The Perfect Festive Gift For The Holidays

The popularity of wine has sky-rocketing over the past decade. More than ever, people are enjoying the world’s beverage of choice.

At this time of the year, giving the gift of wine is always an excellent idea. Whether as a hostess or colleague gift, wine not only is classy, it’s healthy!

In moderation, wine has healing properties. When oxidation occurs in your body, and it does in all of us daily, ‘free radicals’ are produced that attack and damage body tissue. Wine, saturated with phytochemicals, acts as a deterrent to these tiny miscreants, and helps prevent and heal damaged tissue. Wine not only goes with a nice meal, it protects us too.  Here are 5 wines you may want to consider for the upcoming holidays:

LEGENDS ESTATES RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT 2002-  Red

Made in Ontario – $17.95

Black cherry, cassis and plums. Mouthfilling with big and bold black fruit flavours, soft tannins and a medium finish. A fine, mature Ontario Meritage – a Meritage wine is made with at least two Bordeaux grapes – that’s perfect for veal tenderloin or roast pork.

ANGELS GATE CABERNET MERLOT VQA- Red

Made in Ontario – $14.95

Ruby/garnet colour, aromas of raspberry and plum with hints of leather and oak. Medium-bodied, good aroma replay, it delivers great balance between oak and red fruit. Perfect with any red meat.

MISSION HILL RESERVE PINOT BLANC 2008 -Vintage  White

Made in British Columbia – $21.95
Pinot Blanc is a fine alternative to Chardonnay, as it shares a similar fullness of flavour, but with an intriguingly different aroma and flavour profile. This one, from the Okanagan, is a case in point. Round, fresh and almost creamy. It features aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, apple, pear and mineral.

TERRES D’AVIGNON RÉSERVE DES ARMOIRIES ELEVÉ EN FÛT DE CHÊNE 2007- Red

Made in France – $15.00

A delicious example from a simply tremendous vintage, this wine delivers well above its price point. Scrumptious aromas of cloves, spice leather, meat pie, cedar, cherries, apricots and licorice open to a fantastic fruit-filled palate. Medium bodied and dry, this is a lovely wine that will drink well over the next 5 years.

SELVA CAPUZZA DUNANT GARDA CLASSICO ROSSO 2007 – Red

Made in Italy – $15.95

This blend of Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera was sourced from vineyards situated next to the beautiful Lake Garda. This easy-drinking wine offers lots of black fruit and citrus aromas and flavours, making it the ideal relaxing and sipping wine.

LEIRA ALBARIÑO 2008 -VINTAGES – White

Made in Spain – $16.95

Northwest Spain’s Albariño grape makes crisp, thirst-quenching wines which are perfect for spring. Known for its smooth texture and concentrated flavours, varietal Albariño features citrus, mineral, pear and floral notes. The wine’s vibrant acidity and long crisp finish make it perfect to pair with seafood tapas such as spicy garlic-and-chili prawns.

WOODBRIDGE BY ROBERT MONDAVI CABERNET SAUVIGNON – Red

Made in California – $22.95

From the Napa Valley this wine reflects elegance, harmony.

Deep garnet red; wild red berry & cassis aroma; fresh fruit flavour, balanced wine, soft tannin good quality, easy drinking.  Complements grilled meat to perfection. Also available in a new white called Fumé Blanc – Vintage
All prices are from Ontario (LCBO). Have a great holiday season and please enjoy responsibly.