Wine Guy: A Guide to Giving Holiday Wine

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Giving away seems more and more complicated these days. Supply chain limitations, ethical dilemmas and other considerations conspire to add airs of “hoax” to the process.

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With all the complications, why not keep it simple this year? Keep it liquid.

The gift of wine is a timeless option. Shopping is relatively straightforward and hopefully fun, plus wrapping bottles is simple – or at least putting them in a festive wine bag is.

Red Barn at Jagged Rock 2019 Silent Partner Cabernet Franc, British Columbia ($ 50, available through artisanwineshop.ca )

For the local wine lover: Great British Columbia wine options abound, but the gift recipient on your list likely hasn’t tried Red Barn’s wines in Jagged Rock. Newcomer Red Barn Winery is aiming for the top shelf with its wines from the Jagged Rock Vineyard on Black Sage Bench near Oliver. His Silent Partner Cabernet Franc, for example, is elegant and classy. Partially fermented in whole bunch: all in particular, it is expressive with floral fruits and dark berries, showing some mineral notes along with tense and vibrant fruits before finishing with firm grace. It is excellent to drink on its own and even better with a plate of charcuterie.

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Bottom line: A fancy new kid on the block

Gérard Bertrand 2017 “An 806” Corbières, France ($ 19.99, # 261008)

For the office colleague: Classy etiquette? Check. Daring red and easy to enjoy? Check. Twenty dollars? Check. Gérard Bertrand’s “An 806” Corbières hits the mark for most office gift exchanges. Hailing from the south of France, 806 marks the beginnings of Château de Peyrepertuse, which was built by the Cathars and still dominates the Corbières vineyards today. A bold blend of Grenache, Syrah, and mourvèdre, this red oozes black fruit, wild herbs, and subtle spices in an overall juicy and luxurious style. Have a little more budget to spend on a coworker? Take a look at the other bottles of Gérard Bertrand, say “An 1886” Les Aspres ($ 26.99, # 14963) or L’Hospitalitas ($ 85.99, # 151633).

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Bottom line: B +, sumptuous

Sidrería Izeta IZ Sagardoa, Spain (about $ 17 for 750 ml, available at select private liquor stores)

For the apple-minded drinker: The love of cider is real, and it is true that there may be people on your gift list who prefer a bottle of fermented apple juice to wine. For a unique option, see IZ, a cider (literally “apple wine” in Basque) from the Basque Country of Spain. This cider, which has a deep, cloudy golden color in the glass, is made from 100% local apples and brings out floral and apple aromas in a big way along with a nice touch of wild funk. As for the taste, it’s time to scowl – this is a sour, crunchy cider ready to toast the holiday season.

Bottom line: B +, Try pouring the traditional Basque method!

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The Swirl: Miracle of Main St. Brewing on Main Street

Main St. Brewing, East Vancouver, has brought back its “Miracle on Main Street” to get people in the holiday spirit while showing their support for children across the region. Beginning December 12, those who turn in unwrapped toys, games, sports equipment, or gift cards ($ 10 minimum value, all donations benefit the Lower Mainland Christmas Office) receive a complimentary beer flight and a entry to the prize draws for “even days”. . There are also holiday promotions with buy one gift cards and gift boxes galore through December 24. For full details, see mainstreetbeer.ca .