Seeking wine recommendations for a gift
February 10, 2023 6:49 AM Subscribe
I don't drink wine, but my wife enjoys a glass with dinner. I'd like to buy her some bottles of wine for Valentine's day. She typically drinks merlots, pinot noirs, and cabernet sauvignons, but I'd like to get her a selection of other red wines that are different but similar.
What are some recommended wine types that I can get? I'd be interested in either the general type (say, syrah), or a specific brand (2018 syrah from Acme Vineyards in Walla Walla, Washington). I'm in upstate New York, but I have access to several large liquor stores with a big selection of wines. I'd prefer to stay at $30 or less per bottle.
What are some recommended wine types that I can get? I'd be interested in either the general type (say, syrah), or a specific brand (2018 syrah from Acme Vineyards in Walla Walla, Washington). I'm in upstate New York, but I have access to several large liquor stores with a big selection of wines. I'd prefer to stay at $30 or less per bottle.
Please note Menica in line 1 should read as Mencia. Sorry about the typo.
posted by justlooking at 7:14 AM on February 10, 2023
posted by justlooking at 7:14 AM on February 10, 2023
great recommendations above. I'm always a little timid about picking for people who are enthusiasts about , unless I am equally a -enthusiast. Just from a knowledge-base perspective.
I might try to make a date of it: can you take your wife to one or two of those stores with the expectation that you were going to buy a bottle or a case or whatever of stuff that looks good to her? Like, don't surprise her with a wine that she might not have chosen for herself, but do surprise her with the opportunity to take a long walk through a couple wine aisles?
posted by adekllny at 8:16 AM on February 10, 2023
I might try to make a date of it: can you take your wife to one or two of those stores with the expectation that you were going to buy a bottle or a case or whatever of stuff that looks good to her? Like, don't surprise her with a wine that she might not have chosen for herself, but do surprise her with the opportunity to take a long walk through a couple wine aisles?
posted by adekllny at 8:16 AM on February 10, 2023
I once heard someone say they’ve never had a bad Malbec. So we’ve gotten it for them as gifts or had some on hand if they come over. I’m not a big red wine drinker but I’m inclined to agree that we’ve never had a bad one and it’s not like I’m splurging on higher end stuff either.
posted by cali59 at 8:20 AM on February 10, 2023
posted by cali59 at 8:20 AM on February 10, 2023
Malbec? You can get a decent bottle for cheap enough that if it's not a hit, there's not much harm done to your wallet. (And since this is a jinx with cali59, Petit Verdot.)
posted by kingdead at 8:23 AM on February 10, 2023
posted by kingdead at 8:23 AM on February 10, 2023
I feel like Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Pinot Noir cover quite a wide range just within themselves-- if your wife is interested in trying new things, I think it might be fun to just go to a local wine shop and ask for three reds that are really typical of the style of a region. (This could just be me projecting what I'd like in a gift of wine!)
Otherwise, my swap in suggestion for something Pinot Noir-ish (but a little heavier) might be a wine from the Beaujolais region in France, made with the grape Gamay. Wines labeled Beaujolais-Villages could be a nice entry-level for a gift in your price point-- Just don't accidentally get Beaujolais Nouveau, which is a very, very fresh wine that is lightly fermented for just a few weeks, as part of the celebration of the end of the grape harvest.
Offering specific suggestions for producers of French wines is tough because of relatively small production per winery, but I will say there was a month in 2019 where I basically just drank this Morgon: https://www.vivino.com/US/en/chauvet-freres-morgon-cote-du-py/w/7619401
(Morgon is one of 10 select subregions of Beaujolais, so theoretically a level fancier than Beaujolais-Villages. This is where I feel the need to apologize for how confusing this all is...)
posted by hazelscribe at 8:27 AM on February 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
Otherwise, my swap in suggestion for something Pinot Noir-ish (but a little heavier) might be a wine from the Beaujolais region in France, made with the grape Gamay. Wines labeled Beaujolais-Villages could be a nice entry-level for a gift in your price point-- Just don't accidentally get Beaujolais Nouveau, which is a very, very fresh wine that is lightly fermented for just a few weeks, as part of the celebration of the end of the grape harvest.
Offering specific suggestions for producers of French wines is tough because of relatively small production per winery, but I will say there was a month in 2019 where I basically just drank this Morgon: https://www.vivino.com/US/en/chauvet-freres-morgon-cote-du-py/w/7619401
(Morgon is one of 10 select subregions of Beaujolais, so theoretically a level fancier than Beaujolais-Villages. This is where I feel the need to apologize for how confusing this all is...)
posted by hazelscribe at 8:27 AM on February 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
I'd go to a local wine store. Ask on Nextdoor or similar for recommendations. In my town, the best wine advice and selection is from a place that looks really seedy, but is legit. They can guide you to selections from their stock. My local Trader Joe's has a really competent wine expert, too.
posted by theora55 at 8:36 AM on February 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by theora55 at 8:36 AM on February 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
I suggest choosing some wines that are not single-varietals like merlot or cab, but blends. Typically for example a French Bordeaux red will have a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and others. The result is (I think) a more interesting aroma and taste. The winemaker's skill gains an extra dimension where this is done — they not only have to deal with the timing of the harvest and of barrel fermentation, but also the choice and quantity of grape varietals to use. In California this is sometimes referred to as Meritage.
posted by beagle at 8:38 AM on February 10, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by beagle at 8:38 AM on February 10, 2023 [3 favorites]
second theora55...this is what the proprietors of small indie wine shops live for. Go to that shop when they aren't super busy and tell them what you just told us. They will have lots of suggestions and I will guarantee you will make their day.
posted by mmascolino at 9:13 AM on February 10, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by mmascolino at 9:13 AM on February 10, 2023 [5 favorites]
I like Portugal for good value in reds nowadays.
In France, there are several areas along the Rhone that aren't too pricey: Gigondas, Vacqueyras are examples. Lirac can be really nice. Be sure they have at least a little bottle age.
posted by gimonca at 9:31 AM on February 10, 2023 [1 favorite]
In France, there are several areas along the Rhone that aren't too pricey: Gigondas, Vacqueyras are examples. Lirac can be really nice. Be sure they have at least a little bottle age.
posted by gimonca at 9:31 AM on February 10, 2023 [1 favorite]
Good suggestions above, especially doing comparison tasting within your varietal categories. Also, lots of big wine shops do tastings, often classes. You could look into going to some tastings (wines are usually discounted if purchased at these events) or a series of classes.
Whatever wine you go with, ask the wine professional for food pairing recommendations. If you do get a couple bottles, you could research BYOB restaurants in your area and bring wine to try.
For new grape types, my suggestions would be French reds from Bordeaux and the Rhone, and Italian reds like Barbera D'Asti, Frappato, Dolcetto, and the Mount Etna varieties that justlooking mentions.
posted by winesong at 10:16 AM on February 10, 2023 [1 favorite]
Whatever wine you go with, ask the wine professional for food pairing recommendations. If you do get a couple bottles, you could research BYOB restaurants in your area and bring wine to try.
For new grape types, my suggestions would be French reds from Bordeaux and the Rhone, and Italian reds like Barbera D'Asti, Frappato, Dolcetto, and the Mount Etna varieties that justlooking mentions.
posted by winesong at 10:16 AM on February 10, 2023 [1 favorite]
(Morgon is one of 10 select subregions of Beaujolais, so theoretically a level fancier than Beaujolais-Villages. This is where I feel the need to apologize for how confusing this all is...)
Yes! Came here to suggest Morgon as a "if she really likes pinot noir, Morgon is bound to be a hit" suggestion, and Moulin-à-vent is a sub-appelation of Beaujolais. It's pretty hard to go wrong with wines from either - they tend to be on the lighter-bodied side, and they're fun to drink.
I like Portugal for good value in reds nowadays.
Same here. Portugal doesn't get quite the attention it deserves a great deal of the time for whatever reason. Wines from the Douro region -- they're typically blends of touriga nacional, tinta roriz (a.k.a. tempranillo) and a few others -- can be quite a bargain for what they are, especially in the under-$20 range (seriously). These are generally fuller-bodied reds.
Also agree with people saying to find a good indie wine store - they're staffed by people who live to geek out on you with lots of interesting suggestions. If you go in with a list of "here are some wines she's enjoyed, what do you have that might be an interesting, fun, or unusual twist on these," you are likely to be given a whole bunch of great wines to choose from.
Nthing the suggestions for indie shops and the wealth of expertise and enthusiasm you'll encounter in them. Some do "try-and-buy" events with a selection of wines available for tasting by the glass/take-home sale by the bottle, which can make a great gift in and of itself.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 11:12 AM on February 10, 2023
Yes! Came here to suggest Morgon as a "if she really likes pinot noir, Morgon is bound to be a hit" suggestion, and Moulin-à-vent is a sub-appelation of Beaujolais. It's pretty hard to go wrong with wines from either - they tend to be on the lighter-bodied side, and they're fun to drink.
I like Portugal for good value in reds nowadays.
Same here. Portugal doesn't get quite the attention it deserves a great deal of the time for whatever reason. Wines from the Douro region -- they're typically blends of touriga nacional, tinta roriz (a.k.a. tempranillo) and a few others -- can be quite a bargain for what they are, especially in the under-$20 range (seriously). These are generally fuller-bodied reds.
Also agree with people saying to find a good indie wine store - they're staffed by people who live to geek out on you with lots of interesting suggestions. If you go in with a list of "here are some wines she's enjoyed, what do you have that might be an interesting, fun, or unusual twist on these," you are likely to be given a whole bunch of great wines to choose from.
Nthing the suggestions for indie shops and the wealth of expertise and enthusiasm you'll encounter in them. Some do "try-and-buy" events with a selection of wines available for tasting by the glass/take-home sale by the bottle, which can make a great gift in and of itself.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 11:12 AM on February 10, 2023
Côtes du Rhône is my go-to these days.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 12:21 PM on February 10, 2023
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 12:21 PM on February 10, 2023
My tastes are similar and i really like a good Spanish tempranillo Rioja och an argentinian Malbec.
posted by Iteki at 3:18 PM on February 10, 2023
posted by Iteki at 3:18 PM on February 10, 2023
This thread is closed to new comments.
If she likes Pinot Noir, she may like Menica from Bierzo (Spain), or Mount Etna reds (Nerola Mascalese, Nerola D'Avola). Producers matter. Good wine stores will be able to recommend appropriate, accessible bottles to you.
If she likes Cabs, she may possibly like Nebbiolo from Piedmont. But this is a bit trickier. They usually need a bit of age on them. And good ones may be pricier than $30.
Another option could be Riojas (Tempranillo). It'll go well with most food that Cabernet Sauvignons go with. And you may be able to score a good Reserva, or Gran Reserva bottle (basically these have spent more time aging) within that price range. Find a good Spanish cheese (e.g. Manchego), and some charcuterie, and you are in business.
Usually, if you go to a good independent wine store and tell the owner what specific wines she has liked in the past, the owner will be able to make pretty good recommendation.
Good luck!
posted by justlooking at 7:07 AM on February 10, 2023 [5 favorites]