Five ideas for friends and loved ones with a weakness for wine.
2023 La CAV Wine Guide
Because all wine enthusiasts love to be up on the latest trends, a guide is indispensable. The latest edition of the 2023 Mesa de Cata wine guide from the Club de Amantes del Vino (CAV) is the result of this year’s blind tastings by a panel journalists Ana MarĂa Barahona and Alejandro JimĂ©nez and sommeliers Eduardo Alfaro and Marcelo Pino. The publication names the top bottles from 100 Chilean wineries, including Marques de Casa Concha, which stands out for its high scores. Among the rosĂ©s, the 2022 Marques de Casa Concha RosĂ© Cinsault is first in its category with 94 points. “Very fruity, strawberries, cherries, and limes with a mineral nuance. High acidity on the palate; fresh and fruity with a medium finish. Delicious,” says the guide. Other featured wines include the 2021 Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon with 95 points, 2020 Marques de Casa Concha Merlot with 94 points y 2021 Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir with 95 points. Price: CLP $14,990.
Tasting Journal
Taking notes is an infallible practice for learning to taste wines—and it’s even better with a specially designed notebook. In this case, the Wine Journal, created by the specialized wine web site, Wine Folly, is intended as a way for users to have fun while learning. This notebook to take along to tastings is based on a 4-step technique used by sommeliers and wine critics. Available in six colors and includes a color chart, a page marker, and room for making notes on 80 different wines. Price: USD $25.
Red Wine Stain Remover
Even the most expert drinkers can accidentally spill wine on their clothes, making the Wine Away stain remover a very practical item to have on hand. Created to remove both fresh and dried-on stains, it also works on carpets and other fabrics. Made based on fruit and vegetable extracts, this is an organic product that also leaves a pleasant citrusy aroma. From USD $18
Wine Tote
This is the perfect gift for those who want to enjoy a good wine in company, ideally outdoors with a picnic. This luxurious insulated bag designed to transport a bottle of wine comes with two acrylic wine glasses, cloth napkins, and a corkscrew. And the good news is that if you leave the glasses and accessories at home, you’ll have room for a second bottle—both kept at the ideal temperature. Price: USD $45
Book: Cork Dork
Cork Dork was published in 2017 by the journalist and one-time technology editor for the Huffington Post, Bianca Bosker, who relays the entertaining story of how she came to the New York wine scene. With a hefty dose of humor, lots of curiosity, and a bit of skepticism, Bosker takes her readers along on her journey from exclusive New York restaurants to clandestine tastings, promising that this book could change the way you look at wine. Price: USD $15.
