These stocking stuffers won’t be regifted

With the run-up to Christmas upon us, the pressure is on to find good things in small packages. These outstanding smaller-format bottles are just that. So stuff them into stockings, wrap them up for rounds of Secret Santa — and rest assured they won’t be regifted.

NV Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Mini Champagne, France, 200mL (LCBO 111294 $23.60 in stores and online)

Although Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut is not the most complex Champagne on the market, it’s the only one that sells these cute-as-hell 200mL minis at the LCBO. Expect that classic taste profile of bonafide Champagne — cooked apple, lemon curd and toasted biscuit — in every drop as well as gentle notes of crushed stones and salted almonds on the finish. Give a bottle or two with some eco-friendly paper straws and bring a little joy to the world. Pricy, yes, but so festive and fun. Score: 89

2017 Reif Estate Vidal Icewine, VQA Niagara River, Ontario (LCBO 582247 $7.95 in stores and online)

Shining deep golden in the glass, this lusciously sweet icewine exudes curling aromas of mango and marmalade followed by an intense entry. An eruption of candied citrus, super-ripe mango and stewed apricot saturate the palate — tasting polished and pure — while taut acidity counterbalances the sweetness to keep every mouthful juicy and fresh. Outstanding expression of Vidal icewine. Lovely to sip on its own, chilled down to amp up the refreshment factor, or paired with a good Gorgonzola. Score: 91

2017 Folonari Valpolicella Classico DOC, Veneto, Italy, 375mL (LCBO 6254 $9.95 in stores and online)

You cannot go wrong with this reliable red with its slow, languid fragrance of violet and raspberry and bright but delicate floral-berry flavours laced with soft earth and dried cranberry. The seamless structure, lacquered mouthfeel, and long finish are all earmarks of fine craftsmanship — always great to find in a reasonably priced wine. And the chalky finish lends a bit of length and texture to. Goes fabulously with roast turkey sandwiches for that week of leftovers — so Santa might label the bottle accordingly, wink, wink. Score: 92

2015 Masi Campofiorin Rosso Verona IGT, Italy, 375mL (LCBO 297655 $12.00 in stores and online)

If the wine lover in your life prefers more savory-tasting wines from the Old World, give this wee bottle. With a few years of bottle age, it exudes a bouquet of earth, nutmeg and coffee as well as stewed plums. Then, the attack tastes brisk and textured with notes of tobacco and balsamic underpinning bright cherry fruit and fresh fig. Made from the local Veronese grapes — Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara — and aged in wood, this rosso tastes like Italy. It goes will all sorts of things, especially antipasto or pizza. Score: 89

NV Villa Sandi “Il Fresco” Prosecco, DOC Treviso, Italy, 375mL (LCBO 194191 $10.60 in stores and online)

Fans of Prosecco, which is still ragingly popular, will love this smart little half bottle. It offers sprightly aromas of candied pear and pineapple and an off-dry attack that calls to mind freshly sliced pears, muddled white peaches, and quiet suggestions of white flowers. The racy acidity balances the slight sweetness ensuring it finishes clean and dry. Consistent and versatile, this sparkling wine works as well on its own as it does with salty finger foods such as good quality potato chips or dry-roasted nuts. Score: 89