Treat the mother of your children to any one of these delicious Mother's Day gift wines and you just might make her forget how underappreciated she feels the rest of the year. All of our suggestions are easy to find, affordable and ready to drink now. Even better: they pair well with standard Mother's Day brunch or simple snacking. Buy her a bottle or two, pour generously and throw in an after-dinner shoulder rub, foot massage (or both) and she'll remember this special day forever. You're welcome.
SPARKLING
Adami Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut Bosco d Giva ($20) – Crisp and delicate with scents of citrus and flower blossoms, this sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy is the wine lover's version of a much sought-after cool breeze on a hot summer day. Enjoy it all by itself or with fruit, crackers and cheese.
WHITE
August Kesseler R Riesling Kabinett, 2013 ($18) – You can't get much more versatile than this fruity well-balanced aromatic Riesling from Rheingau, Germany, that teases with hints of juicy peaches and apples. Do yourself a favor and buy a case.
Terlato Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio, 2012 ($19) – Terlato's offering using the classically crisp Italian favorite grape variety is mineral-rich with hints of summer fruit. It pairs well with so many dishes that it's perfect for buffet-style brunches.
RED
Louis Bernard Cotes du Rhone Villages, 2012 ($13) This bright red blend from Rhone, France, is well-rounded - bordering on the cusp of rich - with hints of raspberry/cherry that make it right to pair with red meat, poultry and cheeses.
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tables Rouge, 2013 ($20) – Go beyond a standard Syrah with this clever blend of Syrah, Grenache, Morvedra and Counoise. It's darker and has more body than you'd expect for its "fruit wine" category - but that may explain its fantastic long finish.
ROSÉ
Angove Family Winemakers Nine Vines Rose, 2013 ($10) – Nine gets a perfect 10 when it comes to this South Australian rosé that starts out sweet but finishes dry enough to be paired with summer salads, fruit and mildly spiced white meat. Try it with grilled salmon or lemon prawns and you've really got something.
Domaine de la Morgoree Tavel La Dame Rousee Rose, 2013 ($20) – Given this winery's status as one of the world's great producers, it's hard to believe you can snare its renowned medium-bodied and exquisitely layered rosé for just $20. But we'll thank God for the small miracle of this citrusy pink treat from legendary Rhone, France.
DESSERT
Jorge Ordonez Number 1 Seleccion Especial [375ml half-bottle], 2013 ($20) – Sure, you swear by the standard dessert varieties that women love: Muscate, Sherry and Port. But forget them all for now and try this late-harvest Spanish masterpiece from the Axarquia mountainside. It's the closest you'll ever get to a sure bet in life. It's like drinking sweet kisses - and she'll love you for that.
