The Secret to the Perfect Wine Gift

I love finding the perfect gift for everyone on my list. And now I’m going to let you in on a little secret. It’s a lot easier to find a gift that’s just right if you know your recipient’s wine tribe. If not, find a way to get them to take the quiz, which will identify their palate preferences. That way you can get them the best gift ever: wines that will be just right for them, based on recommendations from others in the same tribe.

The recommendations below are based on results from our blind wine tastings held over the past year. I chose a variety of unique wines at reasonable price points from amongst the tribe’s favorites. All should be relatively easy to find at your local wine store. Consider putting together a festive gift basket with a few of these fab wines and you will have the perfect gift. Ho ho ho!

For the Accessible Tribe: These folks have an appreciation for delicate tastes. Light, summertime foods are likely their favorites and they tend to shy away from overly spicy or heavy foods (but they sure do love dessert).
Gruet Brut Sparkling Wine, $15: This is a terrific sparkling wine from New Mexico that is a great value.  Members of the Accessible Tribe love it, but it’ s a crowd pleaser and should be a welcome gift for members of any wine tribe.
Evolution White Wine 18^th Edition, $18: This white blend from Oregon is lush with a hint of sweetness. It’s great as an aperitif, and because it has a relatively low alcohol level, it’s a fabulous pick for day-long holiday gatherings when you know guests are probably going to have more than one glass.
2013 Dreaming Tree Crush, $14: Made in partnership with the rocker Dave Matthews, this wine is an approachable red blend that is meant for easy drinking.

For the Balanced Tribe: This tribe appreciates balance in food, drink and life.  If Balanced Tribe members were a fragrance they’d be floral and fruity but never overpoweringly sweet.
Costamolino Vermintino de Sardegna, $13: An Italian white wine from the Vermentino grape, this is a big fave of the Balanced Tribe due to its tastes of vanilla and pineapple and its ever so slight effervescence.
Pomelo 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, $12. This California white is a winner for both giver and receiver. They’ll love the wine and you’ll love the price.
Casaleiro 2012 Reserva, $12: This is a rich red wine from Portugal’s Douro Valley. Occasionally you can find it at Costco for about $8, so if you’re a member, start your search there.

For the Developed Tribe: Flavorful is the name of the game for this tribe. They don’t mind exploring new foods and wines and like to cook with lots of herbs and spices.
Broadbent Vinho Verde, $9: Vinho Verdes are white wines from Portugal. This is one of my favorites, and it’s a steal at $9.
Hahn SLH 2013 Pinot Noir, $30: This Pinot from the Santa Lucia Highlands of California is a crowd pleaser. Bigger then most Oregon or French Pinots, this is a rich red wine.
Chateau La Fleur Milon 2007 Pauillac, $28. This delectable French red is a personal favorite–and it’s affordable for a Bordeaux.

For the Complex Tribe: These folks appreciate big, bold and complex flavors. If you’re in the Complex Tribe, your palate is quite defined and you know what you like–only the darkest of coffees, chocolates and beers for you.
Chateau de Grand Bos 2005 Graves, $30: Another French favorite, this wine showcases the effects of the river rock that underlies the vineyards of the Graves area of Bordeaux.
Kerloo Cellars Walla Walla Syrah, $40: This is a great example of Washington State Syrah; bold, evocative and delicious. A solid choice for anyone in the Complex Tribe.
Taylor Fladgate 10 year Tawny Porto, $32: The Complex Tribe usually appreciates a good port, the specialty wine of Portugal . Consider this delicious tawny, which is Big Red’s personal favorite and a good value.

That is the round up of gifts by tribe. Check back on December 18th for more wine gifting ideas. In the meantime, happy shopping and happy holidays!