Have you ever received a gourmet basket with your favorite wine and other yummy goodies? A sophisticated gift of Champaign with caviar or a humble bottle of Chardonnay paired with old French cheeses? If yes, then you probably know what an awesome idea it is!
No matter what the occasion, learn here how to make your friends happy with this great selection of wine - and don’t forget to find among the best wine country gift baskets your own wonderful gift!
1. Merlot …
Merlot is a soft and fruity dry red wine, which originated in the French region of Bordeaux. It is famous for its deep aromas of black cherry, currant, and green olive along with mint and tobacco tones. This wine is the most delicious when served slightly below room temperature to accompany simply prepared dishes, such as grilled chicken or a roast leg of lamb.
2. Pinot Noir …
Pinot Noir is chiefly associated with the Burgundy region of France. Joel Fleischman of Vanity Fair describes Pinot Noir as “the most romantic of wines, with so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, and so powerful a punch that, like falling in love, they make the blood run hot and the soul wax embarrassingly poetic.” Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon calls Pinot “sex in a glass”. This wine is one of the most popular in the world, despite the fact that it comes from a sort of grapes, which is difficult to cultivate and ferment into wine. Traditional types of Pinot Noir are famous for their fleshy, ‘countryside’ aroma, while modern forms have a lighter, fruiter flavour. It pairs well with lamb, pheasant, and duck, although the best match for this wine is grilled salmon topped with creamy mushrooms.
3. Riesling …
Riesling came from the river valleys of Germany. Unlike other wines, it rarely blends and, thus, remains a pure dry white wine with clear aromas of tropical fruit, flowers, and minerals. It has a sweet taste with notable acidity, which makes it one of a few wines that can stand up to the dishes of Chinese and Thai cuisines. Riesling can serve as a good balance to salty foods and to the light, delicate flavour of trout fried in butter. As with other white wines, dry Riesling is usually served at 52°F.
Last Christmas, I gave wine as gifts to friends and they loved the gifts so much.
I agree wine is a great gift for almost any occasion. this summer a friend of mine found a gift for all us girls that I thought was pretty cool called a drink drape. I used mine all summer. Its cheaper and lasts longer than a bottle of wine ;)
I love the Drink Drape! Not only did it save me from having to fish critters out of my beverages, it is an excellent conversation starter! I met tons of fabulous people by using my drink drape and they all agreed that it is the best invention ever!
I love my drink drape. It is also a great conversation starter. No more worries about fishing critters out of my beverages!
What the heck is “Champaign”?
To NBK:
Champagne is the most exquisite drink ever! It’s white sparkling wine and it’s fantastic! My favorite is Italian one with a blue label, but I don’t remember the name. It’s so much tastier than Dom Perignon and other expensive ones that taste just like regular wine.
These are great ideas…..I also found a collection of unique wine glass charms at http://www.wineloveraccessories.com I give them as hostess gifts. The dichroic ones are spectacular.