Wines for Holiday Gift Giving
Wine really is a convenient gift — just plop a bow on it and go but choosing which bottle to gift may not be as easy. How much should you spend, is the recipient going to like it, do they prefer red or white or do they even like wine to begin with? The first rule is to make sure the person you’re giving the wine to will actually drink it otherwise stick to a gift card or candles but chances are you have some idea of their preferences otherwise you can always ask their friends and family for advice. If your co-worker’s Facebook page is filled with funny wine memes then they’re definitely going to love a bottle of wine for the holidays. As for price and style, I’ve broken down my suggestions based on interest level of the recipient and your budget.
I sourced these wines at the Whole Foods on Kingsbury so you can pickup them while grocery shopping but I would also suggest visiting my friends at Perman Wine Selections for additional options.
BOTTLES FOR THE CONNOISSEUR $40-$70
Here are a few selections if you’re looking to impress a serious wine enthusiast. Folks who have been to wine country, belong to a wine club and regularly post about their wine escapades on Instagram.
Davis Family Vineyards, Soul Patch, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2016 $50: A well-made Pinot Noir is at the top of the list for every wine lover. I’ve always been a fan of Guy Davis’ fragrant and alluring Pinot Noirs, especially from his organically-grown Soul Patch vineyard located in the heart of the Russian River Valley.
Vina Tondonia, Rioja, Reserva, Spain 2005 $48: The wines of Vina Tondonia are a perennial favorite with sommeliers. The Reserva spends 6 years in barrel before release yielding a classic expression of Tempranillo and Rioja, a must-experience for anyone who loves Spanish wine.
Saint Cosme, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France 2015 $60: The Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape is sourced from three different sites (including La Crau), the powerful 2015 vintage is a blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 20-25% Mourvèdre and other varieties.
Masi, Costasera, Riserva, Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy 2012 $70: made from partially dried grapes, Amarone is the perfect gift for anyone who loves their wines big, rich and super-bold.
Matthiasson, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 $65: There are so many choices when it comes to Napa Cabs but “Winemaker of the Year” Steve Matthiasson offers one that’s a little different. Made in a more classic style that is reminiscent of old-school Bordeaux with cassis, blackberry and black plum fruit.
Tikal, Amorio, Malbec, Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina 2015 $34: Tikal is owned by Ernesto Catena, scion of Argentina’s legendary Catena Family. Paraje Altamira is considered to be a “grand cru” site for Malbec and is sure to be appreciated by any Malbec aficionado.
Chateau Eyrins Margaux, Bordeaux, France 2016 $60: Husband-wife team Xavier and Julie Gonet-Medeville purchased Château des Eyrins in 2008 from Eric Grangerou, whose family worked as cellar masters at Château Margaux for three generations. A large portion of the fruit for this wine is sourced from a vineyard bordering Chateau Margaux. It’s an excellent value discovery for any serious wine collector.
SECRET SANTA SELECTIONS $20-$25
These selections are priced right for secret santa, host/hostess presents or gifts for your clients, family and friends.
Chateau Maris, Natural Selection, Biodynamic Syrah-Grenache, Minervois, France $23: made from 100% organically grown grapes, Maris is leading the push to revitalize the wines of the Languedoc. Bottled unfined and unfiltered and thus suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Vina Sastre, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2017 $23: Made from 100% Tempranillo. I liken Ribera del Duero as the lesser-known but flashier sibling of Rioja. This is another good choice for someone who likes Spanish wine or softer reds.
Averaen, PInot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2018 $17: If you’re not sure of what type of red someone enjoys or what the host is making for dinner, Pinot Noir is a safe choice and here is one that won’t break the bank. Averaen is the Oregon project from the same people behind Banshee in Sonoma.
AIX, Rose, Provence, France 2018 $20: Know someone who celebrates Rose All Day? Look no further, AIX marks the spot. It also comes in a magnum (2 bottles) for an even more impressive gift.
Decero Malbec, Remolinos Vineyard, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2017 $20: You know they love Malbec but you want to give them something that doesn’t taste cheap. I visited the Decero winery in Argentina and I can tell you for a fact — there is nothing second rate about this producer. They make an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon as well.
Cult, Cabernet Sauvignon, California NV $23: I’m always getting asked to recommend a decent California Cabernet Sauvignon for under $25 and my answer is usually something from South America. Land in California is priced at a premium but Cult has managed to offer a straight-forward but tasty wine for under $25.
G.D. Vajra, Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy 2017 $25: G.D. Vajra is one of my favorite producers in Piedmont but when I don’t have access to their legendary Barolo’s, their superb Barbera is the next best thing.
STOCKING STUFFERS $12-$16
Hosting a holiday party or need a wine to gift en masse? These selections are sure to delight without busting your holiday budget. Don’t forget to stock up on a few bottles for yourself.
Domaine Montrose Rose, Languedoc, France $12: A few years ago, I was on the hunt for a summer rose for the by the glass program at The Boarding House. Chateau Montrose was the first one that I tried out of 20 that day and it was the one that I liked the best. It’s a softer, gentler dry rose with a flavor that reminds me of gummy peaches in the best way possible.
Luis Pato, Baga, Vinho Regional, Beira Atlantico, Portugal $15: Luis Pato is a revolutionary rebel with a singular cause: he wants to elevate the reputation of Portuguese wines and its indigenous grapes, including Baga. You get a lot of wine for the money here and an opportunity to introduce someone to something new.
Anne Pichon, Sauvage, Syrah-Grenache, Ventoux, France 2017 $15: Organically-farmed blend of Syrah and Grenache made in a classic Southern Rhone style. Smoked plums, savory herbs, white and black pepper and notes of red berries.
Skouras, Zoe, Agioritiko (eye-your-ree-tea-koh) - Cabernet Sauvignon, Greece $11: I jumped on the Greek wine bandwagon nearly twenty years ago when I ran the wine program at Everest to the surprise of many of my customers. I eventually won them over and proved Greece is capable of turning out some pretty tasty wines. You can do the same with this nifty $11 bottle.
Girasole, Pinot Noir, Mendocino County $15: All of the Girasole wines are 100% organically farmed and produced with minimal amounts of sulphur. They are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. I don’t have any issues with sulphur but I know several people who are sensitive to it. This would be the kind of wine I would recommend for them.
Xiloca, Garnacha, Calatayud, Spain 2018 $14: Easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing red bursting with spiced blackberry jam notes. Enjoy with a wide variety of cocktail party fare including meat & cheese boards, pizza and burgers. Reminds me of Zinfandel.
Gouguenheim, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2018 $12: I like offering Malbec at parties because I know most everyone will be happy with it. Here’s an option at a terrific price.
Santa Cristina, Toscana Rosso, Tuscany 2018 $12: Super-Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot made by the venerable Antinori family. Drinks more like a heftier Chianti, it’s an excellent value for everyday enjoyment.
DREAMING OF A WHITE WINE CHRISTMAS $13-$23
You didn’t think I’d forget about the white wines, did you?
Pascal Jolivet, Attitude, Sauvignon Blanc, Loire Vally 2018 $20: Need a recommendation for a die-hard Sauvignon Blanc lover? Pascal Jolivet sources the fruit for this wine from a single 57 acre estate located west of Sancerre in Touraine.
Denis Breussin, Vouvray, Demi-Sec, Loire Valley $16: I have a friend who will only drink sweet wine which is a-okay since many sommeliers love sweet wines too. For a long time my friend thought her only option was Riesling until I introduced her to Demi-Sec Vouvray and she was quite pleased.
Leth, Steinagrund, Gruner Veltliner, Austria 2017 $17: For the entire run of The Boarding House, the staff’s favorite white wine by the glass was Gruner Veltliner. It was neither too light or too heavy, too dry or too fruity. As Goldilocks would say, “it was just right".
Mulderbosch, Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa 2017 $17: If I need to pry that bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from your cold dead hands, I’m likely to be most successful if I do it with Mulderbosch. I first tried this wine twenty years ago when Cloudy Bay was all the rage and found it more layered and interesting than its New Zealand counterpart.
Colosi, Grillo, Sicily 2018 $13: I have nothing against Pinot Grigio, okay maybe I do just a little bit. Pinot Grigio is fine but Italy is home to so many other interesting white varietals that are just as bright, refreshing and clean. Grillo is native to Sicily and is used to make Marsala but don’t hold that against it. It produces quaffable wines that can be described as a cross between Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.
Jo Landron, La Louvetrie, Muscadet, Loire Valley 2018 $13: Sommeliers are always getting asked, “What do you like to drink?” It’s hard to pinpoint but when it comes to white wine, we tend to favor high acid and mineral driven and this is a good example of that style. It’s delicious with oysters and other types of shellfish.
Luli Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands 2015 $23: Luli is made by my friend of over 20 years, Master Sommelier Sarah Floyd. This is a partnership between Sarah and the Pisoni Family. It’s a delicious Chardonnay that is not too buttery or oaky and will make any Chardonnay lover very happy.
Pewsey Vale, Dry Riesling, Eden Valley, Australia 2017 $17: Riesling is not always sweet and the Australians have mastered the art at making bone dry Rieslings with yuzu citrus fruit notes. If you’ve hesitated trying Riesling because of the sweetness, here’s your invitation to try one of the most fascinating grapes ever.
HOLIDAY SPARKLES THAT AREN’T CHAMPAGNE $17-$38
Nothing says “Let’s Celebrate” like a bottle of bubbly. Sparkling wines are a reliable choice when it comes to gift giving. I’ll be doing a Champagne roundup as we get closer to the New Year but in the meantime here are a few budget-minded options from around the world.
Graham Beck, Methode Cap Classique, South Africa $18: My friend Edwin turned me on to Graham Beck over ten years ago. He swore the brioche and toasted hazelnut notes were a dead ringer for Champagne and he wasn’t wrong. The Brut is is made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and spends 15-18 months on the lees which imparts that nutty Champagne-like quality.
JCB, No. 69, Cremant d’Bourgogne Rose, France NV $26: Jean-Charles Boisset was born into a winemaking family in Burgundy in 1969, the same year man first landed on the moon. This is his sparkling rose from Burgundy expressing the structure, elegance and finesse of Pinot Noir through the medium of bubbles.
Cleto Chiarli, Rose, Italy NV $17: I love Cleto Chiarli’s Lambrusco wines and was really excited learn they produced regular sparkling wines as well. This lovely rose is made from Pinot Noir and the native Grasparossa variety. It’s a fantastic price making it a good buy for parties or to give away as gifts.
Schramsberg, Blanc de Blancs, California NV $38: Schramsberg is America's first craft sparkling wine house, producing quality American sparkling wines for over 50 years. It’s a solid choice for under $50 and available at many retail outlets.
Gruet, Sauvage, New Mexico NV $20: Long-time readers of mine will already be familiar Gruet, it’s one of the best sparkling wine deals out there and I always recommend it. They recently released their Sauvage series, sparkling wines with zero dosage (dosage is the measured amount of sugar added to the wine prior to bottling to indicate Brut, Extra-Dry, Demi-Sec, etc,). The sugar balances the acidity but without it you get to experience the full force of bright lemony tartness. On a side note, I listen to way too many podcasts, particularly from Gimlet Media and every time I hear New Mexico, I picture Alice saying, “The blue hole of Santa Rosa!” If you listen to Crimetown or Heavyweight, you know what I’m talking about.
Segura Viudas, Reserva Heredad, Cava NV $30: Segura Viudas is another one of my go-to sparklers for the money. You used to be able to buy the Brut for under $7, it’s since gone up but still a good value, especially for making mimosas and champagne cocktails. They also produce a much fancier Reserva which comes in an ornate, gilded bottle that makes for a very impressive looking gift. Segura Viudas recently launched a new marketing effort aimed at millennials. They have a pretty cool website with lots of fun recipes and entertaining ideas.