Gifts of the Season - Eight Reasons to Give Wine This Year

Icewine, from Canada and Germany, is winter's gift to wine lovers. Icewine is such a sought after jewel of a wine that many covet it, but few want to spend the money on themselves. Truly, this is a wonderful gift for the wine lover who has everything.

Inniskillin recommends that its icewines be served with neutral desserts such as pear tart, apple and peach based sauce desserts; strong cheeses and foie gras also bring out the sweet richness of the icewine. Any dessert that's overly sweet will overwhelm the icewine.

Another option for pure novelty, is Inniskillin's 2004 Oak-aged Vidal Icewine. Icewines, because they are known for their sweetness, are not generally aged in Oak, so this choice will certainly make for some conversation.

History and Process

Germany began the icewine industry in the mid-1700's but has since been somewhat overshadowed by Canada's icewines, since the process seems ideally suited to the Niagara peninsula and the Okanagan Valley's climatic conditions.

The grapes are netted and left on the vine into the winter months to freeze, which slightly dehydrates the drapes and concentrates the sugar and acids of the fruit - yielding a very complex and intense flavor. The grapes are then pressed while still so cold that the water in the juice is still frozen and only a fraction of the amount of that normal processing would yield. The juice is them fermented over several months. The nose of icewine has been described by many as simply mind-blowing - the wine has a tropical fruit quality, but a clean, dry finish.

From Inniskillin's site: "Genuine icewine must follow VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) regulations that prohibit any artificial freezing of grapes. The grapes are painstakingly picked by hand in their natural frozen state, ideally at temperatures of -10 to -13 degrees C - sometimes the picking must be done at night to take advantage of the temperature. Yields are very low, often as little as 5-10 percent of normal."

More Fabulous Choice for Wine Gifting

A Bordeaux Gift for a Wine Connoisseur
Chateau Monbousquet 2003 St. Emilion (Wine Advocate Rating 93 points)

Robust, complex berry flavor makes this a great choice for wine lovers. This is a great example of a right-bank Bordeaux and has the typical heavier Merlot in the blend. The tannins aren't overpowering and the result is supple, aromatic wine that's perfect for paring with pasta, meats, game, and hard cheeses. (Shop around for this selection as the price can vary from $60 to $75 a bottle).

A "Bargain" Bordeaux (A 92 rating for under $50)
2003 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux (150,000 bottles produced)

Don't let the limited availability of this Bordeaux deter you - it's worth hunting down. It has a creamier taste than expected, with notes of vanilla and cassis, and beautiful, expansive aroma that's sure to please. This bottle should drink well for the next 15 years according to Robert Parker.

A Pearl for the Price of Glass
Greg Norman Estates NV Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir (Wine Enthusiast rating 91 points)

You need to bring wine, but you've no idea what the food will be or the tastes of the host or other guests. This full to medium bodied Pinot Noir is just the thing - and a bargain to boot. You should be able to find this beauty for well under $20 (though the smooth, generous finish suggests a much pricier product.) It goes with most holiday foods and does well on its own too.

A Perfect Match for Holiday Meals
Nicolas Potel 2004 Bourgogne Cuvee Gerard Potel

Looking for an ideal Pinot Noir to pair with your typical holiday foods, like turkey, duck, lamb or chicken? Look no further, this lovely example can be had for just around $20 and enhances the flavor of most holiday foods, rounding a nice dry yet fruity flavor with a good dose of spice.

Just Desserts - A Beautiful Gem
Peter Lehmann 2005 Noble Semillon

This wonderfully fresh desert wine is incredibly versatile and can be paired beautifully with brunch foods like eggs, smoked meats or even a creamy pate. One very easy accompaniment is a prepared (frozen) pound cake sliced lengthwise and layered with a delicate lemon curd or orange curd. This fresh, tantalizing dessert gives quite the lift after heavy meals. At about $17.50 for a half-bottle, it is a bargain indeed.

An Indulgent Bordeaux
Ch. Monbousquet 2003 St. Emilion

The Wine Advocate gives this selection a 93, saying it offers up notes of "smoky meats, melted licorice, jammy black cherries, spiceobx, earth and cedar." Averaging about $65 a bottle, makes it luxurious, but not extravagant. This Bourdeaux is sure to please even the most finicky connoisseur and go beautifully with a wide selection of holiday foods and flavors.

Last, but not least - a sure-to-please Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir
Greg Norman Estates NV Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir
Wine Enthusiast: 91 points

Another crowd pleaser, this selection has strawberry, citrus and nutty aromas and makes a fantastic gift for any wine lover. For well under $20 (though you may have to hunt for it) this little treasure is sure to please the recipient as well as your wallet.