Things You'll Need:
- Bottle of wine Basket and decorative elements Cheese and crackers Fresh fruits and vegetables Fresh herbs Chocolate
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Step 1
Find out the wine tastes of your gift recipient. Does she enjoy red over white? Does he prefer wine from a particular wine-growing region or country? Make mental notes based on wine you've seen her serve or purchase, and try to buy something similar if you can establish a pattern. When all ask, fails, just ask.
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Step 2
Select items to pair with a Chardonnay. The Chardonnay is simple to match with food because it lends itself so easily to a diverse array of pairings. Chardonnay can be served with smoked cheese or mild cheddar, with salty food like oysters and olives, and with complexly sweet tropical fruits. Chardonnay and chocolate can also make a great pairing, although this may be too intense for some. If in doubt, select a dark chocolate. Add a box of crackers that aren't overly salty to complete your Chardonnay gift basket.
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Step 3
Turn to the Sauvignon Blanc, an earthier and more acidic wine than the Chardonnay, which pairs well with appetizers and light foods. A nutty sheep's milk cheese works nicely, as do artichokes, asparagus and other fresh vegetables. You can also include dry pastas and even fresh eggs. A basket of items paired with Sauvignon Blanc should feel very close to nature.
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Step 4
Consider red wines. For a Pinot Noir, pairings should be deep and complex with not too much spice. The flavor associated most often with Pinot Noir is mushrooms, and a bundle of dry ingredients for mushroom soup would compliment this wine selection nicely. Red foods also pair well with Pinot Noir; tomatoes, carrots, plums and raspberries are all great compliments. Add a triple-creme cheese like Brie and some aromatic green herbs, and you'll have made the perfect gift basket for Pinot Noir.
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Step 5
Pair dark-colored foods with a Merlot. Traditionally associated with herb-grilled meats, the Merlot also does well alongside eggplant, black currant and black cherry. Earthy mushrooms also pair well with Merlot, as do smoked cheeses. To provide inspiration, add a spice rub for lamb or beef to your Merlot gift basket.
