I realize that we just finished two huge Holiday’s for 2011, but the first one for 2012 is just around the corner. As you are preparing your wine and gift choices, please consider the following suggestions.

Three favorites of mine, two are a type of wine and third a fantastic book for wine lovers by Natalie Maclean.

My first recommendation, for a fantastic taste treat, Ice wine. Whether you are enjoying a Valentines dinner out on the town, or spending the evening at home, or just visiting with friends, this liquid dessert is always the hit of the evening.

As I am certain you know, Canadian Ice wine’s are rare and produced from grapes that have hung on the vine well into winter and are harvested only when the temperature dips below 17 degrees. These sometimes “frozen on the vine” grapes are quickly harvested, usually in the middle of the night, and immediately pressed with each grape yielding only one drop of super-concentrated nectar. Fermentation is long and slow and can take up to three months. Ice wine making is a true labor of love that will delight those you love.

These current releases are now available and all come in 375 ml half size bottles.

Inniskillin Sparkling Icewine: with flavors of ripe apricot, lychee and carmelized apple with a tangy fizzy acidity on the finish. This would be perfect with any dark chocolate, or chocolate covered strawberries.

Inniskillin Vidal Icewine: has exquisite fruit flavors of nectarines, papaya, lychee, tangerine and orange blossoms.

Inniskillin Riesling Icewine: aromatic flavors of fresh lime, apricot, grapefruit and peach blossoms with flavors of lemon, lime and candied apricot.

My second recommendation is from Trentadue Winery, Chocolate Amore. This is a Merlot based, Port style, chocolate flavored dessert wine. Great as a stand alone wine or try it over French vanilla ice cream. Amore = Love.

My third recommendation is Natalie MacLean’s book, “red, white, and drunk all over. A wine soaked journey from grape to glass.” From vineyard worker, to wine maker, wine sales person, sommelier, award wining wine writer, wife and mother. Natalie has done and is doing it all.

Her book offers the wine novice and seasoned wine lover both, all the history, fun and amusing facts from grape to bottle to glass, and that really is what partaking and enjoying drinking wine is all about.

I have many wine books in my collection, but Natalie’s book is definitely one of my most favorites. It should be on your bookshelf also.

Wine Quote for the week “ Natalie Maclean deepens one’s appreciation of wine.” Kermit Lynch, wine merchant and author

Till next time, Good Health and Peace to all, Salute