Now that the holiday season has officially begun, so have the holiday shopping lists. Before you set out on your shopping quest, pour yourself a glass of wine, have a sip and relax; you are in good hands.
A Wine Gift For Everyone On Your List
by Matthew Lorman
Now that the holiday season has officially begun, so have the holiday shopping lists. Before you set out on your shopping quest, pour yourself a glass of wine, have a sip and relax; you are in good hands. Follow these suggestions for a flawless shopping experience with gifts for every person and price point. From your in-laws to friends, the experienced wine drinker to the novice, here are suggestions that will make everyone feel extra special this holiday season.
For The Coworker
Let’s be honest here: unless you attend a regular happy hour with your coworkers, chances are you don’t know what Sally from accounting likes to drink, but she covered for you that one day you left work early without telling the boss, so you owe her a nice Christmas gift. Instead of racking your brain trying to think of that one wine she likes, get her a wine that matches her personality. Is Sally bold? If so, pair her personality with a bold red, such as Cabernet Sauvignon. Is she spicy? How about a Gewurztraminer (Gewurtz translates to spicy in German). Maybe Sally is classy, drives a Mercedes, and prefers the finer things in life. If so, then a bottle of Champagne will certainly do the trick.
Wines We Recommend:
- The Fableist Wine Company Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Paso Robles, California)
- J. Fritsch Furstentum Grand Cru Gewurztraminer 2016 (Alsace, France)
- André Clouet Champagne Brut Grand Cru Grande Réserve NV (Champagne, France)
For The In-Laws
Imagine the classic scene straight out of a Hallmark or Lifetime movie where the in-laws show up at the front door with holiday gifts in hand for the entire family. Maybe you made a bad joke at Thanksgiving that didn’t go as well as you planned, and you need to give them something nice to smooth things over... something to keep you in the family will. Think about gifting them a nice bottle that will surely win them over! Perhaps the Italian duo “King and Queen” of wines (Barolo and Barbaresco) for your mother- and father-in-law. A nice bold Amarone, which in Italian means the “great bitter one” is perfect if you prefer to give a gift with a little double entendre--let's just hope they don't speak Italian.
Wines We Recommend:
- Umberto Fracassi Barolo Mantoetto 2014 (Piedmont, Italy)
- Corte Adami Amarone della Valpolicella (Veneto, Italy)
- Château Lafitte Côtes de Bordeaux 2016 (Bordeaux, France)
For The Novice Wine Drinker
If you’re looking for a nice bottle for the beginner wine drinker, go for one of the classic grape varietals such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noir. If they are looking to venture out and experience new wines, try out a lesser known grape varietal, such as Assyrtiko or Kekfrankos. Unsure of what style of wine they like? Not a problem! Instead of risking getting them a bottle that they don't like, a class with DCanter Wine School would be a great option. There is something of interest to everyone, regardless of their level of wine knowledge. Whether it’s the lowdown on sparkling wines, up-and-coming wine regions, or an introduction to the fabulous world of wine, there is a class for every wine drinker on your list!
Wines We Recommend:
- Domaine Michel Thomas & Fils Sancerre 2019 (Loire Valley, France)
- Jean-Baptiste Boudier Pernand Vergelesses 1er Cru Les Fichots 2015 (Burgundy, France)
- Long Meadow Ranch Chardonnay Farmested 2017 (Napa Valley, California)
For The Francophile
We all know that one wine enthusiast who obsesses over classic wines. This person has an affinity for everything French: language, history, culture, and most importantly great wines! Feed their never ending thirst and curiosity for French wines with either a classic, such as a bottle of Burgundy or Bordeaux, or something sparkling, like Champagne or a Crémant (a sparkling alternative to Champagne).
Wines We Recommend:
- Chateau Les Valentines Rouges 2015 (Provence, France)
- Maurice Ecard Bourgogne Rouge 2017 (Burgundy, France)
- Domaine Merceron-Martin Cremant de la Loire Blanc Brut 2017 (Loire Valley, France)
For the Locavore
Locavore is a term often used to describe a person that makes an effort to participate in the local food movement, committing themselves to eating and drinking food and beverages produced in the local community. With an endless number of wine producing regions around the world to choose from, it is possible to overlook the fact that great wine is being produced in our own backyard here in the DMV area. All you have to do is look west to Virginia; turns out this state is not only for lovers, but also wine lovers! Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville lies Veritas Vineyard & Winery on a plot of only 50 acres. Here, Andrew and Patricia are making old-world wines with new world flare. Surprise your loved one this holiday season with a bottle of their Viognier from their vineyards in Monticello. Looking for a bottle of bubbly? Virginia makes that, too!
Wines We Recommend:
- True Heritage Viognier Castalia Farm Monticello 2018 (Monticello, Virginia)
- Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Blancs NV (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Don't keep pushing off your holiday shopping list! Stop in the store today and let us help you pick out wines for all your holiday needs. Just don't forget to pick up a nice bottle for yourself this season!