Cash-rich and time-poor? Well, I’m certainly the second even if I’m not entirely sure that the first applies to me as well but when it comes to Christmas presents – who has the time to wrap them nicely? Not me so this year, try this range of tipples which come in packaging so lovely, you almost forget to undo it and enjoy the contents!
Mariëtte Chenin Blanc 2015, Stofberg Family Vineyards R175 cellar door
Mariëtte Coetzee has an interesting range of wines… and beers… and gins… and tonics!But this is what I’d recommend for a Christmas gift because it comes wrapped in lovely, stylish paper, a wonderful swirl of colour, sealed with a classy label on the front. And what’s inside is pretty good too; a deftly-wooded Chenin from 33 year old vines, rich yet elegant with a racy stream of lemony acidity.
Paul Rene Brut Rosé MCC R185 cellar door
If you buy 6 of these wines, they come packed in a box which looks like a pirate’s treasure chest but if you buy one, you get THE most absolutely fabulous handbag in which to carry it home. I love the wine – the Brut is also delicious but the way it’s packaged is just off the scale and totally Patsy and Edina. Chin chin Darling!
Valdo Vino Spumante Floral Edition Brut R265 in retail
Having a sleeve over your bottle is uber-trendy in sparkling wine-world and this fruity bubbly from Italy takes it to another level. Flowers abound both on the bottle and in the wine as well – lightly fruity and aromatic and a lovely partner for a Christmas dessert.
Nederburg Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 R380
I’m kind of hoping they don’t put ALL the awards this wine has won as stickers on the bottle cos you’ll never be able to read it! Best Cab in the World, 5 Star Platter and Wine of the Year and if that wasn’t enough, it also comes in a fabulous wooden-type chest which is great for packing lunch in afterwards and which looks almost as impressive as the wine itself. Big wine, big flavour, big present.
Crystal Head Vodka R730 online
Is this the most eye-catching bottle in the world? Hand-made in Italy before being exported to Canada where it’s filled with quadruple-distilled vodka. The brand is owned by actor Dan Aykroyd of Ghostbusters fame and it’s just been launched in SA. Yes, it’s a bit more than other vodkas, but when you consider you get a fabulous container for hand soap when the vodka’s finished, it’s well worth it!
Le Lude Agrafe MCC 2012 R1,640 cellar door
These have got to be some of the most exciting and entertaining – yes really – wines available right now and if you want a talking point on Christmas Day, get a bottle or two of this. It undergoes its second fermentation under cork, held in place by a big staple or agrafe and has been waiting 50 or so months for the rich but zesty flavours to meld and explode. This comes in a beautiful box with lots of printed information and if any of you want to buy me a pressie this year – this is the one!
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