Holiday Gift Guide 2020
I want to celebrate you. Yes, YOU! You are reading this post and have made it through an incredibly insane year.
In my 2020 holiday gift guide, I have compiled a list of my favorite sippers and some of the charities I support. If this year has taught me anything, it is that I am incredibly fortunate, and helping those who are not as lucky is that much more important to me. I hope we can spread the love together.
My Favorite Champagnes
Meet the three siblings: Piper, Charles, and Rare. They might be from the same family, but each of them has a different style and personality.
Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV: It is no secret that I am a huge fan of the Piper-Heidsieck House. And guess what? This signature Cuvée is the official Champagne of the Oscars! So why not treat yourself and sip like a celebrity? The blend is 50-55% Pinot Noir, 30-35% Pinot Meunier, and 15-20% Chardonnay, including 10-20% reserve wines. A golden colored Champagne with notes of almond, hazelnut, fresh stone fruit, and green apple with a hint of citrus. A delicate palate with elegant bubbles and a depth of flavors that would stand up to any meal. Great gift idea for friends and family. (Suggested Retail Price: $45)
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve: A gorgeous rose-gold colored Champagne from a blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Aromas of peach, fresh strawberry, and a gingerbread backbone. The palate explodes with notes of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and baking spices. Delicate bubbles and a creamy, full-bodied finish. Pairs well with sole meuniere or any white fish in butter sauce. The perfect gift for your clients. (SRP: $87)
Champagne Charles-Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV: Blanc de Blancs is exclusively made of 100% Chardonnay, sourced in Côte des Blancs. Do not let the light gold color fool you! The nose is enticing with notes of white peach, candied citrus, hazelnut, while the palate is pure, mineral, and balanced. Such a beautiful Blanc de Blancs! A treat for yourself and your loved ones. (SRP: $96)
Rare Champagne Brut Millésime 2006: A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. Yellow-gold in color. The nose shows aromas of honey, mango, dried apricot, cocoa, coffee, complimented by exotic spices on the back palate. The mouthfeel is generous, crisp, smoky, and fresh. This is a great option for wine collectors. (SRP: $185)
To purchase any of my favorite Champagnes championed above, go to WineChateau.com and BuyRite. Remember to sip responsibly!
Yannick Benjamin, Co-Founder of Wheeling Forward (Photo credit: Mikhail Lipyanskiy Photography NYC).
Charities I support
Wheeling Forward is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve now! As people adapt to life with a long-term disability, Wheeling Forward provides mentorship, advocacy, and support services they need to reach their goals to experience life to the fullest. Co-Founder, Yannick Benjamin, is known as ‘The Wheelchair Sommelier.’ Yannick is the Head Sommelier at the prestigious University Club of New York. After an unfortunate accident that left Yannick paralyzed from the waist down, he was more determined than ever to conquer the wine world again. With the support of his family and friends, he regained strength and a sense of normalcy in his life, but he understood others were not as fortunate and wanted to give back by founding Wheeling Forward. Help make a difference and click HERE to donate.
Without my experience in the hospitality industry and, most importantly, my mentors, I would not be where I am today. Seeing the hurt the greater NYC service industry has endured since March, with no end in sight, makes my heart ache. I encourage you to support, in any way that you can, two amazing organizations near and dear to my heart:
Independent Restaurant Coalition provides economic assistance for the independent restaurant industry who did not qualify for government assistance. Did you know that over 11 million people across the country are employed by independent restaurants and 5 million workers in the food supply chain depend on the industry? 16 million workers are not a too small of a number to ignore. Donations are welcome HERE.
The United Sommeliers Foundation is a charitable organization providing information and financial assistance to Sommeliers experiencing furlough or termination of employment due to circumstances beyond their control. The world of wine does not exist without Sommeliers. Whether you work for a wine importer, a restaurant group, a marketing agency, our worlds are intertwined. Help a Somm by donating HERE.
Wishing you a safe and happy Holiday season!
Cheers,
Anna
(Not a sponsored post)