Whether you’re on a Kris Kringle or love-of-my-life budget, Louis will teach you to divide and assign your gifts with the energy of Tyra Banks finding the next Top Model.
Louis Hanson Christmases are a wholesome event. “Each year is very cute! I travel up to Shepparton to spend it with my Mum’s side of the family. It’s usually a three-day festival featuring my cousins and I sitting around, drinking and arguing over who Nan’s favourite is (me, obviously),” he says. Need a visual? “Think 31 degrees out in the backyard, t-shirts off, Frank Sinatra crooning in the background, stubbies out in full force.”
Having such a social Chrissy, Louis needs to to really think about who’s on his Christmas list, and more importantly, his budget, “I morph into Tyra Banks, with a pile of metaphorical glamour shots in my hand, and cull people one-by-one based on a variety of important criteria, such as iMessage response times and attractiveness,” he says. Don’t worry, he’s kidding, when it comes to dividing funds, he recommends a system: “Place your giftees into a hierarchy of importance; that way, you can see who’s more deserving of that De Luze XO Fine Champagne Cognac.”
From the recipient of your KK gift, to the love of your life, these are the best bottles within budget that Louis (and you) can gift this Christmas. For the full Louis Experience™, watch the video above, then dive in below for more on each of Louis' finds.
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Budget: Under $30
Who: My year seven girlfriend, Stacey
The pick: Pizzini Prosecco
If you have an ex-love of your life to see, what says “Sorry, but ah we were young! We’re still cool, right?” Louis says prosecco. “I mean, you really can’t go wrong with a bottle of prosecco can you? Who doesn’t love a bit of fizz over Christmas?” Dan’s Wine Merchant Sean recommends Pizzini Prosecco. From King Valley in Victoria, this fizz is foamy and floral: think wisteria flowers and green apples. It gets the thumbs up from Louis – “This specific prosecco feels really fruity, which I love,” he says, and it’s $21.99, so it’s in the budget.
Budget: Under $40
Who: My dentist, Carl (thank you for your services)
The pick: Heartland Directors’ Cut Shiraz
“I like Heartland’s Directors’ Cut Shiraz because it’s cool and understanded, like my dentist Carl, and it also adheres to a relatively low-priced budget,” says Louis. He’s right, made by Ben Glaetzer from the top-tier vineyards in South Australia’s Limestone Coast and Langhorne Creek, it’s a wine that performs vintage after vintage – ergo, a reliable star. Full bodied and dry, with flavours of liquorice, cedar and florals. Delicious. And, when you’re buying for someone like your dentist, who's seen deep within your many sins (in this case oral hygienic), you want to do more than they expect. This shiraz is on the money.
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Budget: Under $60
Who: My sexy barista down the road, congrats on having your face
The pick: Pineapple Grenade Navy Strength Spiced Rum
When it comes to your cutie crush, who happens to be responsible for one of the only reliable daily joys in your life (your takeaway coffee), you need to impress without looking too eager. Around $60 is the sweet spot. Particularly when it’s Pineapple Grenade Navy Strength Spiced Rum. “For those who judge a book by its cover, simply look at the colourful label on this spiced rum and judge with joy,” says Louis. “It’s such an eclectic rum to mix with, and those additional hints of pineapple, caramel and ginger make for a more layered drink.” It’s definitely a versatile spirit for cocktail mixing, but also goes great with a ginger beer, cola or lemonade. Great drinks, made simple.
Budget: Under $100
Who: My 2018 psychologist whom I ghosted (I’m sorry)
The pick: Charles Orban Champagne Carte Noir Magnum 1.5L
Charles Orban Champagne Carte Noir is chic. And momentous! Those 1.5L magnums really make an impression. “This is Champagne Champagne, you know?” says Louis. “Like the real, fancy, flirty kind of Champagne, perfect for telling someone you love them or to say sorry (in this case, to my 2018 psychologist whom I ghosted). Rumour has it, the recipient of this Champagne is an icon, a legend and the moment.” That might be something to do with the Orban family vineyard being about 250 years old. It has the perfect freshly-baked-pie hint in a mainly citrus nose, and all the notes one should find in good bubbles: brioche, nuts, honey and tobacco.
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Budget: Under $200
Who: My parents, as a thanks for raising a troublesome child like myself
The pick: De Luze XO Fine Champagne Cognac
When it’s your parents, put in some effort. After all, they gave you life and, for a large stretch of your teenage years, you gave them pain, drama and attitude. Years before that, they had the pleasure of changing your nappy multiple times a day. The poor people deserve a nice gift. De Luze XO Fine Champagne Cognac is that nice gift. “The abundance of notes in this drink (spring jasmine, medlar flowers, ripe fig, prunes, candied orange and creme brulée) prove just how beautifully complex and satisfying this Champagne Cognac is,” says Louis, adding, “Slay.” It’s rich and toasty and slightly spicy, but unlike your usual Cognac, it pairs amazingly with seafood, so this can be enjoyed with the Christmas day prawns over ice. Just make sure it’s good ice, not that gross stuff from the back of the freezer.
