Great Wines for the Dad Who Has Everything

Our dad is impossible to buy for. He loves golf, curling and baseball, but doesn’t really need another set of golf balls nor does he wear ball caps. And those gifts seem a little lacklustre, anyway.

He does like theatre, but he travels at least once a month, so surprising him with tickets to a show is risky as we don’t really know when he’ll be in town.

Being The Wine Dad, he really likes wine (he’s the one responsible for getting us into the wine business – you can read that story here), so for the last few birthdays, Father’s Days and Christmases, that’s what we give him. A case of wine we know he’ll love – and hopefully share with us.

And it turns out, wine is a pretty good gift for the guy who already has it all: it’s appreciated, well used, and pays the memories forward as these bottles get brought out at the next family dinner – or maybe even inspire one.

So if your dad is anything like ours – and even if he’s not – we present to you our list of Wines for Any Kind of Dad.

The Professor Dad

This guy delights in reading classic novels by the fire, relaxing with a classical symphony, sitting in his leather wing chair and wearing cardigans with elbow patches. Yes, this dad frowns upon poor grammar and doesn’t understand emoticons – nor does he want to. For this class act, it’s champers all the way.

Louis Roederer Premier Brut Champagne NV, Champagne France
$67.95 Vintages 268771
Classy and rich with apple and pear aromas mixing with some light spice and smoke. On the palate acid is edgy and pointed offering verve with flavours of green apple, wild flowers, gingerale and citrus.

The Team Coach Dad

Not only does his own kids benefit from his sporty abilities, all the neighbourhood kids do, too! Football, baseball, soccer … you name it, this dad probably is the coach, or at least the assistant coach of it. This reliable team player deserves a reliable wine, and look no further than Chardonnay.

Malivoire Chardonnay, VQA Niagara Peninsula, 2013
$19.95 Vintages 573147
What terrific value! Consistently reliable year after year, it’s a top performer from Malivoire. A mild nose with apple and mineral notes, and rich and creamy on the palate with flavours of ripe apple and pear, light toast and spice. Bright acidity offers lift. A great pairing for Sunday roast chicken, grilled prawns or Croque Monsieur.

The Handy-Man Dad

Whether he’s a card carrying Mike Holmes kindof dad or closer to MacGyver, this guy is happiest puttering around on projects big and small. Reward the creator of the new deck, and the only one who managed to hang the painting straight with a juicy red that goes great with man food.

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France, 2013
$18.95 Vintages 259721
Juicy and rich, this is a blend of classic Rhône grapes Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Notes of cran-cherry, black pepper and subtle lavender on the nose, with a rich and ripe palate of dark fruit, dried herb and peppercorn flavours. Try with barbecued pork chops, beef kabobs or smoked meat sandwiches.

The Great Outdoors Dad

From serene fishing trips to peaceful weekends at the remote cabin, this dad is happiest in the wild. Sleeping under the stars after a dinner cooked over an open fire? Best. Fathers Day. Ever. Reward your nature-loving old man with an earthy, smokey and complex Pinot.

Hidden Bench Estate Pinot Noir, VQA Beamsville Bench, 2012
$29.95 Vintages 274753
A complex and thoughtful Pinot with a deep nose of smoke, sticky red fruits, floral notes and a touch of cured meat. Firm and robust on the palate with grippy tannin, and flavours of raspberry, earth and cooking spice, with a bitter chocolate finish. Great with grilled salmon, bacon wrapped scallops or filet mignon.

The Know the Value of a Dollar Dad

Old school and conservative, this dad is known for patching up his jeans instead of buying new ones, cutting his own hair (or making your mom do it), and fixing his own leaky faucets (sometimes this overlaps with Handy Man Dad). Please the punch out of this penny-pinching Pa with a robust and value driven red from the sensible Old Country.

Terra d’Aligi “Tatone” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo, Italy 2011
$15.95 Vintages 994616
Pouring deep, inky, purple, ripe blue and blackberries dominate the nose. Full bodied, plush and smooth on the palate with flavours of cassis and sweet, ripe berries and a bitter chocolate finish. Pair with grilled sausages, lamb shank or gourmet burgers.

The Bay Street Dad

Wheeling and dealing, this dad knows his way around a boardroom, golf course, and a ridiculously over-priced bar for Thursday networking happy hour. He likes the finer things in life and has worked hard to get them (and conveniently hare them with you). Reward your hard working Father with a premium wine that goes the distance, just like him.

Tiganello, Tuscany, Italy 2011
$99.95 Vintages 986786
An OG Super Tuscan, this iconic red is a status symbol of prestige and sophistication. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this has a nose of rich, ripe dark berries, fresh earth and dried herbs. Chewy and dense on the palate, with both power and grace, this is drinking well now, but could easily age another decade. Enjoy with Osso Buco, charcuterie platters or rib eye steaks.