Favorite wines for everyday moments, special occasions and surprising discoveries

Lasting impressions

WWMD – What would Margaret drink?

Margaret Pearman is a certified sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers and curates the award-winning wine list at Charlie’s Coastal Bistro. Here are her sipping suggestions for December:

Throughout my career, one question has resurfaced time and time again: “What’s your favorite wine?” Although it’s a frequent query, my answer is never straightforward. My favorite wine is always evolving, shaped by the context, mood and moment.

Sometimes it’s a modest, affordable bottle that provides comfort after a long day — like Lievland’s South African Chenin Blanc. Priced around $15, it offers a refreshing balance of tropical notes and crisp acidity, perfect for unwinding. For special occasions I’m drawn to the red Sancerre “Le Noue” from Riffault, a single-vineyard Pinot Noir crafted from 10- to 60-year-old vines. It showcases vibrant dark fruit and earthy undertones, delivering complexity at around $50. Despite their differences, these wines share a common trait: with each sip they reveal something new — a hint, a flavor, a discovery. Here are a few more wines that recently left me in awe.

1. Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée 2016 Brut Champagne – Crafted from premier cru old-vine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this Champagne comes from the “heart of the press,” offering unmatched purity and finesse. Opening with intense floral aromas that gently yield to rich, toasted brioche flavors, it’s a luxurious choice, priced around $165. This exceptional Champagne is made for life’s most treasured celebrations, adding a sparkle of class to every toast.

2. Trimbach Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre Gewurztraminer – From a 12th-generation Alsatian winery celebrated for its Grand Cru vineyards, this Gewurztraminer captivates with layers of baking spices and intricate fruit complexity. Priced around $75, its bold, spiced profile is a perfect pairing for gatherings that bring people together in warmth and lively conversation, inviting discovery in every sip.

3. Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT -This pure Merlot, born in Tuscany’s iron-rich Maremma, is a masterpiece of precision and elegance. Its lush, concentrated flavors are perfectly balanced by a delicate finesse, with a depth that captivates at around $325. This refined Merlot elevates intimate evenings and sophisticated gatherings, offering a rich, memorable experience, best savored slowly. LL