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.