THE VERY BEST WINES TO GIFT
Sometimes the perfect gift is the one you custom-ordered after weeks (or even months!) of tireless research. And sometimes, the perfect gift really is just a bottle of truly great wine. So, whether you’re heading out to the LCBO to stock up or looking to impress the wannabe somm of your friend group, here are the best wines to gift this season, as chosen by experts. Cheers!
HEATHER MCDOUGALL, SOMMELIER AND OWNER/FOUNDER OF SIPS TORONTO
“I really love giving the gift of unexpected deliciousness—especially Ontario wines. The card that goes with it is a version of, ‘Before you make that face, remember that I chose this for you and I’m a trained professional.’ We’re still quick to dismiss our local offerings. Ten years ago I would have agreed, but not anymore. This year, drink local and take pride in knowing that you are helping boutique wineries continue to do great (and delicious) work.”
“Think of Gamay like pinot noir’s wild cousin—it has all the bad ideas and good times but sits nicely at the dinner table. This wine is beyond fun but also a bit serious! From its super-playful nose to the tart crunchy fruit all finishing with spice and a kiss of smoke. Best of all? It’s modest in alcohol by volume (ABV), so a second glass is a no-brainer.”
“Skin is in, and this one does not disappoint. What is skin contact white wine, you ask? It’s simple: It’s a white wine made like a red. After the grapes are crushed, the skins are left in contact with the juice, instead of being removed. The skins provide some extra flavour (yum), some extra colour (thus the orange wine nickname) and some tannins, which are naturally occurring in the skins. Serve this wine with harder sheep’s milk cheese; make sure your charcuterie board has some pickles and a good sourdough baguette—we’re all experts at that, right?”
“I definitely have a fondness for lively and fresh wines—doubly so if they are red. While I shy away from super-bold wines, there are times, especially when it gets chilly outside, when I crave something with more oomph. Enter this petit verdot. It’s not a grape we see bottled solo very often. Imagine violets and dark fruit, smoke and spice, and just when you think it’s going to overpower, it lifts and floats over your tongue like silk. Perfect for cozy sweaters and fireplace (or fireplace channel) gazing.”
“A well-stocked fridge is not complete without a tasty bottle of bubbles. This charming blend of estate-grown pinot noir and chardonnay (the Westcott specialties), with a bit of riesling for good measure, is a peachy floral good time. It’s an obvious yes on its own but is also remarkably versatile with grazeable foods—or fridge snacks.”
Sips is also fundraising for Burning Bliss Project Phoenix, a non-profit for survivors of domestic violence and Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth, with all proceeds from Sips’ gift-wrapping service being divided between the initiatives.
RENÉE SFERRAZZA, SOMMELIER, WINE WRITER AND CONSULTANT
“A good holiday wine gift is one that is thoughtful, brings a new experience to the glass and leaves a big smile on their face,” says Sferrazza, an industry insider who frequently drops bottle recos on her Instagram account. “Try not to rely on old go-to selections and explore something new with a familiar edge. The care you put in your selection will show through.”
“Impress your pinot-grigio-loving friends with a 1,000-year-old indigenous grape varietal, verdejo, from the D.O. Rueda wine region in Spain. Nekora 2019 By Diez Siglos is light, crisp with tons of citrus and herbal flavours—proper Rueda personality. Guaranteed to impress and perfect for pairing with an array of holiday dishes.”
“Keep up the local support this holiday with Flat Rock Cellars’ Gravity Pinot Noir. This wine is so memorable, although lighter in style, and it truly packs a punch. The thoughtful winemaking process and careful barrel aging make for a wine that is ready to drink and pair with any appetizer.”
“Bold red wines are a holiday go-to. South Africa is a region know for its big reds, and the female winemakers of the country are taking this wine category by storm. Aslina Wines by Ntsiki Biyela has made a big splash with its Umsasane red Bordeaux blend. The wine is smooth and inviting, begging for another glass once the first is finished!”
“Nothing makes a holiday special like a glass of bubbly. Rosé Champagne is the ideal meal-ender to top off a night. One of my favourites is the Louis Roederer Rosé Champagne. This 2014 is a sign of good quality Champagne as the wineries in this region don’t often make vintage wine, only in great years. The wine is rich and elegant and sure to make you smile.”
“Sparkling for the holidays can be bought close to home here in Ontario. Nyarai Cellars has released their first-ever sparkling wine this year. It is a truly artisanal production made in the same style as prosecco. It’s a fantastic blend from vineyards across Niagara. This easy-going sparkling is ideal to kick off any celebration. Drinking local never tasted so good!”
ELSA MACDONALD, DIRECTOR OF WINE EDUCATION AT ARTERRA WINES CANADA
A former management consultant turned Master of Wine, Macdonald serves on the national board of directors for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. “Don’t be ruled by rules,” she says. “Most wines go with most foods. Think of wine as another ingredient to the meal and look for things that complement each other in both flavour and texture.”
“Sparkling for the holidays can be bought close to home here in Ontario. Nyarai Cellars has released their first-ever sparkling wine this year. It is a truly artisanal production made in the same style as prosecco. It’s a fantastic blend from vineyards across Niagara. This easy-going sparkling is ideal to kick off any celebration. Drinking local never tasted so good!”
ELSA MACDONALD, DIRECTOR OF WINE EDUCATION AT ARTERRA WINES CANADA
A former management consultant turned Master of Wine, Macdonald serves on the national board of directors for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. “Don’t be ruled by rules,” she says. “Most wines go with most foods. Think of wine as another ingredient to the meal and look for things that complement each other in both flavour and texture.”
“Sparkling for the holidays can be bought close to home here in Ontario. Nyarai Cellars has released their first-ever sparkling wine this year. It is a truly artisanal production made in the same style as prosecco. It’s a fantastic blend from vineyards across Niagara. This easy-going sparkling is ideal to kick off any celebration. Drinking local never tasted so good!”
ELSA MACDONALD, DIRECTOR OF WINE EDUCATION AT ARTERRA WINES CANADA
A former management consultant turned Master of Wine, Macdonald serves on the national board of directors for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. “Don’t be ruled by rules,” she says. “Most wines go with most foods. Think of wine as another ingredient to the meal and look for things that complement each other in both flavour and texture.”
via the kit
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