I have heard that everyone has a so-called “super power”, an amazing ability that cannot be explained by science. For some it is giving, always finding the perfect gift, even for the person who has everything.
For others, the process of looking for co-workers, friends and family is not exciting at all. It’s downright stressful. It’s hard to go wrong with a bottle of wine, but even that choice can cause anxiety.
Red or white? What grape? What country?
Looking at rows of shelves full of bottles can be overwhelming. Unless you’re at a local wine store that has experts, where you can take advantage of their knowledge and guidance to help you make your selections.
If you only have time to grab a bottle while you’re at the grocery store, or you prefer to shop for hard-to-find and limited-production wines online, these 10 ideas cover every budget and every wine lover on your list.
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Ryder Cup Limited Edition Wines
For golf wine lovers, these limited edition wines were made by the Baileyana Winery in association with the PGA for this year’s Ryder Cup held at the Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. The package includes two bottles each of tropical, toasty Chardonnay from San Luis Obispo, California, and a silky and juicy Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. ($ 70)
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Textbook 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Forget an apple for the master, give him a bottle of Napa Valley Text Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has a lush mouthfeel with lots of dark fruit, plums and a hint of spice and cocoa. The tannins are very well balanced to create a “textbook” style Napa cabin. Even better, it’s a great value. ($ 33)
Our Daily Wines
Affordable, sustainable, and on most supermarket shelves, these are feel-good wines that taste good too. They are vegan, organic, and have no detectable sulfites, making them a good choice for people in your circle who are plant-based and planet-friendly. The Our Daily Red has fresh, ripe raspberries and cherries, while the Cabernet has toasted vanilla, plum, and blackberry. ($ 12.99)
Cakebread Cellars Suscol Springs cabernet sauvignon, 2018
This is for the wine collector on your list. The new reservation, Cakebread’s Suscol Springs Estate Vineyard Estate Cabin in Napa, can only be purchased direct from the winery. It has a complex nose of blackberries and violets. Blackberry also appears on the palate with black cherry. It has fresh acidity, strong tannins and is very suitable for aging. ($ 140)
The pale
For the fashionista, this new rose comes from the famous Whispering Angel creator, Sacha Lichine. The striking label was inspired by illustrations from The New Yorker, depicting the glamor of the roaring 1920s. A hostess gift that will stand out on a bar cart, is a dry but fruity Provencal-style rose that is good to drink and also very food-friendly. ($ 16.99)
Justin wine and chocolate truffles
Ideal for chocolate lovers, the culinary team at Justin Vineyards has created an impressive line of truffles to complement their wines. Both are available for shipping. The syrah rose is substantial and phenomenal with the strawberry basil truffle. Taste Justification, the cellar’s Bordeaux-style wine blend, with sea salt caramel, and drink Isosceles red blend with dark chocolate or hazelnut praline. (combo match starting at $ 41)
Champagne decanter gift box Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois
A truly sparkling gift, this iconic Champagne comes with a blown glass decanter inspired by the famous shape of the Billecart-Salmon bottles. While champagne is not typically decanted, the wine used to do this is vinified in wood and aged for six to seven years, creating layers of flavors. To really experience its complexity, winemakers recommend letting it breathe in this decanter. ($ 220)
The Big Glass
Sock fillers for those on the go. These single-serving bottles are tall, thin, and made with a low carbon footprint. The wine comes from boutique producers throughout France who focus on organic, biodynamic and ethical practices. The results are quite nice. Furthermore, most of the winegrowers are women. A special variety pack has been prepared to give away at the holidays. ($ 39.99)
2018 Lassègue
Give it to a foodie? This Bordeaux of 50-year-old vineyards and a seventh-generation wine family is the ticket. Its bouquet has notes of violet. On the palate it is silky with red and black fruits, and the finish with round and pleasant tannins. It’s a fantastic food wine, so for that extra touch, print out the wine family’s recipe for Armagnac Spiced Pears, a Christmas dish that goes perfectly with wine. ($ 60)
Vella Box wine candles
This wine flight is made from wax, not from fermented juice. Available as a subscription to a candle or as a one-time purchase, the latest Vella Box fragrances are inspired by wine. The flight of three includes white mix, red mix, and sangria, all made with soy wax and essential oils. ($ 38, box of three)
Don’t delay in ordering these gifts as many are small production items and the clock is ticking for deliveries during the holidays. Health.
Gina Birch writes about food, wine and spirits for The News-Press and at thebirchbeat.blogspot.com. Follow her as @ginabirch on Twitter and find her on Facebook.
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