Wine Pairings for the Associates in Your Life

Ever get stumped on what to purchase for the associates in your life.  The hairdresser, your boss, personal trainer etc...  Natalie McLean, of Nat Decants has put together a list of what to get for your associates.  I have added local wine suggestions next to each associate.  As of writing this post, the wines were available in the tasting rooms at all the wineries.  Some wines you will be able to find in local liquor/wine stores. If you don't see them, just ask.

Natalie’s Top Ten Gift Wines for Your ...

1. Hairdresser: For the person who combines humor and optimism every time she styles your mop. Go for a light, gulpable wine like a dry rosé. It’s versatile and fuss-free—a great quaff for your coif.  (Millbrook Vineyards and Winery Hunt Country Rose $15; or Benmarl Winery Rose)

2. Psychiatrist: Of course, he’ll analyze whatever you give him so choose a wine that’s all about balance. Easy-drinking pinot noir is medium-bodied yet packed with flavor. Surprise him with a large-format bottle, like a magnum. Big thinking means big progress for you. This wine also works for psychologists, marriage counselors and bartenders. (Millbrook Vineyard and Winery 2009 Pinot Noir $18)

3. The Boss: Pick too pricey a wine and your boss will think your last raise was too much; go cheap, and she’ll think you lack judgement. Focus on a label with a lot of white space since that makes the bottle look more expensive. A castle in the distance also works, but avoid fluffy animals. (Whitecliff Vineyards and Winery 2009 Gamay Noir $16.95 )

  

4. Personal Trainer: Think a muscular, robust red would work? Hold that position. Instead, try riesling: this light white wine pairs well with a health-nut diet of salad and seafood, plus it’s low in alcohol. You can also give it to Pilates instructors, yoga masters and Tai Chi coaches.(Brotherhood Winery Dry or Semi-Dry Riesling $9.99)

  

5. Financial Planner: You and he both know it’s going to take decades before your portfolio recovers after the crash of 2008. With that long-term view, vintage port makes the perfect gift. This fortified wine from northern Portugal, with its long aging potential, will be around for both of you into your retirements. (Brotherhood Winery Ruby Port $9.99)

  

6. Travel Agent: She’s been everywhere and seen everything, so go local with your choice of wine. Even better, if you live close to the winery, get the bottle signed by the winemaker. (Hudson-Chatham Winery 2009 Baco Noir)

7. Teacher: If you can’t find a suitably obscure wine with a Latin name, there’s always cream sherry. It’s the tipple of Oxford dons, not to mention the centerpiece of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story The Case of the Amontillado. (Brookview Station Winery Whistle-Stop White $12.99)

  

8. Mail Deliverer: Go for a winery that’s consistent year after year in producing a wine that can be enjoyed in snow, rain, sleet or hail. Try an Australian shiraz or Argentine malbec. (Whitecliff Vineyards and Winery 2009 Malbec $18.95)

9. Mechanic: Yes, there’s a wine called Red Truck, but try to be more imaginative. Why not give a wine made by Mario Andretti in California or Ferrari in Italy? (Glorie Farm Winery Red Monkey $13.50)

10. Online Date: So you’re on your second or third rendezvous with the person you met on eHarmony or Dating.com. If you’re not sure yet whether marriage is a possibility, try something middle-of-the-road, like merlot. Yes, it’s the soft jazz of wine, but until you know, play it safe. (Palaia Vineyards Merlot $18.99)

And after all that shopping, don’t forget yourself: even Santa’s little helpers need more than milk and cookies. Try something with high-alcohol like Italian Amarone or Rhone syrah: these big reds easily drown out tone-deaf caroling and pair beautifully with tired feet. (Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery 2008 Sky Island Red $23.95, Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, Millbrook Vineyards and Winery 2007 Cabernet Franc Proprietor's Special Reserve $29, Oak Summit 2008 Pinot Noir $30)