IF YOU’RE A NOVICE, TRY THESE

Torres Sangre de Toro 2018

Yes, it’s a little corny, but at least this wine always has a red bull on its label. It’s also just straightforwardly delicious and surprisingly on-trend given that wine producers around the world are waking up to the charms of Spanish-origin “Rhône” grapes like garnacha (grenache) and carineña (carignan), with their ability to produce pert-fruited, spicy reds on a lissom frame. Also, at this price point, you won’t feel like you’ve taken a bull’s horn to the wallet.

Ruinart Brut Rosé NV

Champagne is a standard gift, but white isn’t a great look for Lunar New Year, so why not pick a rosé instead? Ruinart’s label and bottle are delightfully plump and harmoniouslooking, giving good seasonal vibes, and as champagne’s oldest maison, you couldn’t find a much better symbol of longevity. The wine itself is brilliantly structured and energetic, meaning it can be laid down and enjoyed many moons hence, which is fortunate, because you may not have much budget left for gifting next Lunar New Year if you pick this option.

Vega Sicilia Oremus Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos 2008

Mere mortals can send oranges while you send a wine that tastes of candied orange peel and looks like liquid gold. Usefully, this exquisitely sweet but precisely balanced elixir has the sugar to stand up to all those cheeky Lunar New Year snacks. Just make sure you get the “6 Puttonyos” and not the “5” or you’ll erase all the positivity of choosing 2008.