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Cheers 2 Wine News - Special Holiday Edition
December 12, 2006
Merry Christmas from Steve and Kathy Howe


Holiday Gift Ideas

It's not too late to shop online for great holiday deals. Avoid the crowds and get the best prices right here.

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Gift Ideas - Under $25

4 Pc. In Vino Veritas Coasters

Wine B'Gone Stain Remover Spray (12 oz.)

White Cocktail Snack Plates - Set of 4 by Forum

Vacu Vin Concerto 3-Piece Wine Saver Set

Built NY One Bottle Tote in Black

The Wine Bible

MIU France Stainless-Steel Wine/Champagne Bottle Cooler Bucket

The Wine Tasting Party Kit: Everything You Need to Host a Fun & Easy Wine Tasting Party at Home

Napa Valley & Sonoma: Heart of the California Wine Country


Gift Ideas - $25-$50

Riedel Vinum Bordeaux, Set of 2

Spiegelau Vino Grande 1-Liter Decanter

ABSORBASTONE TEMPERED GLASS LAZY SUSAN * VARIETAL GRAPES

Seagrass Products Cocktail Plates (Set of 6)

Wine Spectator

Wine glass cufflinks

Wine Spectator

Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener

Legacy Corkpops Wine Bottle Opener

New SWILL Wine Tasting Party Kit and Wine Club Starter Kit


Gift Ideas - $50-$100

Picnic Gift Conquest Deluxe Two Person Picnic Backpack w/ Blanket

Metrokane Rabbit Wine Opener Gift Set, Silver

Riedel Vinum Burgundy/Pinot Glasses, Set of 4

Cooper Cooler HC01-A Rapid Beverage Chiller, White and Grey

Designer Wine Rack/Side Table with Wood Top in Scroll Style Structure

Riedel Vinum Bordeaux/Cabernet Glasses, Set of 4

Wine Cooler with Leather Trim


Gift Ideas - Over $100

Riedel Vinum Bordeaux Wine Glasses - Set of 6

Riedel O Decanter

Riedel Amadeo Lyra Decanter

18 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler - Digital Control

45 Bottle Wrought Iron Wine Jail

Haier HVFO42ABL 42-Bottle Wine Cellar, with Contoured Smoked Glass Door

Garmin Nuvi 660 Pocket Vehicle GPS Navigator and Personal Travel Assistant

Holiday Wine Recommendations

These wines are available online through our site. Orders are processed and shipped through our associate, Wine.com.

We are recommending both red and white wines that are some of our favorites. Click on the links below to learn more about our recommendations.

Barbera
Barbera is often used as a blending grape. As a varietal it can exhibit aromas of berries, plums, or cherries with hints of vanilla, toasty, or smoky flavors. Barbera is the perfect complement for tomato-based pasta dishes.



Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich full-bodied red wine. Aged in oak, this is a complex wine with cassis and blackberry flavors as well as hints of bell pepper. This is the classic wine to pair with red meats.



Merlot
Merlot is a smooth, dry red wine. It is often described as having the flavors of boysenberry, black cherry, herbs, and mocha. Merlot is best with poultry and grilled meats, but actually goes well with most foods.



Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a smooth silky wine that is extremely fruity. It is characterized with aromas and flavors of black cherry or rose petals along with hints of spiciness or herbal qualities. Pinot Noirs are enjoyed for their soft velvety texture. High in alcohol, they are full bodied but not heavy. Pinot Noir is best served with grilled salmon, roast beef, lamb, duck, and mushrooms.



Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a medium bodied dry wine with earthy aromas and berry, plum, spicy, or floral flavors. It has a smooth texture. Sangiovese is the main grape used to produce Italian Chiantis. Sangiovese goes especially well with pasta and other Italian foods.



Syrah
Syrah is a hearty wine noted for its complexity of aromas and flavors including raspberry, plum, smoke, and white pepper. It is a dark red wine, sometimes almost black in color. This wine is also called Shiraz. Syrah is great eaten with duck, wild game, steak, and beef.



Zinfandel
Zinfandel can be light to full bodied. It can be rich and spicy or lighter and fruitier. Aromas and flavors that are typical for Zinfandel include raspberry, jam, black pepper, and licorice. Zinfandel is wonderful with steaks, grilled meats, and tomato based dishes.



Champagnes
Champagne is the traditional wine for toasting special occasions. True Champagnes come from the Champagne region of France. Similar wines produced elsewhere are called Sparkling Wine. Brut Champagnes are more dry than those labeled Extra Dry.



Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most popular dry white wine. It is more full bodied than other white wines. Chardonnay has aromas of fruits and acidity. The aroma typically has flavors of lemon or grapefruit. Fermentation in new oak barrels results in a rich, buttery taste often described as toastiness, vanilla, apple, nutty, or toffee. Chardonnays aged in French oak result in a milder flavor than those aged in American oak. Chardonnay goes well with chicken, seafood, and fish.



Gewurztraminer
Gewurztraminer has a spicy aroma and fruity flavors of peach, apricot, tropical fruits, and lychee. It can be dry or sweet. Gewurztraminers go especially well with spicy Asian dishes and pork sausages.



Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is light and crispy with almond, lemon, and vanilla flavors. These wines are also called Pinot Gris. Pinot Grigio goes well with seafood and salmon.



Rieslings
Rieslings have a floral aroma. They range from very dry and crisp to intensely sweet depending on where it is from. German Riesling is slightly sweet and balanced with some acidity. California Riesling tends to be sweeter. Rieslings go well with chicken, fish, pork, and spicy foods.

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