Wine buffs — good gift wine, maybe a bit unusual?

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

MN often has experts on surprising things, so I'm hoping there are some oenophiles!

A friend has recently done me a very big favour and I'd like to send some nice wine as a thank you.

He's into wine, has done lots of courses and tastings and has quite a big collection (although does drink it, doesn't just keep it).

What is something he might like? As far as I know he'll try any style and any grape, and will drink both with food and on its own. I don't want to get champagne, but a dessert wine or port would be fine.

Has to be delivered to him, in the UK. Budget not a huge issue, vaguely thinking around the £50/60 mark but fairly relaxed. I don't want to pay loads for the sake of it, but equally happy to pay a bit more for something interesting.

I've heard orange wines are having a bit of a moment, but don't know much about them.

I'd be very grateful for any suggestions.

I would call Hedonism, a very quirky and amazing wine shop in Mayfair, and tell them what you've told us. They will arrange to deliver whatever you purchase.

How about an English sparkling wine?
Gusbourne maybe?

If it were me, I'd like Canadian Ice wine, Tokay, Pedro Ximenex sherry, Sauternes or Barolo.

Thank you, all good suggestions. Speaking to a shop might be the best way to do it.

I'd never heard of ice wines, how interesting!

What did you get? Just saw this! (And love unusual wines)

If he drinks spirits, speak to Masters of Malt, who are very knowledgeable and have a huge range ( a bit less predictable and less likely to duplicate his ‘collection’.) They have nice packaging for gifts, too.

On a Note of caution ‘Unusual’ wines are often unusual because they have not made it into the mainstream for rather good reasons , and I speak as an ex wine estate owner.

Just seen that this is a zombie thread …grrrr🧟

A Carménère — Montes Wings. Partly because of the salesman's description and partly because I liked the label...

Apparently it's unusual to get one of such high quality, and the grapes are often used in blends instead.

My friend sounded very pleased with it and had only ever had the grape in blends before so it was definitely something new for him!

Thank you anyway AllTheGood, that sounds a good company for Christmas presents!