In The St. Nick Of Time

St.Nicholas, the third century Bishop of Myra in what is now modern Turkey, was persecuted and imprisoned for his convictions. The story goes that he rescued three young women from abuse and punishment by their captors by providing three bags of gold. Out of the selfless act of kindness grew the Santa Claus legend. While North Americans look to Santa or Jolly Old St. Nick, as he is often referred to, Europeans start the Christmas season on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day, by giving small gifts to the nice children and a proverbial peace of coal, if one can even be found, to the naughty ones. And then there is Christmas Eve or Day, when the real gift-giving takes place in earnest together with family, supplemented with copious amounts of food, and drink, in moderation.

For larger family holiday gatherings, instead of buying several bottles of wine with the pain of opening and pouring, why not go the convenient, economical Bag-in-a-Box (BIB) route. Radio Boka Tempranillo 3 L BIB red, containing the equivalent of 4 - 750 ml bottles from the Valencia region of Spain, is one of the best selling wines at the LCBO in this format. The bouquet and medium body evoke notes of dark fruits and berries with well-integrated, smooth tannins. The airtight bag and pouring spout technology keep the air out of the wine and fresh for weeks. Prime rib pairing? You betcha! 

Radio Boka Tempranillo 3 Liter BIB LCBO # 491118, $37.50 (includes current HST savings)