Your December Allocation

Your December Allocation from the Canopy Cru Collective: Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Season

The holidays are officially here, and that means one thing at Canopy Wine Lounge: it’s time for your December wine allocation! Whether you love the thrill of unwrapping a surprise selection of wines, or you’re the type to sneak a peek ahead of time, we’ve got you covered. And this month, we’ve got something extra special—cinematic wine pairings, just for you. So grab a comfy chair, your favorite blanket, and let’s dive into this month’s stellar lineup of wines that will make your holiday season even more festive.

Non-Vintage Parés Baltà Rosé Cava - A Sparkling Spanish Delight

Let’s kick things off with something bubbly! The Parés Baltà Rosé Cava from Spain’s Penedès region is like a holiday party in a bottle. Made from organically grown Garnatxa (Grenache), Parellada, and Macabeo, this sparkling rosé is refreshing and full of character, thanks to 18 months of aging on lees. And don’t worry—it’s Brut Nature, so there’s zero added sugar, making it an ideal aperitif or a perfect pairing with a meal.

Fun Fact: Parés Baltà has been making wine since 1790 (yes, you read that right!). The winery is run by two brothers and their wives, who are deeply committed to biodynamic farming and using old-school techniques like clay amphorae fermentation. Their attention to detail and dedication to nature come through with every sip, giving you a true sense of place from their family vineyard.

Cinematic Pairing: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) – A quirky, whimsical film to match this bright, bubbly wine. Perfect for those who love a little drama and a lot of charm in their movies.

Pair with: Sushi, crispy vegetable tempura, or prosciutto-wrapped melon for an easy but sophisticated snack.

2013 Vincent Joudart ‘Millesime’ Champagne – The Champagne of Your Dreams

Next up, we’re bringing you the elegance of Vincent Joudart ‘Millesime’ Champagne, a vintage masterpiece from the Vallée de la Marne. Made from a blend of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, this champagne is aged for almost a decade, making it rich and complex with aromas of baked apple, hazelnut, and brioche. It’s the kind of bottle that makes any moment feel like a celebration.

Behind the Bottle: Vincent Joudart and his wife produce only 5,000 cases of wine each year, all grown on their 20-acre estate in the Champagne region. The pair go above and beyond the aging regulations, making sure each bottle is aged longer for extra depth and complexity. Their attention to detail is what makes this champagne stand out as a true labor of love.

Cinematic Pairing: The Great Gatsby (2013) – Because what’s better than celebrating with champagne while surrounded by decadence and drama?

Pair with: Truffle popcorn, brie and baguette, or even a daring apricot and bacon fruit spread. Trust us, it’s a match made in heaven.

2022 Cave Spring Riesling – A Slice of Niagara

Let’s take a trip to Canada with the 2022 Cave Spring Riesling from Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula. Known for its world-class Riesling, Cave Spring delivers a dry, vibrant wine with flavors of lime flower, green apple, and a hint of petrol. It’s bright, refreshing, and endlessly versatile, making it a great choice for everything from seafood to spicy dishes.

Fun Fact: Cave Spring Estates was the first winery in Ontario to achieve sustainable certification, and they take their environmental stewardship seriously—fostering endangered species like Little Brown Bats and Barn Swallows to keep insect populations in check. Nature lovers, this one’s for you!

Cinematic Pairing: Weekend at Bernie’s (1989) – Because nothing says fun like a wine that’s as light and refreshing as this classic comedy.

Pair with: Spicy Thai noodles, sushi, or fish tacos with lime crema. Perfect for those days when you need something both fresh and satisfying.

2023 Desert Wren Pinot Noir Rosé – A Local Favorite

If you’re in Palm Springs, you’re going to love this one. Our 2023 Desert Wren Pinot Noir Rosé is an exclusive small-batch wine made by Canopy’s very own Josh Kelly and Napa-based winemaker Matt Sands. Crafted from handpicked Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir grapes, this rosé is light, crisp, and packed with aromas of white cherry, pink grapefruit, and delicate white florals.

Behind the Bottle: The Desert Wren label was born out of Canopy Wine Lounge’s first label aged in our custom amphora, Josh has pushed the envelope and turned this one wine project into a four-wine project (stay tuned for more!). This one’s a quintessential desert sipper—perfect for sipping while watching the sun set over the mountains.

Cinematic Pairing: Palm Springs (2020) – A rom-com that matches the easy elegance of this wine, complete with a dash of time-looping absurdity.

Pair with: Fresh sushi rolls, a charcuterie board with goat cheese and fig jam, or just a good conversation with friends.

2022 Gran Diplomat Red Blend – Bold and Beautiful

Next, let’s head to Argentina with the 2022 Gran Diplomat Red Blend, a rich and full-bodied wine made from Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. This bold red offers notes of blackberry jam, dark chocolate, and a touch of vanilla. It’s the kind of wine that makes you feel cozy, like a warm hug on a cool evening.

Fun Fact: Gran Diplomat is the brainchild of former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, Noah Mamet. After falling in love with Argentina’s wines, he wanted to create something special to honor his time there. The vineyard is located on the slopes of the Andes, producing rich, high-quality fruit for this stellar blend.

Cinematic Pairing: Gladiator (2000) – Because what’s better than a powerful red to accompany a sweeping epic about honor, vengeance, and destiny?

Pair with: Beef smash burgers, slow-cooked short ribs, or anything grilled and smoky for a hearty meal.

2021 Alkina Old Quarter GSM – A Taste of Australia

Last but definitely not least, we’re wrapping up with the 2021 Alkina Old Quarter GSM, a biodynamic blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro (Mourvèdre) from the Western Barossa Ranges in Australia. With aromas of black cherry, dried herbs, and cracked pepper, this wine is both powerful and elegant, making it a perfect pairing for bold, flavorful dishes.

Behind the Bottle: Alkina’s winemaker, Amelia Nolan, is a force of nature—she’s dedicated to revitalizing the vineyard and pushing the boundaries of biodynamic farming. The result? Wines that truly reflect their terroir. This GSM is a perfect example of how history, geology, and passion combine in a bottle.

Cinematic Pairing: Tremors (1990) – For a wine with power and personality, what better match than this campy cult classic?

Pair with: Lamb kofta, roasted eggplant with tahini drizzle, or anything with Mediterranean spices and flavors.

Cheers to December!

And there you have it—your December allocation, packed with incredible wines and fun movie pairings to make your holiday season extra special. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or just enjoying some quiet time for yourself, we hope these wines bring joy and warmth to your December.

Thank you for being a part of the Canopy Cru Collective. We can’t wait to share a glass (or two) with you soon. Happy Holidays!