| << Back |  |
The Wine Cellar: Toasting the Holiday Season
The Gift of Wine
By Michelle Morey
Whether you are choosing wine for family gatherings or artfully selecting gifts for party hosts, be inspired by an unprejudiced palate and comforted in the knowledge that the “world of wine” is as broad as it has ever been. Ultimately, it is a nimble exercise in determining preference, quality and whether or not the wine is “splurge-worthy”; it’s simply a matter of taste and value.
Capture the imagination of romantics, poets and writers by offering a gift of sparkling wine. Almost every wine-producing country, as well as multiple regions within, lay claim to a representative bubbly. French Champagne, Italian Franciacorta and California exemplars are sure to please. Pol Roger NV Brut Réserve ($45.00/btl.) consistently reveals the true class and finesse of this esteemed Champagne house. Bellavista Franciacorta NV Brut Cuvée ($40.00/btl.), one of the finest sparkling wine producers from Lombardy, lauds delicately ripe fruit with a luscious mousse, and Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Carneros Vintage Brut ($30.00/btl.) epitomizes winemaker Eileen Crane’s ability to adapt “old world” sensibilities to “new world” expressions in California. Start brushing up on your party toasts, for the wine will be flowing, and “if the aunt of the vicar has never touched liquor, look out when she finds the Champagne.” – Rudyard Kipling.
As the holiday season morphs from busy to hectic, an afternoon with friends and a healthy dose of play may be in order. Wines such as Kanu Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc ($10.00/btl.), a balance of bright melon, nectarine and honeysuckle, and Bethel Heights Oregon Pinot Gris ($16.00/btl.), an eruption of ripe stone fruit, tangerine and lime blossom, will delight a host and whet your appetite for further whimsy. Frank Family Napa Valley Chardonnay ($30.00/btl.) is another “play-worthy” selection; a full-bodied portrait of apples and pears with hints of vanilla and spice.
Wintry winds, a crackling fire and a pot of simmering goodness keep kitchen sages busy and appreciative of red wine offerings. Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($37.00/btl.) sets the standard for Burgundian style greatness in Oregon. Beautiful structure betwixt red fruits and hints of spice proclaim Véronique Drouhin and family French royalty in the Pacific Northwest. Jean-Louis Chave Côtes-du-Rhône “Mon Coeur” ($18.00/btl.) is a multi-layered, Grenache based, brambly reflection of the Southern Rhône Valley that extols the happy partnership between renowned winemaker Jean-Louis Chave and Eddie Gelsman. Rao’s Napa Valley Merlot ($45.00/btl.), one of the Pellegrino family’s signature wines, pays homage to its namesake restaurants while honoring family tradition and dedication to quality. Velvety texture and dark plum musings contribute to this lovely California merlot; a perfect gift for any occasion.
If you want to garner grateful thanks from your holiday host, consider any number of rich and sweet wines: dessert style Sherries, Ports, Sauternes, Eisweins, just to name a few. Like sparkling wine, there is enormous range of selection, price, value, and quality in this category; explore with abandon.
As the holiday season unfolds, take time and rejoice in celebrations with gifts of wine, good will, laughter and blessings for the New Year.
