The Schneider’s team has compiled the ultimate holiday beverage guide! We’ve combed through our inventory and curated the best wine, spirits, and beers to delight everyone on your list. From the connoisseur searching for top-scoring showpiece bottles, to the novice just starting their wine journey, and for those experimenting with at-home mixology, this list has something for everyone’s tastes. This year, get excited about giving, we’ve selected the best libations from our historic shop to bring joy and smiles to your loved-ones.
Give the Gift of Old Wine
Everyone loves mature wine! At Schneider’s we buy private cellars and vet the provenance and quality of each bottle rigorously. Our cellar contains incredible, rare, and mature wines from the most sought after First Growths to lesser-known but stunning Italian bottles. Some selections we’re excited about include a classically rustic Italian, 1990 Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva ($74.99) and a rich and bold Aussie, 2001 Oliver Hill Bradey Block Grenache ($39.99). Just stop in the store or call to speak with one of our wine experts who will guide you in selecting the perfect bottle of mature and rare wine.
2016 Purlieu Napa Cabernet Sauvignon $99.99
Located in the new Coombsville AVA at the edge of the forest and the Napa Valley, Purlieu is a stunning expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker, Julien Fayard, produces wines of pure terroir, highlighting the specificities and characteristics of the fruit, vineyard management, soil, and climate. He began his wine career at his family’s winery in Provence making rosé. Then on to Lafite and Smith Haut Lafitie. Give the gift of a truly special Napa Valley Cabernet.
2015 Parducci Coro Mendocino Red Blend $19.99
Coro means chorus in Italian and Spanish and is reflective of the spirit of this wine, many voices singing the same song. 60% Zinfandel, 16% Syrah, 16% Petite Sirah, 6% Grenache, 2% Carignane make up the blend, and what beautiful music they make! Ideal for the American wine enthusiast.
2016 Ferragu Valpolicella Superiore, Verona, Italy $49.99
Deep, rich, super concentrated, and offers floral aromas with hints of sweet blackberry jam, prune, cinnamon, anise, and clove. Extremely velvety and supple, this is the perfect wine for a woman who loves decadence.
Demiere Confiden’s Subtil Brut $49.99
Give the gift of stunning Grower Champagne! Château Demiere was founded in 1936, on the right bank of the Marne Valley, in the heart of historic Champagne. Their vineyards are composed of the classic three grape varieties of Champagne (50% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay). The current owner, Jerome Demiere, is a dynamic 40-year-old, 3rd generation, winemaker. You can taste his love and ion for life in each glass of his Champagne.
Ainneamh 20 Year Wardhead Blended Scotch $119.99
Ainneamh (pronounced an-yoov) means a rare thing in Gaelic and it is the perfect name to describe this independent bottling company owned by Brian Woods and Scott Watson. Wardhead is the name for Glenfiddich with a dash (1%) of Balvenie. This lovely light-colored whiskey was aged for 20 years in refill hogshead cask. The straw color is the perfect example of what natural aging with no color additives looks like. Don’t be fooled by the artificial color added to many other whiskeys – a dark color is not indicative of quality! Bright notes of apple, toffee, baking spice, and savory smoke appear on the nose. The palate is incredibly smooth with hints of burnt orange peel, and caramel. Any scotch lover will appreciate this sophisticated blend.
Leopold Raffin Napoleon Cognac $49.99
Leopold Raffin started making cognac in 1889. The grand tradition continues with a stunning line of innovative Cognacs. The Napoleon is one of the house’s finest cognacs. The dark mahogany hue complements the sweet, light flavors of cinnamon and gingerbread, accented with notes of dried plums and cooked red apple. The long lingering finish is accented with spiced apricot.
Jefferson Wood Experiment $79.99
Bourbon lovers rejoice! This is a gift set for the whisky nerd in your life. They’ll get to comparatively taste five expressions of Jefferson’s aged in experimental wood casks. The team took four-year-old bourbon whiskey and aged it in one of 13 different cask types, from new wine barrels, to toasted hogshead barrels, to standard charred bourbon barrels with a variety of staves. This collection stands on it’s own as the most diverse and exciting array of youthful bourbon expressions.
Bells Christmas Ale (six pack) $13.99
This traditional Scotch Ale is rich and malty with notes of caramel and toast. An effortless, seasonal gift for craft beer enthusiasts.
Visit Elyse Genderson at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill to discover wines you love.
