From The Shelf
Sun Herald
Sunday December 8, 2002
Wine drinkers are among the easiest people of all to please at Christmas. Unlike non-wine-loving friends and relations, the gift needs of these souls don't demand hours of agonising thought. Instead they are quite happy to receive a good bottle or two, and if their interest in wine elevates them to "buff" status, there are any number of gadgets, books and glassware items available to you. Before you choose, it's worth checking whether they have the essentials - good glasses, corkscrew and wine guide.
Australia Wine Companion 2003 Edition by James Halliday, HarperCollins, $24.95
Every wine lover should have this comprehensive guide. Halliday's position of authority as a wine commentator shows in his concise profiles of hundreds of Australian wineries and their wines and people.
Riedel Vinum Chianti Classico glasses $35 each Is this the perfect wine-tasting glass? I think it is, with the bonus of a truly elegant shape and "feel" that makes it at home in the most elegant table setting. Made from lead crystal, the shape has been researched to suit Italian chianti, but it's perfect with almost anything.
Screwpull Lever Action Corkscrew $349
This may be the best corkscrew there is. Sure, it ain't cheap, but this heavy-duty instrument is easy to use once mastered, and it makes serial bottle opening easy. Nowadays it's a bit more streamlined than it used to be, and a smart little foil cutter completes the package.
© 2002 Sun Herald
