Which bottle leaves an impression? Giving wine without a misstep
Wine is Switzerland's most common gift, and its most commonly mis-chosen one. Why supermarket wine looks like supermarket wine no matter which supermarket, which bottle a connoisseur will actually open, and which two sentences on the card turn 30 francs into a gift nobody forgets.
The rule that simplifies everything
You're not giving the wine you like. You're giving the wine the other person will open. That sounds obvious, but it changes the choice: a Barolo for someone who happily drinks a soft Merlot on Sundays will sit in the cupboard for years. A wine that brings pleasure this very evening is the better gift.
If you don't know the person's taste, the rule is: red, medium-bodied, fruity, not too dry, not too sweet. That suits eight people out of ten.
Four situations
Invited to dinner (CHF 20 to 30). The wine should be one that can be opened tonight and suits almost anything. Ripasso Classico Superiore Valpolicella, CHF 28.90: velvety, warm, goes with roasts as well as pasta, and the name sounds like more than it costs. White as an alternative: Ligeris Sauvignon Blanc, CHF 29.90.
A thank-you for a neighbour, teacher, tradesperson (CHF 20 to 25). Easy-going, likeable, no pretence. Primitivo Capolavoro, CHF 23.90, is the wine almost everyone likes: soft, fruity, a hint of sweetness. Or a rosé in summer: Chiaretto di Bardolino, CHF 21.90.
For someone who knows their wine (CHF 50 to 100). Not mainstream, but something with a story. Immortale Di Giodo, Nerello Mascalese from Etna, CHF 99.90, or the Grand Augustin Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, CHF 65.00. Both can also be left to age five years, which counts as a point in their favour with connoisseurs.
Birthday, anniversary, retirement (CHF 80 to 120). Here sparkling wine is appropriate, because it marks the occasion. La Croix Blanche Champagne, CHF 89.90. Or a digestif that keeps for a long time and recalls the occasion: L'Héritage du Dom Cognac V.S.O.P., CHF 120.00.
What to avoid
- The bottle everyone recognises from the supermarket. It might be good, but the gift looks like it was picked up on the way over.
- Sweet wine for people you don't know well. Those who love sweet wine will be delighted. Everyone else won't know when to drink it.
- Wine with no pointer at all. Two sentences on a card ("Goes well with your risotto", "Best served lightly chilled") turn a bottle into a thoughtful gift.
- The most expensive bottle just to be safe. A 100-franc wine for someone who doesn't much care for wine is money that brings nobody joy.
Wrapping
Simple. Kraft paper, a ribbon, a card. Supermarket gift boxes look like supermarket gift boxes. And: don't leave it in the boot the day before if it's 30 degrees outside in summer.
