Still pondering distinctive gifts for that special person -- or is it special gifts for that distinctive person? Either way, these options will not break the bank:
Pittsburgh's own Penn Brewery offers the award-winning 2011 St. Nicholas Bock Brewer's Reserve (available in 25-ounce bottles in felt gift bags at local bottle shops for around $12). As a traditional German doppelbock lager, prodigious malty aromas and rich, sweet malty flavors balance with just the right touch of hops. Pair with sauerbraten. Highly recommended.
Fine chocolate and fortified, gently oxidized wines make superb gifts. Start with acclaimed French pastry chef Francois Payard's fabulous Grand Cru Chocolate Truffles ($22 for nine pieces at www.payard.com). Dusted with dark cocoa powder, these rich, smooth chocolates have a hint of saltiness from fleur de sel to balance the tantalizing sweetness. Pair with:
N.V. Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Tawny Porto, Portugal (4865; on sale: $24.99): Like most fine fortified wines, this tasty bottle's mild sweetness and rich, round flavors come from residual, natural grape sugars. The addition of spirit alcohol -- grape brandy, in this case -- before the completion of fermentation also accounts for the wine's potent 20-percent alcohol by volume.
As a tawny port, the wine aged in barrel for 10 years before bottling. The ruddy color offers wonderful nutty and raisin aromas and flavors through the honeyed finish. A delicious acidity streak creates refreshing balance. Highly recommended.
N.V. Warre's Otima 20 Year Tawny Porto, Portugal (Luxury 10381; $39.99 for 500 milliliters): Founded as the first British Port house in 1670, Warre's today falls under the Symington Family which continues the tradition of excellence with unstinting attention to detail. After aging 20 years in barrel, this lovely tawny delivers even more complex nutty, honeyed character with intriguing touches of orange rinds and spices. The ultra smooth texture and refreshing acidity create lovely balance. Recommended.
1995 Domaine Cazes Rivesaltes Tuilé, France (Special Liquor Order 62807; $42.09 -- order at 800-322-7522): Fortified sweet wines -- known as vin doux naturel in French -- actually started when Arnaud de Villeneuve perfected the process at the University of Montpellier in the 13th century. Fortification preserved the wines for easier shipping over long distances christmas flowers italy blogs .
Today, France's southern Roussillon region around the Catalan city of Perpignan accounts for over 80 percent of the country's tasty vin doux naturel. The Muscat de Rivesaltes appellation uses aromatic, fruity Muscat grapes, whereas Rivesaltes Ambré relies primarily on white-skinned grenache blanc. The Banyuls, Maury and Rivesaltes Tuilé appellations use mainly dark-skinned grenache noir.
This delicious Rivesaltes Tuilé comes from vines toiling in the arid foothills of the Corbières Mountains in northern Roussillon. Clay and limestone terroir covered with smooth pebbles helps the grapes retain vital acidity and mineral traits for freshness. Aging in oak casks created the ruddy color delivering nutty, caramel aromas and refreshing, fruity flavors though an elegant, nutty finish that lingers seductively. The wine carries relatively modest 16.5 percent alcohol. Highly recommended.
For a distinctive Italian-themed gift, put together this basket of goodies:
Start with Eugenio Ranchino's delicious, ultra-fresh, cold pressed olive oil, 2011 Canale 53 (available exclusively from Buon Sapore at SouthSide Works for $35 per 500 milliliters). "The olives were still on the trees in Umbria in the fall," says Buon Sapore owner Carlo Dozzi. The traditional olive varieties grow without pesticides on infertile volcanic soils.
After hand picking, Ranchino gently presses the crop without chemicals to enhance yields. The deep golden, green color unfolds subtle herbal and captivating, delicious fruity flavors. A zesty, peppery finish adds a bold touch.
To balance the savory olive oil, add the sweet, refined flavors of Villa Manodori Aceto Balsamico (available from Sur La Table also at Southside Works; 8.5 ounces for $44.95). This condimento-style balsamic vinegar delivers a glimpse of the glorious wonders of Modena's Aceto Tradizionale at a fraction of the cost. Its viscous consistency offers fruity flavors with lovely caramel notes and a refreshing finish.
Delallo's in Jeannette also offers a ready made, tempting Italian christmas flowers italy Basket ($59 at www.delallo.com). It includes a tasty chunk of aged Asiago cheese, thinly sliced prosciutto, garlicky pitted green olives, a pound of pasta and anchovies ready for making a sauce. For the sweet tooth, it also offers Italian sweet bread, Panettone, and a sampling of traditional Torrone almond candies.
Finally add a tasty Italian white wine. Try 2009 Arnaldo-Caprai, Grecante, Grechetto dei Colli Martani, Italy (Luxury 18902; $19.49) or 2009 Regaleali Bianco, Sicily (Luxury 18118; $13.99), two fruity, yet crisp, well-balanced wines. Highly recommended.
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