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21 décembre 2025
UNDER THE INFLUENCE : THE GIFT OF WINE
Theo Diamantis
UNDER THE INFLUENCE : THE GIFT OF WINE

The Ted Steele Guide for Giving Wine

I think we can all agree that Christmas is a very stressful time for most people. Besides the fact that the weather has turned cold and we have to get our snow tires on and unpack all our gloves and boots, there is also the pressure of getting organized for that crazy time of year. You know, that time of year when you have to shop for presents. That sense of dread kicks in. Who gets what? And while we try our best to decide who was naughty and who was nice, decisions can be hard to make, and even more difficult to deliver. Allow me to give a helping hand, gentle reader, and present you with the Ted Steele Guide for Giving Wine, or in other words, How to Save Your Sanity During Christmas.


I honestly believe there is no better gift than that of wine, so here is a list of ideas for those certain people in your life. Let’s do it!


The Adoring Wife


Is there any better way to show your love than by offering Champagne, and rosé on top of that?


Pascal Doquet, Champagne, Extra-Brut, Anthocyanes - 15501342 - 96,50$


The Picky Husband


Even the most difficult men succumb to gorgeous Barolo. Even the tuff guys.


Principiano, Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba 2021 - 11387301 - 59,00$


Your Father


Alain Pascal initially named this cuvée after his father (Honoré), who was larger than life. I’m sure your dad is too.


Gros Noré, Bandol 2021 - 12930926 - 60,50$


Your Mother


Because she deserves a treasure that ages well, just like her. Pico’s elegant and delicious Chablis.


Pattes Loups, Vent d'Ange 2022 - 12610789 - 67,75$


The Difficult Father-in-law


Because no old man can resist the precisness of ArPePe's nebbiolos - that will always have a safe place on any table.


ArPePe, Lombardie, Rosso di Valtellina 2023 - 12257997 - 54,75$


Your Mother-in-law


Always a tricky one, but a bottle of a delicate Chardonnay will make her melt. Guaranteed.


Cadette, Vézelay, La Châtelaine 2023 - 11094621 - 41,75$


The Younger Brother


Give the Bro something cool, and deliciously dangerous.


Puech-Redon, Apparente 2022 - 14339056 - 22,45$


The Older Sister


Show sis’ that you are a considerate and sensitive type, like this light perfume of joy. Want to be extra this year ? Get her both the red and the white.


Majas, Côtes Catalanes, Blanc 2024 - 13993241 - 21,70$ Majas, Côtes Catalanes, Rouge 2024 - 13105910 - 21,70$


Your 18-Year old Son


Just turned 18, teach him what natural (and affordable) wine is!


Cantalapiedra, Lirondo 2024 - 14727235 - 24,00$


Your 18-Year old Daughter


I think the producer's name says it all. Besides, show her that she should not be pigeonholed with this red that flows like a white.


Sot de l'Ange, Malolactix - 14438089 - 26,50$


Your Grandchild


One day, they will grow up, and you will have an amazing bottle of wine ready. That bottle will be beautiful, like your grandchild.


Fratelli Alessandria, Piedmont, Dolcetto d'Alba 2024 - 11580186 - 25,75$


Your Hipster Friend


Surf’s up, dude. Time to get nice and golden.


Matassa, Olla Blanc 2024 - 14606695 - 38,50$


Your Geeky Friend


This bottle will have your nerdy friend analyzing for hours! An orange wine aged in amphora, so much going on.


COS, Sicilia, Pithos Bianco 2022 - 12986428 - 52,25$


Your Best Friend


There is no better way to hang out with your best friend than with a bottle of Ivresse.


Catherine et Pierre Breton, Bourgueil, Nuits d'Ivresse 2023 - 13597521 - 40,75$


The Neighborhood Butcher


This will guarantee excellent cuts of meat every time! A generous yet fresh wine that never goes old fashioned.


Karim Vionnet, Beaujolais-Villages 2018 - 13581318 - 24,705$


The Neighborhood Fishmonger


Offer this, and your fish will always be fresh! From the shores of Santorini, a crisp and succulent white.


Argyros, Atlantis 2023 - 11097477 - 24,25$


Your Amazing Boss


This incredible bottle of Champagne drives from the slopes of Montgueux, which has inspired Manu Lassaigne to craft a unique expression of Chardonnay. Show your boss the best!


Jacques Lassaigne, Champagne, Extra-Brut, Les Vinges de Montgueux - 15396546 - 101,75$


Your Favourite Colleague


Show your favourite colleague something spectacular; a wine Arianna makes wine with passion, respect and artistry.


Arianna Occhipinti, SP68 rosso 2024 - 11811765 - 31,75$


And most importantly, for Yourself


Indeed, do not forget to look out for yourself. It’s important to treat oneself to something great from time to time. This year, Ted Steele is offering himself a bottle of Foradori, Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Teroldego 2024 - 13568560 - 39,25$ (or perhaps the magnum). A safe bet to remember my time cooking for Foradori's team during 2025 harvest.


Happy Holidays amigos!

ON VOUS TIENT AU JUS !

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