Gift Wines
Everyone loves to receive booze as a gift, but choosing the right bottle can be tricky. The first step is reconnaissance: Learn as much about the person’s drinking habits as possible. Do they prefer white wine? Do they only drink red? Do they swear by wine coolers?
When in doubt, get them a quality bottle of wine with mass appeal. Pinot Noir is a nice choice since it’s versatile and generally enjoyed by all wine drinkers. Champagne is another popular showstopper. Just remember that a little brand recognition can go a long way.
2007 Michele Chiarlo “Nivole” Moscato d’Asti (375ml) Piedmont, Italy – $14 An inexpensive half-bottle of oh-so-tasty, sweet Italian goodness. These make great stocking stuffers or gifts for your interns (wink, wink). |
N.V. Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Veneto, Italy – $18 This is a fantastic bottle of bubbly for the money. If you don’t feel like paying Champagne prices, opt for this delicious alternative. |
2006 La Mozza I Perazzi Morellino di Scansano Morellino di Scansano, Tuscany, Italy – $19 Get a lot of wine for only a few bucks with this fruit-laden, Sangiovese-based Tuscan. Don’t let the price fool you—it drinks like a high-end Italian. |
2007 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch, South Africa – $22 From one of the top producers in South Africa comes an amazingly crisp white. For about twenty bones, you can get your Sauv Blanc-loving friend a New World rockstar. |
2005 Newton Claret Napa Valley, California – $23 Bringing in some name recognition, this great California blend of mostly Cabernet and Merlot hits a home run while going easy on your bank account. |
2000 Quinta de Ventozelo LBV Douro, Portugal – $30 Port makes a great gift, especially when it’s from a kickass year. This one is owned and operated by Portuguese vintners, allowing you to support local farmers and your buddy’s fine booze habit. |
2006 Soffocone di Vincigliata Tuscany , Italy – $33 The Tuscan wine-grower Bibi Graetz, was raised with a paint brush in his hand but has transferred his creativity to wine. While he produces a few high end bottles this more affordable, Sangiovese blend is worth every penny. Take a long, close look at the label before you decide to give this wine to your Nana. |
2006 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, California – $45 This is a killer Chardonnay from a top producer from the Sonoma Coast. Give the gift of both brand recognition and fabulous wine. |
2003 San Felice Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany, Italy – $45 Brunello is one of the king wines of Italy. These guys don’t come cheap, but are well-loved by steak-eating wine collectors. |
2003 Royal Tokaji Wine Co.’s Red Label 5 Puttonyos (500ml) Hungary – $52 A bottle of Hungary’s sweet Tokaji wine is a great gift for your sweetheart. The 500ml format is just the right amount of wine for two people. |
2004 Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap District, California – $53 From the mega-famous vineyard that helped kickstart the California wine scene, this bottle lives up to the hype. |
N.V. Duval-Leroy Rose de Saignee Champagne, France – $60 Just because it’s pink doesn’t mean it’s sweet or cheap. This dry Champagne is structured, food-friendly and incredibly classy. |
2005 Lynch Bages Blanc Pauillac, Bordeaux, France – $60 Super high-end white from a famous Bordeaux vineyard. This bottle is a special gift for the white wine lover in your life. |
2001 Allegrini Amarone Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy – $80 This 450-year-old vineyard produces a wine with serious aging ability, yet open-it-today drinkability. Get this for the impossible person on your list who has everything. |
2004 Luigi Einaudi Barolo Piedmont, Italy – $80 This wine doesn’t mess around. Barolos rank among some of the greatest wines in the world and have the ability to last decades in a cellar. |
2005 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California – $80 Your boss will love the deeply concentrated fruit, the beautiful dark color and the fact you care enough about your job to shell out eighty bones for imbibing pleasure. Way to go, future employee of the year! |
2004 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California – $100 One of the top 2004 Cabernets from California. This is a very special, small-production wine for people who know and appreciate quality. |
1999 Moet et Chandon Dom Perignon Champagne, France – $165 Name brand recognition goes a long way, so give the most well-known label of Champagne. It also comes with mega-tasty liquid inside! |
