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Question: Selecting wine for a birthday gift?

(Posted by: J.J. on 2010-07-28 03:39:48)

I've been doing a little research on preferences and taste of a wine to select for my friend, I think I got most of her preferences down in references to wine tasting: Only drinks wine Once a week or slightly less Doesn't like dry wine Likes cherries and chocolate "Fruity " flavors Drinks wine by itself, as in NOT with food. Low acidity Low tannins Red wine Aged between 3- 10 years I hope I didn't leave any holes of information. I don't drink wine at ALL and I hope I can select a good one for her, anyone know which? It's a suprise gift. She has no idea that I'm getting her gifts, and I also have a feeling she thinks I forgot her birthday too. (She's not my GF so I'm O.K.)

Posted by: B1ackTheSun on 2010-07-28, 07:42:18

Hmmm low acidity, and tannins, not dry, fruity and aged.... I'd suggest looking into varieties such as Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Grenache, and possibly Merlot. Try having a look for blends of those varieties too. They are much lighter reds, they still have nice fruit qualities and the tannin is nice and light on the pallet. I don't recommend Shiraz for her though from the description of her pallet, Shiraz is often quite bold and rich in tannins. You can find a lighter Shiraz but it's a bit risky and hit and miss I'd stick to to the varieties that are made to be light. If you can, try and taste the wine before you buy it too. Good luck.

Posted by: Roy on 2010-07-28, 03:47:30

Try Creme de Casis or Dubonnet Rouge Neither one is a wine, they're both apertifs I'd drink 'em both all the time if I could afford to, and a little of either one goes a long way (a shot or two in a glass of seltzer beats the hell out of any soda pop, and either one can be used in various cocktails) See my sources for more info Give someone (not necessarily me) 10 pts for best answer! After I read about the dangers of drinking I gave up reading HENNY YOUNGMAN

Posted by: TexHabs on 2010-07-28, 03:51:33

I would suggest going to a wine shop in your area. If still not sure, get a gift certificate, accompany your friend (assuming and hoping you are both of legal drinking age where you live) and they can pick it out (with help from an employee if needed)

Posted by: something on 2010-07-28, 04:07:12

A good wine would be a shiraz, it is low acid, fruity and has notes of chocolate in the wine. Or you could go with a merlot which is also a low acidity wine, it has blueberry, cherries and other fruity notes in it. If you go to your local wine store they will recommend a good Shiraz or called syrah and merlot for you. Good luck!

Posted by: SuNu on 2010-07-28, 04:17:03

I'd say a Californian Red Zinfandel with a little 70% cocoa chocolate bar. Another option is to see where there is a vintage location near you. Or, take her to a wine tasting. With the chocolate bar, it is also about savouring the flavours.