolç or Moscatel, rest assured that “mantecados” will pair perfectly with either!
The New Year’s Toast
Traditionally, it’s done with cava or champagne… But why not make it with wine? Sometimes, traditions are meant to be broken—or at least given our personal touch. How about toasting this year with our @EM Estrecho or @EM Las Quebradas? Let this toast with Monastrell be a good omen for a prosperous New Year filled with luck, love, and, most importantly, health.
And you, who will you toast with first in 2022?
