Wine-lovers on your gift-buying list might not always get a fair shake. Many think you can pass off any cheap ol’ bottle of wine and call it a day. Why not surprise the wino with a well-thought-out special gift that just suits their joy?

Look ma, no hands!

Hands free for hugging and juggling food at a buffet

First off, there’s a handy new little contraption on the market called The Winestrap, that I discovered at the AWGA Wine Festival at the Farm this past month. This handy lanyard-suspended holder accommodates a full glass of wine while the wearer is able to breeze through the buffet line hands-free to make his or her selections. Users can juggle a plate, take a photograph, or even write at the computer without spilling the wine. Price at $10 each or 4 for $35, you can email owner Kirk Hostert at kirk@winestrap.com, or call him in Carefree, AZ, at 480-595-1729  to place your order.

Danglies sort it all out

Wherever three or more winos gather, it’s easy to mix up glasses, especially if everyone is drinking from the same juice. Voila, enter ‘Danglies’—these custom-made cuties help sort it all out. Danglies are designed and marketed by two local appreciators of fine wines, Janice Ulrich and Nancy Stewart. They come 4-to-a-card and range in price from $8 to $15. Designs vary from wine charms to a wide range of beading patterns and jewels. This is a classy gift for that favorite host, and they make good stocking stuffers too. Danglies available at CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room on North Alvernon Way; look around, other stores carry other variations, but these are made in Tucson.

Waffles and wine…

JJ's Pantry, Tucson, AZ

On the mornings I decide to start with a waffle, I drag out some JJ’s Pantry’s Cabernet jelly—the richest, most wine-tasting jelly concoction on the planet. It’s like having waffles and wines for breakfast (please don’t tell my mom).

Custom-made by local wine aficionado Jennifer Janzen, I must say she really knows how to pick her grapes. JJ’s Pantry also offers a Chardonnay jelly, plus an entire collection of homemade healthy and hearty foods ranging from soups to scones to breads—and home-made dog treats too. Jellies are priced at $4.00, check out Tucson-based JJ’s Pantry now.

Just the right wine

If you must settle on a wine for that special friend (hey, I’d never complain), take a few moments to search out a Tucson-owned wine shop (not those big box warehouses please)—you’ll have the pleasure of talking to a real person about what your friend would really like. Set your budget and with a few hints about your friend, a smart wine store grapista should be able to help you select the perfect wine. Consider buying a wine gift card or certificate if you’re not sure.

I’d be happy to suggest a few extra-delightful value wines I’ve discovered this season that are both palate pleasing and affordable. Consider ALIAS from California (both Cab and Chard), or Alandra from Portugal (red or white blend)—each priced well under the $10/bottle range.

Cheers to your holidays!

Break out of your red wine rut and chill with the Chardonnay of your choice. Chardonnay is a delightful choice for summer sipping—somewhat lighter, softer, and often lower in alcohol content. The three Chardonnays featured here are within the 12.5% to 13.4% range of alcohol by volume. And Chards should be served cold; just so you know.

Starting off big and bold, I selected the Heavyweight Chardonnay 2009 (85% Chardonnay, 10% Dry Chenin Blanc, 5% Marsanne), featuring “Champ” Frankie the Flash on the label. A sip or two of this rich, full-bodied Chardonnay “separates the pretenders from the contenders” proclaims its tasting notes. Filled with light lemony flavors and subtle floral aromas, there’s a delicate touch of oak for palate-pleasing pleasure. Heavyweight is vinted and bottled by White Stone Vineyards, Lodi, California; available at CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room in Tucson for under $15/bottle.

Rich and elegant, the Woodbridge 2010 Chardonnay by Robert Mondavi (76% Chardonnay, 18% French Colombard, 3% Viognier, and 3% Proprietary blend of aromatic varieties) displays notes of delicious tart green apples and a gentle floral undertone. Nuances of apple pie with autumn spices weave through the fruity aromas and flavors, ending in a light creamy oak finish. Smoother than most Chardonnays I’ve enjoyed, its mouth-filling richness is balanced with natural acidity—the oak aging enriches this wine’s texture and adds just a hint of sweet vanilla and spice. Woodbridge Chardonnay is the perfect choice for sitting and sipping with friends or to pair. Be creative—if you like the food, go for it, there are no rules. Available retail for about $8/bottle.

For a totally different Chardonnay, try the Big House Unchained Naked Chardonnay 2010. No oak here! It’s described as “naked as a jaybird” without the confines of oak barrels. Big House veered off the California standard by using stainless steel tank fermentation, allowing the true fruit character of the Chardonnay grape to explode. Green apple and hints of pear on the nose is followed up with vibrant, “criminally” crisp and bright tropical fruit.  Perfect with goat cheese or poultry, this unoaked Chardonnay would pair well with scallops, pork tenderloin, roasted chicken, or fresh pasta primavera.  Available in both 750ml bottle ($10) and an eco-friendly premium wine cask (equivalent of four bottles) for $22.

Check out an earlier Pour Me Some Grapes blog on flipflop Chardonnay—a medium-bodied winner with creamy, toasted oak notes.

As you can see, Chardonnays can be all over the board with aromas, tastes, and finishes—what better time than these sizzling summer evenings to explore chilled Chards.

Cheers (and keep cool)!