Holiday gift guide: 10 bottles of wine for all budgets and occasions

This season, you’re either the person who began gift shopping in September or the person who still has no idea what to buy for half of the people on your Santa list. And that’s okay.

Either way, you’ve still got time to buy gifts that you know your favourite people and aspiring wine experts, will love. A bottle of bubbly or red is the perfect gift this season because it’s something that can be shared among family and friends.

You don’t need to spend hours researching wine profiles online, because we’ve teamed up with BC Liquor Stores to highlight 10 bottles you can choose from. Select varieties of wine you know your vino enthusiasts (and you) will enjoy — all within your budget.

From $10 to $20:

Santa Ana La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina 

This Cabernet Sauvignon is an exciting example of Argentina beyond Malbec. It’s savoury, laden with black ripe fruit, menthol and spice notes, as well as velvety tannins which give this wine an ultimately crisp finish.

Anciano Valdepenas Gran Reserva Tempranillo Aged 10 Years, Spain 

Meet the wine that perfectly embodies Spanish values. Aged over 10 years, this fantastic vino boasts culture and excellence.

From $20 to $30:

Joie A Noble Blend, BC VQA

Let there be wintery, white wine this season. This BC blend pulls together lush, off-dry flavours of lychee, grapefruit, guava, and rose petals, with juicy acidity. It’s inspired by the Alsatian blend of Edelzwicker, which literally translates to “a noble blend.” Couple this with its elegant look and you can see why it makes a very popular gift.

Ruffino Modus Toscana, Italy 

This one is for those on your list who appreciate the detail that goes into a rouge blend. It combines Tuscan Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, to create the opulent, richness, and ripeness, of a 2015 vintage.

From $30 to $40:

Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, USA 

California’s Napa Valley is renowned for producing some of the best wine in the world. A modest price for a compelling Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, this Louis M. Martini wine is rich and full-bodied. It’s multilayered on the palate with excellent length on the finish (Pro tip: say that exact phrase out loud to impress your friends).

La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, USA

Powerful, juicy, and perfect for sharing with your sweetheart, you could say this Pinot Noir was made for the holiday season. Taste notes of sweet black cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and plum, with hints of exotic spice, toast, and sandalwood. If you’re looking for a brag-worthy red, this is the one.

From $40 to $50: 

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin, BC VQA 

Although it’s made in BC, Le Grand Vin is a Bordeaux-style blend that’s made to be cellared for eight to 10 years. So if your friend doesn’t drink it soon, you know it will still hold its taste for years to come. Bold, full-bodied, balanced, and intense, this wine is undoubtedly a benchmark for premium red wine made in BC.

Tommasi Amarone Classico, Italy

Italian wine holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly Amarone Classico. This one from Tommasi delivers dried cherry, blackberry preserves, spice and coffee notes, all with a firm dryness and a silky finish. It‘s a great treat during the holidays and a beautiful gift to impress your boss.

From $50-$75: 

Altesino Brunello di Montalcino, Italy

Another Italian wine that’s worth your attention is the silky, streamlined, Altesino Brunello di Montalcino. Boasting perfumed aromas of juniper, eucalyptus, sage, and rose with wild berries and plum in the background, you’ll savour each sip. A fresh, long, and ethereal finish is the proverbial cherry on top.

Pol Roger Cuvée de Réserve Brut Champagne, France 

Unsure of what to get your aunt but you know she has good taste? Well, when in doubt, Champagne is always a yes. This classic from Pol Roger is elegant, finessed, and harmonious, with a fine, creamy mousse and a persistent finish. We know it sounds as good as the dessert it could be paired with.

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Looking for more gift-giving ideas? Simply ask any product consultants at any Signature BC Liquor Stores or check out the full holiday gift guide here.

*Products on sale at BC Liquor Stores until December 29, 2018. Prices shown exclude applicable taxes and container deposit and are subject to change. In the event of a price difference shown online, the product description and price in the government liquor stores will prevail.