Finding the Right Wine Gift

We continue our tradition of helping you find the right wine gift for the right person. From the boss to the wine geek, we have it covered but remember, never spend more than you can afford.

If you have the funding and want to embellish your wine gift, consider wrapping up a book on wine or adding a simple decanter or box of proper-shaped glasses. Just keep in mind that when it comes to wine accessories, plain and simple is always the best.

THE BOSS

Never an easy pick, it should look spendy — hint: excellent packaging — but be reasonable in price. We have two choices, one red and one white from the same producer and both from Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia. The Giant Steps 2020 Chardonnay, $43, is rich in a Burgundian Grand Cru way but not overpowering. The Giant Steps 2020 Pinot Noir, $43, is a wow wine that is simply delicious. You could pair them up if you really need a promotion.

FOR THE GOURMAND

Most wines are better with food thanks to a specific chemistry that’s difficult to describe but easy to taste. If there are one or two key ingredients to a perfect food and wine match, it is the acidity and a savoury element. Broad candidates include Bordeaux, Brunello, Barolo or Syrah. We pick a magical bottle of Damilano 2016 Lecinquevigne Barolo, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy, for $59.

THE GREEN CROWD

The eco-conscious crowd appreciates wine made using sustainable, organic or biodynamic practices along with little intervention, and many British Columbia wine growers fit the model. Here are three terrific labels fighting climate change: Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2012 Cipes Blanc de Blancs at $43; CedarCreek 2020 Meritage at $27.99 and Clos du Soleil 2019 Célestiale at $30.

THE READER

For the reader/drinker, there is only one book, The World Atlas of Wine 8th Edition by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson ($64). Reading about the world of wine and using the maps to look up every wine you drink adds significant joy, and value, to every wine you taste. Available in better bookstores and online at Amazon.ca.

THE CARNIVORE GRILLER

Beef, barbecues and big red wines are a match for many, and the go-to grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz and Grenache and most any red blend that contains the same grapes. A trio of bargains we love include: Il Borro 2019 Borrigiano, Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy at $40; Descendientes de J. Palacios 2015 Pétalos, Bierzo, Spain at $38 and Las Moradas de San Martin 2017 Senda, Madrid, Spain at $36

THE HOSTESS GIFT

The hostess/host wine gift needs an upgrade. Remember, it is for the host, not the people attending the party, so consider wrapping it festively. When you make the handoff, insist they save it for a quieter evening. Sparkling wine is the intelligent choice here. Choose a bottle to suit your budget: Red Rooster Brut Rosé, OkanaganValley B.C. at $29; Ferrari Brut Metodo Classico N/V, Trentino- Alto-Adige, Italy at$35 or Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut for $70.

ANY PORT IN A STORM

A glass of port is as civilized as it gets over the holidays, and it’s a wine category few people buy for themselves. Here are some intelligent bottles that will warm the souls of the recipients: Graham Six Grapes Reserve Port N/V for $26.99; Fonseca Terra Prima Organic Reserve Port at $31.99 or the Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2016 at $150. All are from the Douro Valley, Portugal.

BOTTLES FOR COLLECTORS

It takes an experienced taster to pick a bottle worth collecting, one guaranteed to be worth the purchase and the wait. Here are three highly-regarded collectible labels selling at somewhat sensible prices for the collector: Krug N/V Grande Cuvee for $255; Penfolds 2015 Grange, South Australia at $1,000 and Chapoutier 2016 Ermitage Le Pavillon, Hermitage, Rhone Valley for $500.

This article is an edited version of the original that was first published in The Vancouver Sun.