TOP 10 FINE WINES TO CELEBRATE, GIFT, OR INVEST IN
After much deliberation, I’ve handpicked 10 Fine Wines from Botilia’s rich collection for every occasion! Read on to discover what to buy, where to invest, and which bottle to open on your 10th anniversary.
1. Malbec Nicasia Vineyard 2020 – Catena Zapata
The Nicasia vineyard was planted in 1996 in the Altamira district of Uco Valley at an altitude of 1,095 meters and named after Nicolás Catena’s grandmother. This is an iconic Malbec from the man who put Argentina on the global wine map. Every year, critics love to shower it with praise. The 2020 vintage scored 96 points from Robert Parker and 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and Tim Atkin MW.
Bursting with aromas of black fruits, violets, graphite, and spices, it’s rich on the palate with firm yet velvety tannins. Its aging potential exceeds 10 years—this is the wine you’ll serve on your first date and again on your 10th anniversary (the same vintage you shared that first night). Unmissable.
2. Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile 2017
The Trimbach family has been producing Riesling since 1626, and Cuvée Frédéric Emile is their flagship—one of the finest Rieslings available. Year after year, it earns accolades and remains a coveted treasure for Rieslinglovers. Dry, with impressive concentration and zesty lemony acidity, it has the passport to age until your child turns 18 and you share it together.
3. Giodo Brunello di Montalcino 2018
Carlo Ferrini, one of Italy’s most renowned winemakers, created Giodo to express his love for Sangiovese. His Brunello is elegant, with aromas of cherry and violet, and an aging potential that easily stretches to 2040. It’s a wine guaranteed to impress wherever it appears—a true investment for life’s most important dinners.
4. Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 2017 – CVNE
CVNE’s Rioja Imperial is one of the region’s most historic wines, produced since 1920. It was the first Rioja to claim the #1 spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list in 2013. Classic in style, with aromas of cherry, sour cherry, cigar, chocolate, herbs, and spices, it boasts decades of aging potential. This is a double win: a wine worth savoring and investing in. Who knows? In a few years, it might be #1 again and everyone will be chasing it. Having tasted older vintages like the 1988 last year, I can say with hand on heart: this is the wine
you’ll open for your 25th wedding anniversary alongside Jamón Ibérico and Manchego with truffle.
5. Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2020 El Enemigo
Created by Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at Catena Zapata, Gran Enemigo is a symbol of Argentina.
Why? Because it was the first Argentine wine to score 100 points from Parker, putting this boutique winery on collectors’ radar worldwide. The 2020 vintage came close with 99 points. Made from Cabernet Franc and Malbec from the legendary Gualtallary vineyard at 1,500 meters, this wine is both ethereal and powerful.
A must-have for your collection—for investment, enjoyment, and sheer prestige.
6. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc “Magis” 2021 Rotem & Mounir Saouma
The Saoumas, celebrated Burgundy négociants, ventured into Rhône to cultivate their own vines and craft their own wines. There they created Magis, a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape aged in oak barrels for 24 months. A generous, full-bodied white with aging potential until 2031. This is the wine you gift to someone truly special this holiday season—or to yourself. No judgment here!
7. Capellanía 2019 Marqués de Murrieta
Marqués de Murrieta is one of Rioja’s most historic estates (founded in 1852). Capellanía is its white Rioja that can age like a red one. From a 5-hectare vineyard planted in 1945, this 2019 vintage shows no sign of age. Its freshness, concentration, and structure easily guarantee a decade in the cellar. Personally, I’d open this on New Year’s Eve to set the tone for the year ahead.
8. Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2021
Clos des Papes is one of the most famous estates in the region, with roots in the 19th century. Even if you’re not a Châteauneuf fan, this wine will win you over with its balance of power and elegance (and plenty of violet notes). It can age effortlessly until 2040. Notably, it’s one of the Rhône’s best value-for-money and most sought-after wines, according to Wine-Searcher!
9. Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2012 Taittinger
Founded in 1734, Taittinger’s Comtes is its flagship cuvée, crafted from Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards and released only in exceptional vintages like 2012. Extended lees aging gives it unmatched texture and enviable complexity. An iconic Champagne you can cellar for 20–30 years, especially in standout vintages like 2008, 2012, and 1996. For collectors, Comtes de Champagne is a living piece of Champagne history. For a milestone anniversary or your 40th birthday, this is the bottle to open!
10. Barolo Bussia 2020 – Poderi Aldo Conterno
Aldo Conterno was one of Barolo’s greatest winemakers, blending modern and traditional styles.
Bussia is among the region’s most famous vineyards, producing a wine with ethereal aromas of violet, rose, and wild strawberry, and a firm structure that practically forbids opening before 10 years. A true investment for the future, as Barolo’s popularity and prices are set to soar. In simple terms: stock up while you can.
Eva Markaki
DipWSET
