Top Tips For Putting Together A Christmas Wine Gift Case

It’s Christmas time, and that means you have probably got a few presents to buy! One of the most welcome gifts at this time of the year is a wine case. If you have someone special in mind, it’s a wonderful opportunity to put together a customised wine box. 

Maybe you already have a good idea about which wines to include, but here are a few tips and suggestions if you are less sure about the best choices. 

For fans of fizz

Sparkling wines are hugely popular, and no longer just reserved for special occasions. However, they are the traditional way to toast in the New Year, and also to serve as a pre-dinner drink on Christmas Day. 

Champagne is a premium French sparkling wine that will add a note of luxury to your wine case. All Champagne is from a specific region in France, but there are variations in the taste and body of the product. Brut and extra Brut tend to be crisp and acidic, while dry and demi sec tend to be sweeter. 

If you want a more budget-friendly alternative to Champagne, there’s some great options. Prosecco is a favourite fizz for many people: it’s produced in the Veneto region of Italy and it has an appealing fresh and fruity flavour. 

Crémant is a less well known fizz: it is basically any sparkling wine that is produced outside of the Champagne region of France. It has a citrussy flavour with floral top notes, and is perfect for pairing with rich festive dishes such as creamy sauces and cured meats.  

For the connoisseur

If you know someone with a sophisticated palate, then choosing a wine case can be a rather daunting task unless you are a professional sommelier. You may prefer to seek guidance from the wine merchant, particularly if you are purchasing from a small independent retailer who is likely to select their wines personally and understand them very well.

They may recommend refined high-end choices such as Chateau La Canorgue, Rosé and Paolo Manzana Barolo, Serralunga d'Alba. 

For the all-rounder

If your recipient is a fan of all types of wine, then the world is your oyster. Pick a mixture of reds, whites, rosé and sparkling wines from Old World and New World wine regions, with favourites such as Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. 

For interest, include a more unusual choice, such as orange wine, which is made with a specific fermenting process to produce bold and complex flavours. They may appreciate a good quality sherry or port as an after-dinner drink if they also have a taste for fortified wines. 

Add some personal touches

Make your wine case extra special with some personal touches. This could simply be a hand-written card to accompany it, or a box of chocolates. You could include a set of recipes that would be the perfect accompaniment to each bottle, or if your budget allows, a set of crystal wine glasses.