It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas folks, or so the song goes, so I thought in the run-up to Santa’s visit we could focus on gifts, especially the ones I’d like to receive myself, which by definition, is the best recommendation I can offer you!
First of all, some advice: don’t buy a gift that your recipient buys for themselves. By all means, buy a whisky for a whisky lover, or a merlot for a merlot lover, but stretch their horizons, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to do it.
Over the course of a year by the way, I get numerous tweets or x’s telling me that my recommendations are too expensive and to those folk, I say look away now. My mantra has always been to drink less but drink better, so if you’re a tight sod, consider this a trigger warning for the next few weeks.
Bodegas Arzuaga Crianza, Magnum in wooden gift box
I do adore a good rioja at Christmas and I’m growing increasingly fond of the crianzas. This giant cracker has masses of rich summer fruits with hints of coffee and liquorice. Gorgeous.
De-burgh Wines, £55.99 on offer
Scapa 21-Year-Old
Notes of apricot jam with raspberries and bananas bringing up the rear. A treat for yourself if you’ve been a good boy or girl.
thewhiskyexchange.com, £250
Ca’ dei Frati - ‘I Frati’ Lugana
A cracking white wine gift which looks and tastes far better than it looks and trust me, this looks stunning. A lively perfumed nose with hints of peaches and tropical fruits. A cracking aperitif but enough on the palate to stand up to any turkey.
Villeneuve Wines, £25
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