Mother’s Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the unseen labour that goes into motherhood.
While there is no gift that can adequately thank what the moms, aunts, and grandmothers have done, you can still show the special person in your life — whomever they may be — how much you care with a wine that is uniquely special to her. The gift of a great wine says you not only want her to enjoy that bottle, but that you also want to enjoy that time with her.
But getting a bottle of wine for Mom is more than simply grabbing the first bottle off the shelf and stuffing it in a gift bag. You want a wine your mother is going to enjoy, that matches her personality and her tastes.
For the mother of strong will …
- The prototypical Mama Bear, protective of her cubs, not one to shy away from confrontation yet full of wisdom, needs a wine that is equally as bold. A big, bold red — a blend of classic Bordeaux grapes — is ideal for this woman of strong character. The Ontario VQA wine Temptress by The Foreign Affair Winery is perfect — it even has a bear on the label.
For the mother who is a social butterfly …
- Lover of gatherings, the centre of attention, the hostess with the mostest, this Mom needs the vibrant flavours and aromas of a classic Sauvignon Blanc. Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a distinctive and smooth wine that reflects the stone-studded terroir of the New Zealand vineyard from which it hails. It’s superb on its own, making it the ideal party wine, or paired with light dishes or a variety of cheese appetizers.
For the mother who is elegant and refined …
- The word elegant gets tossed around a lot when talking wine, but there are times when it is absolutely the right word. If your Mom tends towards the finer things in life, look to Spain’s Rioja wine region for a Campo Viejo Reserva. This wine is an elegant expression of the blend of Temperanillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes that go into the bottle. It is complex and nuanced, with a smooth feel in the mouth and a long finish.
For the mother who is a “wine rookie” …
- Not everybody is born a wine lover; some take to it later in life but may find themselves confused or even intimidated by the vast array of options available to them. If your Mom is just dipping her toes into the wine world, a Moscato is a great wine with which to start. Light and fresh, it often projects a soft, fruity sweetness. The Jacob’s Creek Dots is a family of Moscato wines boasting tropical, sherbert and citrus flavours. Try the Dots Moscato with a fruit salad or light dessert, and the Dots Moscato Rosé with fresh fruit and soft cheeses.