CORKSCREW CHRONICLES: Holiday wine choices

In the past I have mentioned very practical ideas for holiday gifts for my reader's recipients, such as glassware, corkscrews, books on wine and wine preservation items. Wine selections from a favorite region also make great gifts. Don't forget the marvelous breadth of styles of Ohio wines available in retail and the wineries. Following are selections that I have tasted and found to be interesting and unique, with both innovative and classic packaging. Front line prices are quoted. At this time of year, some selections may be on sale. Tarima Mediterraneo (Alicante), $14. Are you looking for a white with pretty, apple-scented aromatics in a softly dry style? Here is a new release with a blend of Muscat and an indigenous Spanish varietal that fits the bill, produced from fruit sourced from old vine vineyards. Ramey Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast), $55, is a marvelous example from a leading producer. Showing perfectly ripe Chardonnay fruit with a pretty touch of oak and hint of cream and butter, it is a stylish and complex release. Meeker Vineyards offers a number of fine wines from the Sonoma region and coastal appellations. Their Winemaker's Handprint Merlot (Sonoma), $52, is a rich and flavorful red with dark, plumy, spicy fruit balanced with oak contact. It has long been a personal favorite. The winemaker's handprint in a kaleidoscope of paint colors is on each bottle for a unique and striking package as impressive as the wine itself. Meeker also offers a stainless-steel-aged Viognier (Knights Valley), $45, with pretty aromatics of delicate honeysuckle and vibrant stonefruit, a unique grape varietal perfect for sipping or to pair with seafood and white meats. Its Grenache (Paso Robles) $45 is a lightly hued example with mouth-filling, peppery flavors with full body and structure, ideal for poultry, red meats and cheeses. House of Brown California Red Blend (Lodi), $20, comes from the first African-American Napa Valley winery. A light red blended from 80 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 20 percent Pinot Noir showing soft red fruit and moderate structure. Perfect for poultry, cheeses, barbecue and for gulping on a leisurely afternoon. Enjoy lightly chilled or at room temperature. For natural wine lovers, the Ultra Violet by David (Alsace), $32, is released by Vins de Pirouette. A blend of various red and white grapes is fermented with indigenous yeasts, aged in stainless steel and bottled unfined and unfiltered with 9 ppm natural sulfites. It offers red cherry fruit and cinnamon nuances. Giguiere "Herdsman" Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Dunnigan Hills), $30, is a structured, full-throttle Cabernet with dark fruit, oak and spice to enjoy after some airing or to lay down in the cellar for future drinking. Raymond Napa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa) $60 offers rich black cherry notes with plush textures and is quite stylish. Trentadue produces the La Storia Petite Syrah (Sonoma), $27, that has ripe, sensuous blackberry fruit and texture with a long finish that is absolutely lovely. The Juan Gil Red Blend (Jumilla), $19, is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Monastrell and Syrah that will effectively satisfy the desire for a fruit-driven, rich, darkly-fruited, spicy red. The Elio Perrone Moscato d'Asti "Sourgal" (Italy), $20, is a personal favorite for its freshness and character of lightly pressed grapes. Wonderfully delicate with scents of softly-sweet Muscat and a hint of spritz, it is perfect for sipping or to enjoy with light desserts. For those who like fruit-infused wines Myx Fusions offers a Watermelon Moscato. Festive, refreshing and balanced with a light hint of sweetness, it is available for $10 in both 187ml-four packs and 750ml bottles, a new and unique release for the Moscato lover. Happy holidays and gift giving (even to yourself!) Gary Twining is a certified wine educator who worked 34 years in the wholesale fine wine industry. Email him at winingwithtwining@hotmail.com.