I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth especially when it’s bearing a bottle of vino. But as the gift bearer, the last thing you want is the wine to leave a lingering bad taste. Like any present, you should put some thought into it. This doesn’t mean spending more than you can afford. No matter what your budget, the wine should over-deliver for the price.I’ve found a few gems that will taste like you spent way more that you did. Go ahead and pick up an extra bottle.
As withall the best gifts, you should want to keep it for yourself. One for you, one for me…
2012 Quinta do Ameal, Loureiro, Vinho Verde DOC, Portugal, $17.49 BC Liquor Stores
Portugal is on fire when it comes to delivering great wines for the money, at ALL price points. And with a plethora of weird yet wonderful indigenous grapes, it also offers plenty of opportunity to introduce the wine aficionado to something new. If you are looking to give a unique yet affordable white, this Loureiro fits the bill. Light and refreshing yet totally characterful with lip-smacking notes of lime, white grapefruit and dried herbs.
2009 Xanadu, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Australia $24.99 BC Liquor Stores
Forget about generic critter wines for under $15. Australia’s true values cost a bit more but are well worth the extra dollars. I’m talking about wines with a regional identity, like this Cab from Margaret River. With cedar, bay leaf, black currant and subtle oak,it’s guaranteed to charm. As delicious as it now, it has the stuffing and structure to keep going for another five years.
2001 Smith Woodhouse, Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port, Portugal $38.99 BC Liquor Stores
Rich, full, sweet and layered with plum, chocolate and violets, this LBV is a sheer hedonist’s delight. Aged in cask for four years and a further five in bottle before release, it’s certainly ready to drink. As it’s bottled unfiltered (this is good!), I recommend decanting it to separate it from the sediment that has formed. Consider gifting a decanter alongside.
2008 Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy $44.95 BC Liquor Stores
One of the least expensive Barbarescos on our shelves, it’s also one of the best. Produttori is a cooperative which is usually associated with cheaper, lower quality wine. Not this one! Great growers with amazing vineyard sites pool their resources to craft affordable, top-notch wine. Dark forest berries, earth, minerals and heady rose petals burst from the glass. With firm but polished tannins, it could easily age ten years plus. Perfect for the serious collector.
n/v Pierre Paillard, Grand Cru, Brut, Champagne AOC, France $56.99 BC Liquor Stores
Spoil the Champagne-lover on your list by introducing them to a small, top-quality producer. The Pierre Paillard tastes way more expensive than most of the famous big brands and it’s cheaper. It’s made from some of Champagne’s best vineyards around the evocatively named village of ‘Bouzy’ (thus grand cru). Smells like a double baked almond croissant and is just as tasty. Dry with a creamy elegant mousse, intense lemon, red currant, pear and nuts.
