HERE are some liquid gift ideas for Father’s Day. After all, when you say it with a bottle, it shows just the right measure of thoughtfulness.
Blind tastings can cause a stir and unveil little gems such as Asda Wine Selection Syrah 2011, France (£4, Asda), which scooped a Silver Outstanding medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2013.
And if this own-brand red can impress the IWSC judges with its “sweet spice, pepper and deep rich fruit”, then it's sure to please daddy dearest.
Crowned International Winemaker of the Year for a record three times, McGuigan Wines offers wine lovers peace of mind with its steady consistency and value for money.
For a silky soft, easy-drinking merlot that can be sipped and savoured until the cows come home, McGuigan Black Label Merlot 2012, Australia (£7.99, Morrisons) looks as good as it tastes with its smartly dressed label and abundance of fleshy, plummy fruit.
The moustache renaissance seems to be gathering as much pace in men’s fashion circles as the revival in popularity of Beaujolais, the darling of Parisian brasseries.
At the top of the game, Henry Fessy produces serious Beaujolais from old vine gamay, and Henry Fessy Brouilly 2011, France (£11.99, Waitrose) is a beautifully crafted, easy-drinking red that’s light and fruity with a hint of spice.
Ideal served as an aperitif, it has enough body to hold its own with charcuterie and lighter meat dishes.
For larger pockets (and thirsts) treating Dad to a magnum will win major brownie points, especially if he has a birthday around the corner.
A magnum (1.5 litres) is the equivalent to two standard bottles and Artadi El Seque DO Alicante, Spain (Magnum, £55, bbr.com) delivers at the price. It’s a fabulously rich red made mostly from mouvedre, with softly textured damson flavours and a hint of mocha.
Produced for M&S by Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers, Spirit of London Dry Gin (£27, 70cl, Marks & Spencer) has coriander seeds, juniper berries, lemon and orange peel, dried liquorice, grapefruit oil, chamomile, cloves and lime flower among its botanicals which contribute to the earthy aromas and a clean, bitter juniper note to finish on the silky palate.
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