10 Excellent Reasons for Giving a Gift of Wine
If you're interested in giving someone more than the same-old,
same-old, a gift of wine can make the perfect gift. Especially if
you consider who you're buying for. And whether they enjoy wine
or not. Even if they don't, your gift could very well start them on
a new journey into the world of wines and wine appreciation.
Today there's a wine to suit the taste of almost everyone. In fact,
there's likely to be a wine not only to suit every taste, but every
occasion. And budget too.
1. There are a wide variety of types to choose from. For example,
simple wines to serve with dinner, sweet after dinner wines,
champagnes. Even collectible and eco-friendly wines. Your choice
will depend upon the person you are gifting.
2. Today buying wine doesn't require experience or a degree. Wine
companies make it easy for you. Providing you with all the info
needed to help you make a great decision.
3. Unlike some gourmet gifts, it's not necessary to consume wine
immediately. For many types, keeping it for another 3-5 years can
provide a richer, more full-bodied flavor.
4. Some wines are considered an investment. Not only improving
in flavor with age but value, too.
5. Almost everyone enjoys a glass of wine. Making wine a great
gift for nearly anyone. From a boss, to friend, neighbor, co-worker,
or special someone, for example. Plus gifts of wine are always
appreciated. Well received.
6. A gift of wine can show elegance and class. Show a person how
much you care or appreciate them.
7. You can usually decide how you want your gift packaged. Have
have several options to choose from. Even gift wrapping.
Most wine companies like to ship wine in cartons or finely designed
wood containers. Generally made of pine, these unique, hinged wood
boxes will have a unique decorative lining. Which also helps keep
wine secure when shipped. These attractive boxes may also have
sliding lids to make it easy to remove the wine bottle. All of which
adds to the uniqueness of the gift.
8. Most companies even offer wine baskets. With dozens to choose
from. Or you can get creative and design one yourself.
9. Whether choosing a corporate gift, or a gift for a special some-
one, Champagne (also considered a wine) makes a wonderful gift.
It's an extravagant one. Meant to impress. And depending upon the
person - and the occasion - meant to show just how much you care.
10. Wine and Champagne can be purchased in a variety of price
ranges. So no need to break the bank. Plus, it's a simple, hassle
-free option. A delectable, and considerate, gift. Which can also
be shipped overnight.
What Wine Info Should You Consider When Buying a Gift?
Believe it or not, most online wine sites will provide you all the
info you need to make a good decision on a gift of wine.
In fact, whether you're a wine connoisseur, or not, once you've
reviewed a wine site, you'll come away with chapter and verse on
any wine you're considering. All you need is a little personal info
about the person you're buying for. Their tastes and lifestyle. And
with all the information you'll discover, at your disposal, you will
easily find a gift of wine to suit.
Most wine sites help you as follows:
* Show you how to narrow down your selection.
Believe it or not, there will be many wines which may suit your
gifting needs. But it's essential you narrow the list quickly.
Otherwise you may wasting time and money on an gift which
may turn out to be inappropriate.
* All about the region the grapes were grown in.
For most people - both the giver and receiver - it's great
your mind and choose something different. Or further commit
or purchasing, is rated by the wine community, it's not essential.
But can help when buying for a friend, relative, or special
someone who are, themselves, experts.
* What the winemaker has to say about the growing process
and resulting wine.
Often, some of the most interesting info - aside from region - is
what the actual winemaker has to say about the wine, how it's
grown, why he or she set out to create that particular wine. And
how they did it. This usually comes by way of excerpts from the
winemaker's personal notes.
* What others - from buyers to pros - have to say about the
wine you're considering.
It doesn't hurt to know what others have to say about the
wine you're considering. In fact, it may encourage to change
your mind and choose something entirely different. Or further
commit to that particular one.
* What it's ratings are.
While it's good to know how the wine you're considering, or
purchasing, is rated - it's not essential. But can help when
buying a gift for a friend, relative or special someone who
could be considered an expert.
The following is also good information to have when pur-
chasing or giving a gift of wine:
* Notes from the cellar which produced it.
* How to know when it's at it's peak taste.
* Tips on letting it breathe.
* How to serve wine; at what temp.
* How to host a wine tasting party.
Some Info and Tips for Choosing a Red Wine vs
Choosing a White Wine
There are some serious differences when it comes to Red and
White wines. In fact, there are many.
These unique differences don't make either one better, or bad.
Simply different. And those differences may end up being the
reason you choose one type over the other.
Red Wine:
According to wine.com, there are a countless number of red
grape wine varieties in the world. However many are unsuited
for making wine. That said, the world wine market currently con-
centrates on about 40-50 different red wine grape varieties.
What differentiates red wine from whit is - first - the skin color
of the grape. Second the amount of time the grape juice has
with it's skins. Backing up a bit, after picking, red grapes are
put into or oak barrels. Where they marinate with their
skins on. Absorbing the pigments of other aspects of the skin.
A family of natural, organic compounds, Tannins are usually
found in grape skins, stems, seeds. During the aging process
(their time in the barrel with skins on), those oak barrels in-
fuse tannin into the juice which results.
Tannins are a great antioxidant and natural preservative. Not
to mention they help to give wines their individual texture and
structure. Each winemaker controls the amount of Tannin
every wine absorbs. Which is the reason why each wine flavor
is so unique.
Remember - When buying Red wines, with very little Tannin,
the wine should be drunk while it's young. On the other hand,
the longer a wine is aged in the barrel, the longer it can be
kept bottled, and still keep it's unique flavor.
White wine:
Chardonnay, the #1 White Wine is different. Though it's con-
sidered the most popular wine in the world, it's origins are
hard to trace. Some wine growers say it's reputation goes
back to vineyards in the Burgundy region of France.
Easy to grow, with a high yield, it can be grown in almost
anywhere. Which is one of the reasons why winemakers
love these grapes. Not to mention, they unerringly
produce an excellent, full-bodied wine. And unlike other
wines they require no blending with other grapes to create
it's unique taste. Although they easily can be.
Grown in colder climates, these grapes easily produce a wide
variety of flavors. Such as hints of peach or apple. But when
grown in warmer climates they may have a less fruity taste.
Instead have a hint of vanilla or honey. Can even taste like
roasted almonds, even coconut. Bottom line, chardonnays
are rich and full-bodied. Which is likely the reason, wine-
makers believe, that Chardonnays are such a popular wine.
Remember - Unlike red wines, many of which should be
aged before drinking, Chardonnays are ready to serve the
minute purchased. And, very importantly, Chardonnays
from such places as Australia, California, France, will
continue to evolve for up to five years from the date they
were bottled.
Serving Wine With Dinner:
While it's always been said, Reds go with meat and Whites
with fish, today you can serve almost any wine with any
dinner. Even with desserts. Though many prefer sweet wines
with dessert.
Notes on screw caps vs corks:
There are many studies which say screw caps actually
protect the wine better. Preserve it's flavor more effectively
than a cork. Though there's lots of talk, and many who'd
prefer corks in their wine bottles, most winemakers agree
that screw caps are better.
More importantly, screw caps eliminate cork taint caused
by TCA. A compound which develops in a small percentage
of corks. And ruins the taste of the wine.
Basic Wine Terminology:
Kosher Like any other wine, Kosher starts out as grapes on
the vine. The difference comes when they reach the winery
for crushing. At that point, the wine comes under strict
rabbinical supervision as it's crushed.
Green Wines - These are wines whose grapes are grown
using sustainable, organic or biodynamic practices. For
example, growing without the use of pesticides or other
chemicals.
Collectible Wines - These are wines which improve with
additional bottle age. However, they must be properly
stored to continue the aging process. These wines show
the greatest potential to increase in value over time.
Boutique Wines - These are wines made in limited quan-
tities. Typically produced by a single vineyard. Or
created by a small, artisanal winery. A larger winery may
also produce Boutique Wines; holding them to a 1,000
case production to keep them unique.
Wine "Point" Ratings - These are ratings assigned by various
wine rating groups or publications. Points assigned a wine
are based on a 100-point quality scale. 100 being the best.
Though very few wines attain the 100 point rating. A
90 Point rating is considerent excellent.
Gift Cards and Wine Clubs:
Gift Cards
If you're still worrried about choosing wine as a gift, choose
a gift card instead. Since most online companies use PayPal,
you can choose a specific amount you want for the gift. And
card. You also choose whether you want the Gift Card
sent or emailed. Either way, cards can usually be accessed
online. Not to mention you'll be ordering using secure servers,
where your personal info is protected.
Wine Club Memberships
If you're still unsure, a Wine Club membership can be perfect
for almost anyone. Whether they're a casual wine drinker or
consider themselves connoisseurs they'll still get a lot from
a membership. Generally, they'll receive a new wine each
month. Included, with the wine, will be an info-packet. De-
scribing the origins, type of wine; in fact, everything about
it.
When you enroll someone in a Wine Club membership, if
the company has one they will also include a monthly
Newsletter. With tips, resources, info on new wines. Stories
about new vineyards. And tons of other wine info. Including
tips on serving and using the wines. Along with other
valuable info.
Plus - members will usually receive pre-sale product info.
Also coupons and discounts far in advance of non-
members.
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