Today I review two special, reasonably affordable wines for the holidays: De Chanceny Crémant de la Loire Brut, a typical Loire Valley Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wine made in the Champagne style from a Chenin Blanc blend; and Broadbent Madeira Reserve, a delicious Madeira, rich and sweet, an excellent value.

FIND THESE WINES ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Broadbent Madeira Reserve on Wine-Searcher.com.

Wine-Searcher.com lists only limited vendors for De Chanceny Crémant de la Loire Brut. However, it’s available at most Whole Foods wine shops.
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Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Pinot Noir is a rather light, but bright and pretty ruby red, typical of Burgundy. Delicious scents of fresh, ripe raspberries and cranberry fill the nose and the simple but pleasant red-fruit flavor. It’s a good introduction to red Burgundy and a fine food wine.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Pinot Noir on Wine-Searcher.com.

Follow this Wine-Searcher link to find information, vendors, and prices for dozens of other Bourgogne Pinot Noir wines. Read article.

Porto Kopke Special Reserve, formerly known as Late Bottled Vintage, is made from a typical Douro blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz grapes. Dark purple in color, it starts with a shy but deep black-fruit scent. Black plums and blackberries come on in a full-bodied, acidic flavor with firm but palatable tannins alongside.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Wine-Searcher.com currently shows only limited listings for Porto Kopke Special Reserve, but check in periodically as supplies may turn up.

Follow this Wine-Searcher link to find listings for dozens of other Reserve Ruby Ports. Read article.

“Indigenous” Salento Primitivo is a dark, ruby-red wine with a thin clear edge. Its fruity, slightly perfumed aroma offers a blend of dried cherries and fresh, tart blackberries with a spicy back note. You can pick up a hint of the Zinfandel connection in that ripe berry fruit, but it’s much more earthy and rustic than its California sibling.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Wine-Searcher.com is not currently showing listings for Indigenous Selections Salento Primitivo. Use this Wine-Searcher link to find other Indigenous Selections wines, and this link on Wine-Searcher to find listings for dozens of other Primitivo wines.
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