Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
www.nataliemaclean.com

Vintages Release December 16, 2025

Paid Members of my site can access all 159 wines that I've reviewed for December 16, 2025, with my scores, food matches and the stock for each wine in their closest stores.

They can click on any wine to add it to their Shopping List to print or access on their smartphone with my mobile apps. Become a Paid Member today and get the inside line on good wine.

Login to see Natalie's scores and notes

Reviewed Wines | All Wines | Group by Wine Type | Group by Country/Region

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Red Wine

Trasqua Fanatico Chianti Classico 2019, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Trasqua Fanatico Riserva Chianti Classico is a medium-plus-bodied, dry red from Tuscany, best served at room temperature with structured tannins and a vibrant, food-friendly weight. Winemaker Trasqua crafts this organic Chianti from bright red cherry fruit, dried oregano, toasted hazelnut and peppery notes, with a flinty mineral finish that lingers on the palate. At 14.5% alcohol, it has moderate aging potential through 2028, maintaining freshness while allowing the tannins to soften. Pair it with veal scaloppini with mushroom sauce to highlight its spice and fruit, or roast Mediterranean chicken with olives and grapes to accentuate its herbal and mineral character. This Riserva showcases classic Chianti Classico elegance with a polished, approachable style. Chianti Classico food pairings: veal scaloppini with a mushroom sauce, pork roast, roast Mediterranean chicken with olives and grapes. Drink: 2025 - 2028 283861 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. December 2025. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Albert Bichot Secret De Famille Chardonnay 2022, Côte D'or, Burgundy, France: Albert Bichot Secret de Famille Bourgogne Côte d'Or Chardonnay is a dry, medium-bodied white wine revealing delicious, fresh fruit aromas leading to silky, roasted hazelnut and baked pear flavors with a velvety texture and lingering finish that is rich yet balanced. Serve it chilled with roasted halibut with lemon-herb butter, where the wine's silky texture and roasted hazelnut notes complement the delicate fish while its fresh acidity cuts through the richness, or pair it with roasted chicken with mushrooms as the wine's baked pear and velvety character harmonize with the savoury, earthy dish. Winemaker Alain Serveau oversees production at Albert Bichot, a prestigious Burgundy négociant founded in 1831 that has become one of the region's largest vineyard owners, with this special cuvée blending fruit from up and down the exclusive Côte d'Or appellation to showcase classic Burgundian Chardonnay character. This wine represents excellent value for white Burgundy and should be enjoyed now through 2026. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, pheasant, pork tenderloin, seafood chowder. Drink: 2025 - 2026 45279 12.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 88/100. December 2025. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2025 Natalie MacLean