As the holidays draw near, the same question always pops up: what would be the perfect gift for your loved ones? If, like our teams, you’re surrounded by people who love good food, good company, and the occasional spirited conversation, why not opt for a great bottle of wine?
The real secret to a great gift, however, is choosing the right bottle for the right person. Which is why the Xavier Vignon team has selected a handful of their most iconic wines. Each one has its own character and its own way of speaking to the person who receives it.
Ready to dive in? Follow our perfect wine holiday gift guide!
For lovers of reimagined classics: Arcane La Papesse
If you want a gift that lands with both the curious drinker and the seasoned expert, the Arcane collection is a great place to start. Xavier Vignon created this series with the ambition of stepping outside traditional rules and crafting wines with greater freedom and imagination, all inspired by the Major Arcana of the Marseille Tarot.
Each wine in the range shines a light on a different facet of the Rhône Valley. The 2016 La Papesse does it beautifully, combining power, finesse, and a touch of mystery in a 100% grenache wine made entirely from very old vines rooted in some of the finest soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Critics around the world have praised the vintage, and it is easy to see why: the texture is smooth, the depth impressive, and the aromas bring to mind black plum, leather, and gentle spice.
An absolute favourite in the collection and a bottle that speaks equally to curious wine lovers and devoted Rhône Valley fans.
For those who love wines with a twist: Arcane La Justice
From the same collection comes Arcane La Justice, a balanced and harmonious blend of grenache, syrah, and a reserve wine sourced from some of the finest southern terroirs. This combination creates a straight-talking, aromatic Côtes du Rhône with notes of dark fruit and white flowers and a full, generous texture.
It is an expressive, openhearted wine that works beautifully with festive dishes or tucked into a gourmet gift basket.
For those who enjoy a little mystery in their glass: the 2021 Red Anonyme
If there is one wine that lives up to its name, it is our Red Anonyme cuvée. You won’t find any detailed list of grape varieties here. The fruit comes from old collection plots where several grape varieties grow side by side, just as they once did in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The bottle showcases the whole mosaic of Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroirs: rolled pebbles, limestone, marl, and red clay, which all contribute to the wine’s depth, minerality, and striking sense of place.
On the palate, the wine feels rich but never heavy, intense but never overdone. The aromas call to mind black cherry, forest scents, and mushrooms. It is a natural match for roast pigeon, porcini ravioli, or duck with olives. In other words, the ideal gift for anyone who prefers singular wines over predictable labels!
For lovers of rarity and white wines: the 2024 White Anonyme
A white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is already a rarity, representing barely 7% of the entire appellation. Our 2024 White Anonyme wine pushes that originality even further. It comes from old vines with very small yields and from a blend that combines collection grapes with grenache blanc, clairette, and roussanne. The idea is simple: craft a white with real depth and personality.
The nose opens on citrus, white fruit, a touch of lavender, and soft spices. The palate is fresh and bright with a long mineral finish. It is a wine that will age with real grace over the next five to seven years. An excellent choice for anyone who enjoys distinctive whites that fly a little under the radar.
For lovers of the Northern Rhône Valley: the 2023 Saint Joseph
Gifting a Saint Joseph is never a predictable gift. These Syrahs from the Northern Rhône Valley have a way of winning people over with their quiet charm and their clean, focused aromas.
Our 2023 vintage is the perfect example of this success. The nose brings together fresh red fruit, floral notes, pepper, and a very soft touch of oak. On the palate, it feels direct and graceful, with smooth tannins and a long finish. It is a wine with real finesse and one that suits both long-time Rhône Valley fans and anyone curious to explore the region from a slightly different angle.
So which wine should you choose for a holiday gift?
The truth is, it all starts with intention. These four wines already offer very different personalities. Some are bold, others more refined, and others still a little offbeat. That variety is exactly what makes the choice interesting. However, the easiest way to decide what to gift is always to picture the person you are buying said gift for. What do they actually enjoy drinking? Something powerful, something subtle, something that surprises them, or something effortlessly elegant? Are they the type to save a bottle for a special moment or to open it right away and share it?
And there’s one thing to keep in mind: a wine selected with care, no matter its taste, will always land well. But, if you’re still unsure, our team is always here to help you find the perfect match.
Happy tasting and happy holidays!
