When my kids were little and December rolled around, the excitement for Christmas turned them into bundles of energy. They eagerly (impatiently, to be truthful!)) counted down the days until Santa would arrive. While they waited, the tiny treats hidden in our advent calendar helped give them something to look forward to every day during the countdown.

Our calendar was a charming wooden version from L.L. Bean, painted with lots of red and green: holly, wreaths, stockings, and snowmen. It had little doors for each day from the 1st to the 25th of December.

On these mornings, the girls would wake up and dash to the calendar, eager to discover what treat was waiting for them behind that day’s door—a little treasure to savor before breakfast. Sometimes, it was a tiny chocolate snowman, and other times, a peppermint candy cane or a salted chocolate-covered caramel from Fran’s. Of course, there were also those days when I’d forgotten to fill the calendar the night before, leaving them staring unhappily at the empty space.

A December to Sip and Savor

Now that my daughters are grown up, looking back on those advent calendar mornings brings back the best memories. Inspired by that festive anticipation, I want to recreate a similar experience on The Wine Chef this year with a wine “calendar.” This time, instead of tiny chocolates and candy canes, I’ll give a daily selection of my favorite wines that promise to spice up the holiday season and even keep us all a touch tipsy!

Whether it’s a crisp white wine to kick off the evening, a rich red for cozying up by the fire, or a sparkling bottle to toast the season or ring in the new year, you’ll find the perfect pour for every occasion.

So, let’s dive into the spirit of the season and start with an all-time favorite: Champagne, the crème de la crème of sparkling wine.

First things first: Champagne only comes from the Champagne region in France. So, let’s not confuse it with any other bubbles, like Italian Prosecco!

Champagne is produced by the méthode champenoise in which the juice undergoes two fermentations: the first produces a still wine, and the second is initiated by adding yeast and sugar to the still wine and sealing it in bottles, creating the bubbles we know and love.

December First’s Treat

Leclerc Briant Rosé Extra Brut ($70-80) is a terrific Champagne with a crisp, dry style that’s even less sweet than a traditional brut (hence, “extra brut” labeling). Its made from 95% Chardonnay with 5% Pinot Noir to give color. The pretty pink hue, bright red fruit flavors, and subtle mineral touch make it perfect for pairing with all kinds of dishes—or simply savoring on its own.

This wine is made from a blend of mostly Chardonnay with a small amount of Pinot Noir to give color.

Leclerc Briant, Leclerc Briant has been making a name for itself since 1872 with its lively, terroir-driven Champagnes. They were early adopters of organic and biodynamic practices, and their wines are Demeter-certified, focusing on minimal intervention in the winemaking process.

Since 2008, cellar master Hervé Jestin has been at the helm, guiding the team in using spontaneous fermentation in a mix of vessels like French oak, stainless steel, and terracotta. Plus, they don’t filter or fine their wines. The result? Energetic and food-friendly Champagnes that truly showcase why Champagne is the gold standard for sparkling wine.

Leclerc Briant Rosé Extra Brut is a special wine to celebrate life!