Wine with Leslie: Wine and spirit-themed gifts to give this Christmas

At this time of year I always recommend any book by Oz Clarke or Jancis Robinson, and of course the annual Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine Book 2025. Now in the safe editorial hands of Margaret Rand, the Burgundy section is edited by our own Raymond Blake.

For those still finding their way in the wine world I recommend Brigid O’Hora’s The Home Sommelier (Hachette, €17) published this autumn. A great introduction to wine for beginners or intermediates, but I also found much to enjoy thanks to Brigid’s engaging conversational style. You will feel like you are sitting at her kitchen table in Achill with a dozen open bottles while she explains the wine world to you.

I’ve long been a fan of Dave Broom’s writing on whiskey and just out is his excellent World Atlas of Whiskey (Mitchell Beazley). Dave understands more about the whiskey world than anyone, and his Atlas is witty, erudite and opinionated, covering Irish and Scotch whisky, but also Asia, Australia and Europe.

For beer lovers I recommend visiting a specialist shop like Bradleys or Matsons and picking up a selection or a gift pack. Kinnegar from Donegal have a pack with three cans and a useful glass for €15. Here are some liquid-themed gifts below, bottles that taste special and punch well above their price point in terms of quality.

Muga Rioja Reserva, Spain, €25-28

JJ O’Driscolls; Bradleys; WineOnline.ie; Donnybrook Fair

Ireland’s love of old-school Rioja is part of our DNA by now, so this will be a welcome gift.

On offer in O’Driscolls for just €25 this is benchmark — vanilla, roasted coconut, and baked fruit aromas, and weighty ripe dark berry flavours.

I also love Viña Alberdi Rioja (Celtic, Vintry, Deveneys) which is in a similar vein.

Kaiken Disobedience, Mendoza, Argentina, €28-30

O’Donovans; World Wide Wines; NOffLA stores; Independents; TheAllotment.ie

This was the winner in the New World under €30 category of the NOffLA Irish Wine Show (I was a judge). A blend of malbec (60%), cabernet sauvignon (30%) and merlot and endorsed by chef Francis Mallman, Argentina’s famed barbecue chef. Ripe dark fruits with a noticeable chocolate edge, fleshy, supple, and complex — specifically designed for steak.

Cockburn’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port, €29.95

WinesOfTheWorld.ie

Cockburns are a venerable old port house founded in 1815 and these days owned by the Symington family (who also own Dow’s and Warre’s).

Tawny port needs no decanting and lasts for months once opened — caramelised dried fruits, toffee and almonds, complex, and elegant. Cockburn’s 20 Year Old Tawny (€40) is even more profound with an even longer finish.