There are some lessons in life we seem to need to learn over and over again. How many times have you left your Christmas shopping until the last possible minute only to find yourself loathing every single second of it? Chances are you promised yourself last year that you would never make the same mistake again and yet somehow you find yourself doing the same thing this year.
Don’t get me wrong. I like wrapping presents. I love decorating the tree. I like thinking of those I love and cherish. But shopping at this time of year is not my cup of tea. That’s why everyone needs a helping hand, and something stronger than tea.
• For the romantic in your life, this delicious wine has notes of soft cherries, leather and tobacco. It’s produced in the Veneto region of Italy between the Venice of canals and the Verona of Romeo and Juliet.
Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, £30, majestic.co.uk
• For your clumsy friend who loves his or her sauvignon blanc, these fantastic glasses from Riedel cannot be knocked over, even when absently placed on the floor next to a speaker belting out Band Aid.
Riedel “O” Sauvignon stemless glasses (Set of 2) £25 johnlewis.com
• For the “California Girl” on your list, this zinfandel is delicious. Fantastic value for money and it pairs beautifully with Katy Perry’s Prism.
Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2012, £10.29, waitrose.com
• For the spirits geek, this eau-de-vie from a fantastic distillery in Alsace is like biting into a ripe pear – with the added value of 40% alcohol by volume.
G Miclo Poire Williams, £33.10, hhandc.co.uk
• Alternatively, why not make things simpler all round? Although some people look down on them, I am a firm believer in gift vouchers, especially those that can be used online.Both Laithwaites and Oddbins allow you to purchase gift vouchers online but For the true oenophile in your life, the Wine Club Gift Membership from Berry Bros & Rudd
(bbr.com) is a rare thing of beauty; every two months, a “mystery case” of fabulousness will show up at their door.
• Lastly, what about you? If you’re anything like me, a bout of belated Christmas shopping will definitely see you needing to be transported to another world of softness and true comfort. Pour yourself something celebratory and restorative like … Warres Otima 10 Year Tawny Port, £11.99, tesco.com … and promise yourself that next year you won’t wait until the last minute. And mean it this time!
Christian Holthausen is a Franco-American wine specialist living in London. Twitter @bosiechampage
