Now that we’ve passed the $20 mark, these bottles should look and feel special every time you gift them. Imagine meeting the girlfriend’s parents, S.O. birthday, or a family Christmas exchange.
Best Red Wines Under $40
My absolute favorite wine to buy for a special occasion is the Treana Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a fan favorite; it’s expensive enough to look like you put some thought into buying it and it is so delicious. Don’t think; just grab it. If you’re looking for an Old World option, try Piaggia Carmignano Riserva 2017. This blend from Italy is well balanced and fruity, with violets, cherry, leather and blackberry. This bottle feels and looks sophisticated so pair it with lamb, veal, or poultry for your first dinner with her parents.
Best White Wines Under $40
Don Miguel Albarino – this one is so delicate and full of honeysuckle, pear, and green apple. Perfect for seafood or light pastas. Albarino wines are similar to Sauvignon Blancs but don’t have the bell pepper notes that Sauv Blancs can often display.
Best Rosés Under $40
You’ll definitely want to look for Cote de Provence Rosés now. Try Clos Beylesse or Whispering Angel which are both popular for a good reason. Open a bottle, close your eyes, and imagine you’re walking through one of the endless lavender fields next to a very old French chateau.
Best Sparkling Wines Under $40
For Champagne, I love the Phillipe Fourrier Blanc de Noirs for a special occasion of popping bottles, but a Prosecco like the Della Vite with vanilla cream, apple and toast will be a perfect gift for a snowy Christmas exchange. Beautiful bottle, beautiful bubbles inside.
Who else could you imagine buying these bottles for? I like to look at the next few months coming up and think about what special occasion necessitates a nice bottle. Instead of grabbing whatever is on sale in your price range, take a few minutes before you head to the store and look up reviews of certain bottles. If you know what your friend/S.O./in-law likes to drink, try to look for something similar so it looks like you put more thought into it than just looking through their wine bottles.
Comments