’Tis the season of gift giving – the season in which the pressure to buy often ends in purchasing some meaningless trinket for which the recipient has no use. That’s why I prefer giving the gift of taste. I believe there is a wine for everyone (anyone who drinks, that is). Though we all have a unique palate, a bottle chosen with care is sure to be appreciated and will rarely go to waste. Here are a few recommendations with both the giver and receiver in mind.
For the wine geek (and those with a sense of adventure):
2015 La Valentina Pecorino Colline Pescaresi IGT • Italy • $27-29
Pecorino is one of Italy’s countless native varieties, and far from mainstream. Even if the savvy sommelier in your life is already familiar with this white grape, they’ll be impressed that you are, too. La Valentina is an expressive and top-notch example, well worth seeking out. Exploding with honeydew melon, apple and lemon balm, it’s assertively dry and even salty on the palate, supported by lime and white grapefruit. This captures Pecorino’s bold and dynamic nature. From private wine stores (try Marquis Wine Cellars)
For the host (and wine novices):
2015 Cave de Rasteau ‘La Domelière’ Rasteau AOC • France • $21.99
The southern Rhône Valley makes friendly wines that are generous and easy to like – just the kind you want to bring along to a dinner party. Even if you don’t know the host’s tastes, they won’t begrudge you for offering this amiable and soft Grenache-based red. Replete with sun-soaked red berries and dried thyme, it’s equally adept at luring neophytes into the world of wine. From BC Liquor Stores
For out-of-town guests (and devoted locavores):
2014 Laughing Stock Syrah • Okanagan Valley VQA • $34
Hosting visitors over the holiday season is a great opportunity to show off our local wares, so why not impress them with a BC wine? Laughing Stock co-ferments its Syrah with a touch of Viognier to impart an evocatively floral and stylish expression. Black plum, spice and chocolate notes are lifted by fresh herbs. Rich and full with a creamy texture, it will also satisfy locals who support the home team. From LaughingStock.ca
For the collector (when money is no object):
2013 Joseph Phelps Estate Cabernet Sauvignon • Napa Valley • $116.99
Plenty of wines fit this category, but if you really need to impress, go with a well-known name. Joseph Phelps is a highly revered Californian producer. Its Napa Cab stands the test of time in the cellar, but is also perfectly approachable in its youth. With smoke, tobacco, sweet brambly blackcurrant, dark plum, a bit of cocoa and vanilla, it boasts layers of ripe fruit and mouth-coating tannin, leading to a long, lingering finish. And if money truly is no object, you can pick up a bottle of Phelps’ 40th vintage (2013) of Insignia for $354.99. Gulp! From BC Liquor Stores
For that secret Santa gift (when money is an object):
2012 Plantaže Crnogorski Vranac • Lake Skadan Valley, Montenegro • $11.79
Kris Kringle gift exchanges and grab-bag gatherings usually come with a strict dollar limit. Here’s a wine that’s more than palatable for the price. From the south Balkans, Vranac is said to be related to Zinfandel. Don’t expect a California lookalike, though – this is more like an earthy and savoury distant cousin, with dusty spice, raspberry and sour-cherry nuances. Dry, tangy and medium-weight, it’s sure to make whoever receives it feel like they’ve scored. From BC Liquor Stores
Prices exclusive of taxes.
