Finding the perfect Christmas gift can be a challenge, but if you’re buying for a wine lover you need look only for a bottle that suits their taste. These tips could help:
Don’t be hesitant to discuss your ideas and price range with your wine retailer. This is key, considering that a “nice bottle of cabernet sauvignon” can range from $10 to $600. Tell the retailer the price range you would like to spend. Higher price does not always equal a better quality wine.
Many stores offer special prices during the Christmas holidays, which makes finding a wine bargain easy.
Look for in-store wine sets — wine glasses, books and even cheeses — that are specially priced during the season.
If you are not sure of the person’s wine preference, go with a wine that is easy to drink and has a crowd-pleasing taste. Mouth-puckering reds or ultra-sweet whites are not the best choices. Consider a chardonnay, pinot grigio, pinot noir or merlot.
Wine-pairing with special gifts always offers an individual touch. You might want to consider the following.
WINE AND CHEESE
- Value — Chevre goat cheese with 2007 Mud House Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $14, retail)
- Splurge — Stilton cheese with NV Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port, Portugal (about $62, retail)
CHAMPAGNE (TRUFFLES)
- Value — NV Brut Roederer Estate Sparkling Wine, California (about $22, retail)
- Splurge — NV Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, France, (about $62, retail)
PINOT GRIGIO (RELAXATION GIFTS)
- Value — 2006 Cavit Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Italy (about $10, retail)
- Splurge — 2006 Santa Margherita Valdadige Pinot Grigio, Italy (about $28, retail)
CABERNET SAUVIGNON (CHOCOLATE)
- Value — 2006 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz/ Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia (about $12, retail)
- Splurge — 2005 Hall Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (about $30, retail)