Happier Holidays Gift Guide SIP SOME HOLIDAY CHEER Jessica Roberts
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S THE COMING HOLIDAYS APPROACH, WE’RE all looking for special treats for those we hold dear. Yet many of us struggle when it comes to picking the perfect present for that special someone. To take some of the guesswork out of the search, we’ve collected a few foolproof suggestions. These choices are so good, you may end up buying a few bottles for yourself! FOUR WINES Let’s start off this gift guide with a perennial favorite—wine! There’s so much to choose from in terms of wine for every taste and price point, so there’s no need to limit yourself to these four suggestions, as enticing and unforgettable as they may be. Sweet, spunky and spirited, the Albino Rocca Moscato d’Asti is perfect for anyone who loves a touch of floral fragrance and sugar in their glass. From the Asti region of Italy, this wine can be enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner treat or alongside any dish that boasts a bit of a kick. At a price point of $12, it’s something you could very well pick up for everyone in the family! Many people have extreme views about rosé wine, and it’s time to debunk the negative stigma surrounding a nice, dry rosé. A good place to start is with Maison Saint AIX Rosé, priced at $18. This wine is from Provence, France, the mecca of the rosé world and produced by a company that’s 140 years old—clear evidence that they know their stuff when it comes to producing a high-quality wine. This rosé’s blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault creates a wine full of red berries, fresh florals and singing acidity. It’s a perfect food wine for almost anything you place on your table this season. A cold day begs for a hefty, soul-warming cabernet, like the reds coming from Washington state. Try, for example, Ten Thousand Hours Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at $30 for the 2018, to savor this winter. After aging for 18 months in oak, this wine is packed full of toasty, chewy tannins and dark fruit with a hint of vanilla. You’ll surely be going back for a second glass of this impressive red wine. Let’s end the wine suggestions the same way as we’ll end the year—with a bottle of bubbles. Champagne is the go-to for a traditional New Year’s Eve, yet many prefer to find quality bubbles at a more affordable price. Then Spanish Cava is what you need. At $30, the Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva is a steal of a deal. It has all the body, flavor and finesse of a high-end bubbly without breaking the budget. You can even skip the bow because this bottle is gorgeous on its own. This Cava will be the talk of the night, guaranteed. SOME SPIRITS Brighten your spirits with, well, some spirits. Are you looking for a little more kick in your glass? Look no further because here are some specialty picks!
