Memorable wine gifts to make Dad the toast of the town

Written by on in Events, Flavor of the day, General Wine, Italian, Must Try, Red wines, Spanish wines, Uncategorized, White Wines

Say Happy Father’s Day this Sunday with a gift of wine.
Here are five extraordinary options for the Dad and/or grandad on your list.
1. If Dad is a golfer, plant a bottle of Meiomi Pinot Noir ($16.59 at Costco) in his cart. The California wine, which is America’s top-selling $15 and above label, recently became the official wine of the PGA Tour signing a three-year partnership deal. Watch Tiger Woods putt and sip Meiomi, which will take center fairway at all PGA Tour events, including The Players Championship and TOUR Championship. For its part, Meiomi Wines will conduct a nationwide retail sweepstakes in which the winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip for four people to play TPC Sawgrass in Florida. Sign up Dad now at wine.social/meiomigolf and keep your fingers crossed. He could wind up playing the golf course of his dreams all because of you.
2. Decanter magazine recently awarded La Fillaboa 1898, a 100 percent Albarino varietal wine from Spain, as its “Best of Show” out of 16,200 registered international wine entries. This elegant white, whose name translates as “the good daughter”, hails from the famous Rias Baixas region. The best grapes from eight vineyards are selected for La Fillaboa, which ages on fine lees for six years to develop rare, complex characteristics and its creamy texture. Decanter’s top selection is from the 2010 vintage. In Spain it sells for $29 to $35 a bottle – a pittance for its quality and prestige – but it is largely unavailable in America. Is Dad worth a buying spree trip to Barcelona? You betcha! (Fillaboa also has a low-end Albarino ($13-$16) that is available in some U.S. markets.)
3. Ruffino Riserva Ducale “Oro” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2014 ($40) is a mouthful, but what do you expect from liquid gold Italian-style? This is a most exquisite Chianti. Aged for 36 months in oak, stainless steel and concrete vats, “Oro” (gold) is a superb blend of sangiovese (85 percent), merlot, and colorino. It’s full-bodied and packed with plum, cherry, balsamic herbs, pepper and sweet tobacco notes. Give Dad the rich taste of Tuscany with this gem.
4. For older Star War fans, take Dad and grandpa on an intergalactic wine trip to Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge complex where “Toniray” and “Imperial Guard” are staples in Olga’s Cantina. Made by California’s Goldschmidt Vineyards, Toniray is a teal-colored bubbly featuring citrus and orchard fruit flavors while Imperial Guard is a robust Cabernet Sauvignon. Go intergalactic and never look back.
5. Ok, back to earth with this sensational triple play from Oregon’s Willamette Valley Vineyards: Pinot Gris ($15.99), Rose` of Pinot Noir ($15.99) , and Pinot Noir ($20.99). These are “whole cluster” wines, meaning grapes, stems and seeds are crushed and fermented collectively in stainless steel tanks prior to refinement. The process enhances color, texture and flavor. The iron-rich volcanic soil, called Jory, supplies distinctive traits only found in Willamette Valley. Special wines for Dads of all specialties.

6. For the price of a new tie, get Dad on a sparkling wine kick with a bottle of Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs ($19.99). It’s bubbly, biscuit, creamy and boasts 100 percent Napa Chardonnay. Drink from the glass of inspiration with this apple-flavored beauty and, of course, toast the No. 1 in your life.