Author Archives: Dina Given

10 Best Wines to Stockpile Under $20

We find ourselves in a surreal, almost science fiction-like dystopian world right now, where businesses are shuttered, schools are closed, grocery store shelves are empty and we’re being told to stay home or keep our distance if we absolutely have to go out. All of these measures seem draconian, but are absolutely necessary right now to “flatten the curve,” reduce the burden on the healthcare system, and keep those most at risk safe.

While you are stuck at home, it certainly makes the time go by much more pleasantly when you have a good stockpile of wonderful wine to enjoy! Since you shouldn’t be out browsing through your wine shop right now, you should find a store that offers delivery service or shipping. One way to do this is to check out www.Drizzly.com, which is a site where you can purchase alcohol online that will be delivered to you within one hour. Many wine shops will also offer shipping if delivery isn’t available to your location.

Stocking up on wine also means you’ll probably want affordable wines so you can buy a case or two to get you through the coming days/weeks. To that end, here are my 10 favorite bottles under $20.

Domaine Des Nouelles Rosé D’Anjou – $10

Spring is coming, so it must be time to break out the rosé! Before you reach for those bottles of very pale pink, dry rosés from Provence, France, consider picking up a rosé d’anjou instead. Rosé d’anjou is a distinct style of rosé made in Anjou district of the Loire Valley, France. It is a lightly sweet style, where fermentation is stopped early, leaving a small amount of residual sugar left in the wine. These wines are frequently made from Cabernet Franc and Grolleau grapes. The Domaine Des Nouelles is just a tad sweet and very refreshing with flavors of fresh strawberries.

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier – $11

The Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier is fresh and juicy with pronounced aromas and ripe characters of honeysuckle, pear, jasmine, orange blossom, pineapple and green apple. The addition of a small amount of Viognier adds a bit of creaminess and floral character to the ripe, tropical fruit flavors of Chenin Blanc. This wine is delicious and a fantastic value!

La Cana Albariño – $14

Albariño is a white wine from the northwestern Atlantic coast of Spain. This is a light-bodied wine that is both fruity and floral. It has lemon, lime, peach, and nectarine characteristics with a slightly bitter finish reminiscent of grapefruit. Due to its proximity to the ocean, the sea air imparts a slightly briney character on the wine. This wine is fresh and zippy and makes an excellent pairing with seafood.

La Battagliola Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetrano DOC – $15

Lambrusco is a super fun and tasty sparkling red wine from northern Italy. For a long time, Lambrusco had a bad reputation because it was made in large volumes of overly sweet or too harsh wines. Nowadays, sensible producers are going back to quality winemaking, reducing yields and producing more complex wines in a dry style. This wine is dry with pronounced aromas of violets, strawberries, fresh plums and black cherries. It is fuller-bodied and higher in alcohol than other Lambrusco wines, it is also more tannic – Grasparossa has the highest tannin count of the Lambrusco varieties, which makes it robust enough to provide an excellent match for meats, cheeses and charcuterie.

Scarbolo Pinot Grigio Grave DOC “Il Volo” – $15

I am generally not a big fan of Pinot Grigio. I find that inexpensive examples tend to lack character and complexity. Then I tried the Scarbolo Il Volo and was blown away by how tasty it was. This wine has excellent body and structure, feeling fuller in the mouth than any other Pinot Grigio I have tried. It has nice tropical and citrus fruit flavors with a mineral backbone and vibrant acidity. To make it even better, this wine is produced from organically grown grapes. Dare I say, this is the best Pinot Grigio I have ever had!

Bodega Garzon Tannat – $17

If you are looking for big, bold red wine at an affordable price, don’t overlook this lesser known variety. Tannat is the most widely planted grape variety in Uruguay, producing wines with some of the highest levels of antioxidants. Bodega Garzon is one of the most well known and highly respected producers in Uruguay, making terrific wines at an excellent value. The Bodega Garzon Tannat is dark, rich and full-bodied, yet elegant and approachable. It is reminiscent of Cabernet Sauvignon, but at a much better price point. It has flavors of blackberry, plum and raspberry, with a long spicy finish.

Tikal Natural Malbec/Syrah – $17

The grapes for Tikal Natural wine are grown in one of Argentina’s most prestigious vineyard areas of Vista Flores at very high altitudes of 3,300 feet above sea level. These altitudes give the grapes high levels of sunlight for daytime ripening, followed by significant cooling overnight to retain vibrant acidity. The vineyard is certified organic and biodynamic, using natural winemaking practices. It is deep in color with fruity red cherry, raspberry and blackberry flavors with a light amount of medium-bodied tannins.

Dandelion Vineyards Menagerie of the Barossa GSM – $18

This wine is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (aka., Mouvedre) from Barossa, Australia. It is smooth, rich and delicious with ripe fruit flavors of blueberry, blackberry, red cherry, wild strawberry and vanilla with beautiful cinnamon spice undertones. A very tasty wines at an excellent value.

Shell & Shale Margarita Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – $20

No top wine list would be complete without representation from one of my favorite wine regions – Paso Robles, CA. Representing Paso is the fabulous Shell & Shale Cabernet. This is a very fruit forward example of a California Cabernet. It is big, jammy and fruity with flavors of vanilla, sweet red cherry, cedar, coconut and tobacco. If you like your Cabs more fruity than tannic, this could be the wine for you.

Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County – $20

Seghesio is a one of the oldest (established in 1895), most respected and critically acclaimed Zinfandel producers in Sonoma. Their Sonoma County Zinfandel is actually a blend of 87% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Carignane, 1% Syrah and 1% mixed reds, which adds a beautiful complexity of aromas and flavors. It showcases blue, red and black fruits – blueberry, raspberry, blackberry and black plum – with sweet baking spices, licorice and silky smooth tannins. It is big, ripe and full-bodied.

Grape of the Week: Gewurztraminer

In a nutshell:

Produces an intensely aromatic white wine with notes of exotic spices and rose petals that is often made off-dry.

Where it is primarily grown:

Germany
Alsace, France

Wine Styles:

Dry to sweet white wine

Fun Facts:

The grapes have a pink to red skin, although it produces a white wine
Gewürz is German for “spice”

Wine Texture:

Body: Medium
Acidity: Low to Medium
Alcohol: High
Sugar: Dry to sweet, but often off-dry

Flavor and aroma profile:

Citrus fruit: grapefruit, lychee
Tropical fruit: pineapple
Stone fruit: peach, apricot
Herbs/Spices: ginger, incense, allspice
Floral: rose petals, honey

Food Pairings:

Asian, African, Indian, Middle Eastern dishes
Stinky cheeses
Foie gras
Apple-based desserts

Recommendations:

Chateau Ste. Michelle – Gewürztraminer Columbia Valley, $12

Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2016, $22

Josmeyer Gewürztraminer Alsace Cuvée des Folastries 2015, $30

Grape of the Week: Vidal Blanc

In a nutshell:

Produces fruity off-dry late harvest wines and sweet dessert wines called Icewine
Drink young

Where it is primarily grown:

Canada
New York State
Sweden

Wine Styles:

Off-dry to sweet dessert ice wine
Dry white wine

Fun Facts:

Vidal is one of the very few grape varieties that is an American hybrid. Almost all wines you drink today are European vines. Grape vines native to America generally make terrible wines, with Vidal being a rare exception.
Since Vidal is very winter hardy, it makes excellent Icewine. Icewine is made by leaving the grapes on the vine into winter, so they are harvested frozen. The sugars don’t freeze, but the water in the grape does, so when the grapes are pressed, the frozen water is removed, leaving behind a sweet juice that is then fermented to create sweet Icewine.

Wine Texture:

Body: Medium
Acidity: High
Alcohol: Medium
Sugar: Off-dry to sweet

Flavor and aroma profile:

Citrus fruit: grapefruit, melon, lychee
Tropical fruit: pineapple
Stone fruit: apricot
Floral: honeysuckle

Food Pairings:

Scallops, crab or tuna
Spicy dishes
Fruit-based desserts
Panna cotta

Recommendations:

Tomasello Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2016, $15

Jackson Triggs Vidal Ice Wine Proprieter’s Reserve 2016, $18

Inniskillin Vidal Gold Icewine 2017, $47

Winter Whites

If you are a non-denominational wine drinker, you may choose to drink crisp and fruity Sauvignon Blancs and pretty-in-pink Provence Rosés during the dog days of summer. Then as soon as the first bite of winter’s chill hits the air, you switch to rich and dark Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrahs to warm your soul through those bitter winter months.

However, there are those of you who eschew the “wine rules” and want to continue to enjoy your white wines between November and March. Yet, a Sauvignon Blanc might not be ideal – you want a white wine that will wrap you in a warm embrace. You are looking for richer, fuller bodied white wines that have the depth and structure of reds, but with the fruit flavors, aromatics and lack of tannins that white wines bring to the glass. If this sounds like you, read on because I have some excellent recommendations for the best types of white wines you can keep drinking all winter long.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is an incredibly versatile grape and can make wine in lots of different styles, from steely and restrained (Chablis, France) all the way to rich and buttery (California). For winter drinking, select a Chardonnay from a warm climate area like California, Australia or Chile. These wines are often aged in oak and have a big, round texture with tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and mango, along with obvious oak influences.

Daou Vineyards Chardonnay 2018 ($16)

Viognier

Viognier has the creaminess of Chardonnay, but with more floral aromas and less acidity – think honeysuckle, peaches and roses. For a richer style, select a Viognier from California, Australia or Rhone, France.

Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2016 ($15)

Rhône whites

Rhone-style white wines are made from a blend of white grapes that hail from the Rhone Valley in France, although many warmer wine regions make this style of wine, such as Paso Robles, CA. The primary grape varieties in these blends can include Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Pinot Blanc. These are rich, bold whites with mouthwatering flavors of lemon, apricot, oranges and pastry.

Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin de Tablas Blanc Paso Robles 2017 ($20)

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris (hailing from France) is actually the same grape variety as Pinot Grigio (hailing from Italy), but the wines are produced in different styles. Whereas Pinot Grigio is light bodied with citrus flavors, Pinot Gris is richer and creamier with flavors of honey, ginger and clove alongside fruity pear, peach and nectarine.

Eyrie Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2017 ($20)

Gewurtztraminer

This grape from Germany and Alsace, France is intensely aromatic and often made with small amounts of residual sugar, giving it a touch of sweetness. The texture is almost oily on the palate and it displays warm aromas and flavors of ginger, incense, honey and allspice with a very characteristic rose petal aroma and tropical fruit flavors of pineapple, grapefruit and apricot.

Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2016 ($22)

So light a fire in the fireplace, snuggle up under a fuzzy blanket and wrap your hands around a delicious glass of winter white wine to warm your soul. Cheers!

Grape of the Week: Touriga Nacional

In a nutshell:

Produces big, rich, dark colored, tannic red wines

Where is it grown:

Portugal

Wine Styles:

Dry red wine, often blended with other varieties, but sometimes a single varietal
Port

Wine Texture:

Body: Full
Tannin: High
Acidity: Med-High
Alcohol: High

Flavor and aroma profile:

Black fruit: blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, black plum
Herbs/Spices: leather, licorice, mint
Floral: violet
Oak: cocoa, vanilla, nutmeg

Food Pairings:

Red meat
Game meats
Blue cheeses
BBQ
Winter stews

Recommendations:

Evidencia Reserva Touriga Nacional 2016, $15

Sandemann 10 yr Tawny Port, $30

Quinta Do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2016, $65

Winemakers & Cowboys: A Weekend in Paso Robles

There are many amazing wine regions throughout the world, which means I have plenty of vacation ideas on my bucket list. However, I find myself returning to California over and over again. The state is not only rugged and beautiful, but they produce some of my all time favorite wines.

When you think of California wine, most people will automatically think of elegant and sophisticated Napa Valley, and perhaps even somewhat more laid back Sonoma. While I have travelled to both places quite a few times, and my cellar is dominated by Napa Cabernet, my husband and I love visiting less well-known Paso Robles.

If you like big, red wines with lots of balanced fruit and body, this is the region for you. There are definitely more refined and elegant styles of wines being made there these days, but Paso is well-known for it’s powerful, juicy and full-bodied reds.

Paso Robles is considered the Wild West of California wine regions. In fact, it was founded by Jesse James’s uncle, Drury James. Folks in Paso say the cowboys give the winemakers a wild edge and the winemakers help refine the cowboys. Either way, in Paso the winemakers and the cowboys are one and the same.

Paso Robles is the fastest growing wine region in California with over 200 wineries today, mainly made up of small family-run producers. It is located in the Central Coast of California, about 2 hours drive north of Santa Barbara, and halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The closest airport is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, which requires a brief layover in LA or San Francisco when flying from the east coast. From the airport, Paso Robles is a 30 minute drive east over the Santa Lucia coastal mountain range.

Paso Robles has a warm Mediterranean climate, characterized by long dry summers, warm autumns and rain mainly during its short winters. During the summer grape growing season, daytime temperatures can soar to 105 degrees F. However, the region has the largest day/night temperature swing of any other wine region in the state. At night, temperatures can plummet by 50 degrees. It is this constant fluctuation in temperature that makes this such an amazing region for grape growing.

Many of the grape varieties grown in the area require warm to hot conditions to ripen fully. Yet cooling at night is essential for the grapes to retain fresh acidity, so they don’t get over-ripe, jammy and flabby. This cooling effect in Paso Robles is helped by coastal breezes that blow inland through the valleys every afternoon, as well as by altitude. The west side of Paso Robles, where the most highly regarded vineyards are located, rises up to 2400 meters above sea level, helping to moderate the climate. These factors result in powerful, ripe wines that still have vibrant acidity and freshness.

Paso Robles is known for its “Rhône Varietals”, which just means they grow the same grapes in Paso that are also grown in the Rhône, France. These are dominated by Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. However, Paso Robles is also a region capable of growing the widest variety of grapes in California (over 40 different varietals), so you will also find reds such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Spanish and Italian varieties, as well as whites including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Rousanne and Albariño.

More than just the incredible wines and weather, I love visiting Paso because of the people. The wine industry in Paso is like one big family. There is no competition between wineries. It’s a small community of winegrowers and winemakers and families that have all worked together at some point in their careers and been helped and mentored by each other. The support and encouragement they show each other is inspirational.

It is also an incredibly approachable, unpretentious wine region. It isn’t uncommon to see children and pets in tasting rooms. Everyone is welcome. It’s also an area where it is still possible to visit a winery and find the owner or winemaker strolling the grounds and wandering over to say hello and strike up a conversation with the patrons.

One of my best experiences was visiting Epoch Estate and sitting outside on a picnic table with my husband when a big guy in a cowboy hat sits down with us and introduces himself as Bill Armstrong, the winery’s owner. We had a great conversation with him and left with free bottles of wine and one signed by Bill that said, “Dave and Dina. Move to Paso! -Bill Armstrong”. That kind of thing just doesn’t happen in Napa.

Paso Robles is a beautiful place filled with phenomenal people and amazing wines. There is no where else like it. If you decide to visit Paso Robles, here are some recommendations of accommodations, wineries and restaurants. The best experiences are the tours and private tasting appointments that can be booked in advance via the winery websites, so plan ahead.

Wineries:

Clos Selene Winery, 2040 Niderer Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, http://www.clossolene.com/ – Clos Selene is a family-run vineyard with seven generations of wine making roots in Langeudoc and Bordeaux, France. The tasting room is a covered outdoor patio situated right next to the owner/winemaker’s home, with views of the surrounding vineyards. It makes for a cozy and intimate experience with beautiful wines that are influenced by a French winemaking style.

Daou Vineyards, 2777 Hidden Mountain Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446 , https://www.daouvineyards.com/ – The only thing better than the wine at Daou is the utterly breathtaking view. The winery sits atop Daou Mountain, providing panoramic vistas from the gorgeous outdoor patio. Buy a bottle of wine in the tasting room, pull up a comfortable table by the outdoor fireplace, order a charcuterie plate and sit back, relax and take in the scenery. Daou makes for a magical afternoon.

L’Aventure Winery, 2815 Live Oak Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, http://www.aventurewine.com/ – L’Aventure has very nice wines, but they are also provide one of the best tasting room experiences. Not only is the staff incredibly friendly and accommodating, but you can take a tour of their wine caves, which is a fun experience.

Law Estate Wines, 3885 Peachy Canyon Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, http://www.lawestatewines.com/ – When many of the vineyard owners you meet around Paso tell you the best wine in the area is being made at Law Estates, you have to try it. I can tell you from first-hand experience, Law absolutely produces some of the best wines in the region. The tasting room is also a stunning hilltop masterpiece of concrete, steel and wood with unbeatable views. It’s a not-to-be-missed experience.

TH Estate, 870 Arbor Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, http://thestatewines.com/ – In an area where big, powerful red wines are everywhere, TH Estate produces beautifully elegant, sophisticated and balanced wines. They are also a winery that runs on a budget and may not have the latest and greatest wine production technology. Instead, they do things the old fashioned way, which makes for a very fun and educational tour of the facilities. The best wine we had on our last trip to Paso was a barrel tasting of TH Estate’s 100% Syrah that hasn’t yet been bottled. We’ll definitely be buying some when it is released!

Tin City, https://www.tincitypasorobles.com/ – Tin City is an industrial warehouse complex that has been reclaimed by boutique wineries and delicious restaurants that turned it into a hip and trendy enclave where you can spend an afternoon walking from one tasting room to another. If you get tired of wine, there is also an excellent brewery and distillery. Many new wine brands led by young rising stars in the wine industry get their start in Tin City, making some really interesting and unique wines that you’ll never find in your local wine shop at home. Some of my favorites are Benom, Jacob Toft and Top. For lunch, stop into Tin Canteen, and for a very unique dinner experience, check out Six Test Kitchen (see below).

Restaurants:

BL Brasserie, 1202 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, http://www.bistrolaurent.com – BL Brasserie, formerly known as Bistro Laurent, stands out amongst a plethora of California cuisine by offering decidedly French fare. As a lover of France cuisine, I can attest that BL Brasserie does not disappoint. The food is delicious and the service attentive. The chef has been in Paso for 20 years, and his longevity in running this restaurant is a testament to its quality in a area with so much excellent competition.

Kitchenette, 105 S Main St #1, Templeton, CA 93465, http://kitchenettetempleton.com/ – Kitchenette is 10 minutes south of Paso Robles in the town of Templeton, but it’s a must visit breakfast spot. The corn beef hash is like none you will have ever eaten anywhere else (I dream about that hash)! They also make amazing breakfast burritos and perfectly executed ricotta pancakes.

The Hatch, 835 13th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, http://www.hatchpasorobles.com – The Hatch is a trendy location one block from the Paso Robles Downtown Park. They have a wide selection of wines on draft, micro brews, small batch whiskey, and delicious hand-crafted cocktails. The menu is centered on seasonal comfort food with a twist, and it’s delicious!

Thomas Hill Organics, 1313 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, https://www.thomashillorganics.com – Thomas Hill Organics is a farm-to-table restaurant using the freshest organic and regionally sourced ingredients. Sit outside on their covered patio for a beautiful and very tasty dining experience.

The Restaurant at Justin, 11680 Chimney Rock Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, https://justinwine.com/visit-justin-winery/restaurant.html – If you are feeling adventurous and have a rental car, it’s well worth your time to take the 30 minute journey along winding country roads to reach Justin Winery and Restaurant, a vineyard oasis in the middle of untouched forest. Justin is a well-known large producer of excellent wines with price points for everyone. The restaurant, located off the tasting room, offers a beautiful chef’s tasting menu with optional wine pairings. However, if you’re going to Justin, it’s a no-brainer to pair your courses with Justin wines. The service, food and wine pairings are impeccable.

Accommodations:

Hotel Cheval, 1021 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, https://www.hotelcheval.com/

I am a big fan of VRBO.com, and have had nothing but fantastic experiences renting short-term vacation homes through the app. I have found that I really enjoy the space, privacy and peace of staying in a house rental, especially in places that I feel comfortable exploring on my own and don’t feel the need to concierge assistance or hotel ammenitites. Also, with two growing kids, having extra bedrooms at the same or cheaper price than a studio hotel room is definitely the way to go. If you are interested in exploring a house rental, here are two phenomenal options:

Homestead Hill Vineyard, http://www.thacherwinery.com/stay/ – This home is owned and rented by Thatcher Winery. It is located at the mid-point of a small hill with vineyards stretching out before and behind the home. A large front porch afford gorgeous views of the vines while enjoying morning coffee or an afternoon glass of wine. The updated home has three comfortable bedrooms, a large kitchen and dining area, and is very well appointed. It also has a bonus cottage next to the house with a cozy lounge perfect for reading a good book or just enjoying some solitude.

Willow and Vine, https://pasoroblesvacationrentals.com/rental/willow-vine/ – If you don’t need as much space as that offered at Homestead Hill, the two-bedroom Willow and Vine home is a perfect option. The home has been lovingly updated with rustic wine country touches and modern amenities. The bed is probably the most comfortable that I have ever slept in during my entire life. The home also has a beautiful front porch with astonishingly comfortable chairs that you can sink into while listening to the peaceful sounds of surrounding birds and other wildlife.

If you have any wine-related questions, wine tasting/review requests, or suggestions for future blog posts, please send me an email at [email protected].

100% Wine Tariff and What It Means for You

President Trump is really annoyed with France and is lashing out at them in a way that will hurt all wine-drinking Americans. So what did France do to draw such ire? France has been pressing large American corporations (Google, Facebook, etc.) to pay the country’s newly passed digital service tax. In retaliation, Trump is trying to hit them with a 100% tariff on wine imports and other goods like cheese, handbags, makeup, and soap.

This is on top of a 25% tariff Trump already enacted on European goods this past October after the E.U. was found guilty of unfair subsidies to Airbus, giving the European company an unfair advantage over the U.S.’s Boeing. The October tariff hit all wines from France, Spain, Germany and the U.K., except for sparkling wines, wines over 14% alcohol and large-format bottles.

If you didn’t notice that your European wines had increased in price by 25%, it’s because many of them didn’t. Most European winemakers and importers absorbed that cost so they wouldn’t see a reduction in their wine sales. Instead, their bottom lines fell by 25% so your wallets wouldn’t take the hit. There is no more room for them to absorb further costs, so this new 100% price increase will be passed on to you.

You might think the increase in prices on European wines means you’ll just buy U.S. wines instead. You may see a cost savings in the short term, but studies have shown there is a good possibility U.S. winemakers will raise their prices too because of lack of foreign competition.

These tariffs will also hurt American businesses that rely on the sale of European wines and other goods (e.g., retailers, distributors, restaurants, transportation companies, etc.). In addition, one-third of all U.S. wine exports from California go to the European Union (EU), so any retaliation on the EU’s part will cause U.S. wine exports to suffer.

Not only that, but American wine consumers will be penalized by lack of choice. Currently, 35% of wine purchased in the U.S. is European wine. If you love Burgundy, Bordeaux or Champagne, you may have a hard time finding your favorite bottles because wine retailers will purchase less foreign wine out of fear they won’t be able to sell it at the higher prices.

Bottom line – Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on European goods will hurt you more than it will hurt France. The biggest consumer of French wine is China, not the U.S., so France may be perfectly content to focus on their China exports to the detriment of the U.S. As of now, there is no official implementation date for these tariffs and there seems to be a desire on both sides to negotiate a deal. However, the European Union has vowed to retaliate if these tariffs are put in place. Hopefully we will see a positive resolution to this stand-off in the coming weeks.

Wines To Serve This Holiday

The holidays are a time for celebration, and celebrations are a time for drinking…and eating! If you are still trying to figure out what wines are best to serve with your holiday meals, I have some excellent suggestions that will pair beautifully with any dish you will be preparing.

Feast of the Seven Fishes (or any seafood dish)

Bodega Garzon Albarino 2018, Uruguay ($18) – I grew up in an Italian household with the prohibition against eating meat on Christmas Eve. Instead, we indulged in the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Bodega Garzon Albarino is a perfect wine to pair with any of your Christmas Eve seafood dishes. It is medium to full bodied with bright flavors of citrus, peach and pear and a slightly creamy finish. This crisp, yet luscious wine will compliment, and not overpower, any seafood dish.

Charcuterie/Cheese/Antipasto

La Battagliola Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetrano DOC 2017, Italy ($15) – I love to kick off my holiday with a glass of bubbly and appetizers. Not only is Lambrusco a perfect pairing with any meat and cheese board, that beautiful dark red color is festive and seasonal. This red sparkler is dry with beautiful aromas and flavors of strawberry, plum and cherry. It is fuller-bodied and higher in alcohol and tannins than many other Lambruscos, which is why I love it. It is big, flavorful and fresh.

Honey Baked or Glazed Ham

Champalou Vouvray La Cuvee des Fondrau 2016, France ($22) – If you are preparing a honey-baked or glazed ham, you will want a wine with just a touch of sweetness to stand up to the sweet glaze. This Vouvray (made from Chenin Blanc grapes) is only slightly off-dry with just a touch of residual sugar. The sugar is well balanced by bright acidity, and has flavors of apple, honey and pear. This wine is a fresh and fruity, easy-drinking compliment to a sweet/salty ham dinner.

Game Birds/Poultry (Duck, Turkey, etc.)

Mohua Pinot Noir 2015, New Zealand ($16) – Pinot Noir is an excellent compliment to medium weight dishes like salmon, chicken, duck, and turkey. It also works really well with roasted vegetables and mushroom dishes. This Pinot is from Central Otago, New Zealand, a region that is producing excellent cool-climate Pinots at great prices. This wine is everything a Pinot should be – medium-bodied with fresh flavors of strawberry, raspberry and red cherry with a touch of herb and spice on the finish.

Beef (Filet Mignon, Prime Rib, etc.)

Orin Swift Machete 2016, California ($48) – Not only is Orin Swift’s Machete my favorite wine label ever, it is also my favorite wine in this price range, and can easily stand up to heavier meat dishes. The Machete is a blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. It is inky dark in the glass with rich, jammy flavors of blackberry, blueberry, fig and boysenberry, complimented by a dash of vanilla and cinnamon. It is a big, bold and fruit-forward California wine that can just as easily be enjoyed as a meal in itself, or paired with a tasty filet mignon.

Dessert

Royal Tokaji Late Harvest 2016, Hungary ($20) – The wine enjoyment shouldn’t end after the entree! Bring out the Christmas cookies, cakes and pies, then crack open a bottle of Late Harvest Tokaji. This wine is pale gold with sweet tropical fruit flavors of mango, pineapple, citrus, peach and honey. Although it is a dessert wine, it is not cloying or syrupy sweet. It has a beautiful lightness and freshness to it that lifts the sweetness.

Cheers and Happy Holidays!!!

10 Gift Ideas for The Wine Lover

Are you looking for some unique wine-related holiday gift ideas for that wine lover in your life? Well, look no further. Here are a few of my favorite things that I’m certain you will enjoy as well!

Coravin Wine Preservation System, $285

The Coravin is a top-of-the-line wine preservation system for anyone who hates to waste really good wine. Queue the jokes about never leaving an unfinished bottle behind, but there are many circumstances when you may not finish an entire bottle in one sitting. For me, my husband doesn’t drink any white wine, so when I want to enjoy a single beautiful glass of Puligny-Montrachet white Burgundy, I will use my Coravin. I also like to sample lots of different wines as part of my profession, or sample wines in my cellar to see how they are progressing, and the Coravin makes that all possible without having to open lot of bottles or open something that would benefit from more cellar time. The Coravin inserts a slim needle through the cork, pumping inert argon gas into the bottle while wine is poured into your glass. The gas keeps oxygen from negatively impacting the wine, and the cork re-seals itself after the needle is removed, so you can enjoy the same bottle of wine for weeks, months or even years! (Buy on Amazon)

Zalto Denk-Art Universal Glasses, $69

Once you drink from a Zalto wine glass you will never be able to drink from anything else. They are a piece of art in the form of a wine glass, designed to reflect the same tilt angles as the Earth. The thinness of the glass enhances the flavors of the wine rather than overpowers it with glass taste that you get from thicker glasses. Zaltos are lead-free, dishwasher safe and made in Austria. If you are opening an special bottle of wine this holiday, it deserves to be experienced in amazing glassware. (Buy on Amazon)

Le Nez du Vin, $40-$399

If you are amazed by how wine professionals can take one whiff of a wine and describe dozens of different aromas, now you can learn how to do the same. The Le Nez du Vin is an aroma kit that comes in a variety of sizes, and contains viles of common wine scents. You can hone you wine aroma recognition skills so you can take your wine enjoyment to the next level. (Buy on winearomas.com)

Vino Chapeau Wine Tasting Covers, $7.99

Vino Chapeau discs enhance your wine tasting experience. They cling to the rim of your wineglass and remain secure as you swirl your wine, concentrating aromas under the cover. Put your nose to the glass, remove the disc and enjoy the flood of aromas that fill your nose and allow you to more easily identify scents. They are also fantastic for outdoor use in warmer months as they keep insects out of your glass! (Buy on vinochapeau.com)

Cheese Grotto, $85-$350

Wine and cheese go together like peanut butter and jelly, and if you are serious about your cheese, you need an equally serious cheese preservation system. The Cheese Grotto is a climate controlled system that will extend the shelf life of your gourmet cheeses while allowing you to store them unwrapped and outside of your refrigerator. (Buy on cheesegrotto.com)

Wine Infused Salts, $35

Not only do I love wine, but I am absolutely addicted to salt. Thankfully I have uncommonly low blood pressure, so I can add as much salt as I want to my food. In addition, salt is one of those magical flavors that brings out the absolute best in wine. Salt in food will make your wine taste less bitter and astringent, and more fruity and soft. Now imagine what wine infused salt could do! They are made with Pacific sea salt, complementary herbs, and wine reduced to a very concentrated syrup.

Wine Tasting Kit, $27-$275

If you want to get more experience tasting a variety of wines, but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars purchasing a wide variety of bottles that you may only drink one glass of, consider an e-Tasting Kit. This French company has bottled dozens of different wines into small, single-serving portions, so you can taste up to 72 different wines from a single tasting kit! (Buy on etasting.com)

Grapevine Cuff Bracelet, $29

One of my favorite merchants is Wine Country Craftsman based out of Paso Robles, CA. They make a wide variety of beautiful, hand-crafted and custom items from retired grape vines and wine barrels. This Grapevine Cuff Bracelet is just one example of their exquisite work. It is crafted from reclaimed Napa Valley grapevines that were making wine during prohibition. The grape vines are dried for up to 2 years then kiln fired, hand cut, sanded and sealed to preserve this beautiful piece of jewelry for generations to come. (Buy on winecountrycraftsman.com)

Blitzen & Friends Wine Bottle Stoppers, $59

These wine bottle stoppers are just so much fun and will be the center of attention at your holiday gathering! (Buy on wineenthusiast.com)

The Wine Diva Private Tasting Experience, $300 for up to 10ppl

Last, but most certainly not least, I will host a fun and educational private wine tasting for you and your guests in my NJ home wine cellar, your home, your office or any other space. I supply the bottles, wine glasses and expert knowledge, and you sit back, relax and enjoy the wine! These tastings are perfect for birthday parties, corporate events, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, girls nights, or just a great excuse to get together with friends. I can customize a package to fit your needs. No size party is too large or too small! Don’t live anywhere near NJ? Not a problem! I can also do Skype/FaceTime tasting sessions where I will purchase the wine and have it shipped to your house, then host a live e-tasting with you and your guests. (Contact me at [email protected])

Best Holiday Gift Wines At Any Price Point!

Wine is the consummate holiday gift for just about anyone on your adult holiday gift list. There are excellent options at all price ranges – $15 bottles for a Secret Santa gift, $30 bottles for an amazing holiday party hostess, $50 bottles for your boss or closest friends, all the way through $100+ bottles for that very special wine lover in your life.

Here are some excellent wine gift recommendations at a variety of price points, with a sparkling wine, a white wine and a red wine included within each category. A variety of regions and grape varieties are also represented. There is guaranteed to be something here for everyone!

Under $15

Gruet Winery Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV, $13 – This is a fun and unique sparkling wine from New Mexico, of all places! It is made from 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, giving it a light salmon color. It is dry with flavors and aromas of raspberry, pear and vanilla.

Pine Ridge Vineyards Chenin Blanc / Viognier 2017, $11 – The 17% Viognier adds some body and honey flavors to the citrusy Chenin Blanc. This wine is crisp and lively with lots of green apple, peach and lime.

La Posta Malbec Pizzella Family Vineyard 2017, $14 – This is deep, dark Malbec from Argentina with serious tannins and flavors of blackberry, plum, licorice and chocolate. It’s full bodied, but approachable and not too heavy.

$15-$20

Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco di Valdobbiadene NV, $17 – There’s a reason why Prosecco’s popularity has exploded in recent years. It is fruity, not too dry, easy drinking and super affordable. This is an excellent value Prosecco with flavors of apple, peach, pear and a slightly creamy texture with silky bubbles.

Chalk Hill Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2017, $18 – Sauvignon Blancs are some of the best value white wines available. The Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc offers something a little different since it was partially fermented and aged in oak (most Sauvignon Blanc is entirely fermented in stainless steel). This gives it a rounder texture and more flavor complexity. It has tropical flavors of tangerine, pineapple and mango, with herbal and floral notes.

Bodega Garzon Tannat 2017, $17 – I had the pleasure of enjoying this wine at home this past week, and I just had to include it on this list! It’s dark, rich and full-bodied, yet elegant and approachable. It is reminiscent of Cabernet Sauvignon, but at a much better price point. It has flavors of blackberry, plum and raspberry, with a long spicy finish.

$20-$35

Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley, $23 – This is my go-to sparkling wine for everyday drinking. It’s an excellent value. It is crisp and elegant with flavors of citrus, pear, apple and vanilla, with a finish of brioche, nuts and pastry.

Massican Annia 2017, $30 – This wine from Napa Valley is a unique blend of Italian varietals Ribolla Gialla and Tocai Friulano, with a dash of Chardonnay. Light, elegant and complex, this wine has bright, juicy flavors of green apple, peach, pear and melon with some notes of almond and honey.

Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2015, $25 – For the many Chianti lovers out there, the Monsanto Chianti Classico is full-bodied and dry, with firm tannins and flavors of cherries and berries with leather and earth. This wine is a good choice for someone who will cellar it for a few more years.

$35-$50

Ployez-Jacquemart Extra Brut Rosé, $45 – Pink is just more fun, so this Rosé Champagne makes a beautiful and delicious holiday gift. It is medium-bodied and dry with strawberry, cherry, pastry, cream and spice flavors.

2017 Clos St. Jean Chateauneuf Du Pape Blanc, $45 – This wine is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Clairette. It is rich, creamy and full-bodied, bursting with peach, honey, apricot and brioche. It is complex and balanced, and can be drunk now or cellared for a few years.

2013 Bussola Amarone Classico, $50 – Amorone della Valpolicella is one of my favorite types of Italian wines, so I just had to include one on this list! The Bussola has deep, rich flavors of cherry jam, plum and raisins balanced by coffee, chocolate and herbal notes.

$50-$100

Bollinger Brut Champagne Special Cuvée, $60 – Bollinger is my favorite Champagne to serve on special occasions and holidays. It is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Meunier. It is big, rich and complex with flavors of apple, pear, lemon curd, peach with subtle toasty notes of fresh baked bread and a creamy texture.

Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley 2017, $80 – I opened this gorgeous Chardonnay on Thanksgiving and wow, was I impressed! I’m usually not a huge fan of Napa Chardonnay, but this one was rich without being overwhelmingly buttery. It had flavors of vanilla, pastry, cream, caramel, pear and yellow apple with a beautiful velvety texture. This one may end up on my Top 10 Favorite Wines of 2019 list!

Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014, $65 – This is another strong contender for my Top 10 Favorite Wines of 2019 list. This Napa Cabernet is actually a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. It is medium to full-bodied, refined and elegant, with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, black cherry, vanilla, toast and white pepper. It is silky smooth and beautifully balanced.

$100+

Louis Roederer Brut Champagne Cristal 2008, $260 – I hesitated putting this one on the list because it is so decadent. However, I had the absolute bliss of tasting Cristal for the first time a few weeks ago and it blew me away! Given how utterly stunning this Champagne is, I had to include it as the creme-de-la-creme of all holiday wine gifts. Champagne doesn’t get any better than this – complex, smooth, the creamiest bubbles I have ever tasted, fruity, spicy, yeasty – it’s got everything. Whoever is gifted this one must be really special.

2016 Huet Vouvray Cuvee Constance, $150 – I had to include at least one sweet wine on this list and the Huet Constance was it! This is a magical, botrytized dessert wine made from Chenin Blanc in France. It has layers of rich flavors – raisin, honey, fig, dried fruits, nuts, peach – with a long finish. It is concentrated, yet well balanced by acidity so doesn’t taste cloying.

Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2016, $150 – When my kids were born, I purchased a “birth year” wine for each of them. The Chateau Pontet-Canet 2005 was my choice for my son. No list would be complete without a world-class Bordeaux. This 2016 is definitely a wine for the serious collector who will cellar it carefully for many years to come. It has fine tannins with ripe flavors of black cherry, blackcurrant, cassis, vanilla, nutmeg, licorice, cedar, tobacco and clove. This wine has elegance and finesse, but requires patience – hang on to it for a few decades.

Domaine Des Nouelles Rosé D’Anjou – $10

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier – $11

La Cana Albariño – $14

La Battagliola Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetrano DOC – $15

Scarbolo Pinot Grigio Grave DOC “Il Volo” – $15

Bodega Garzon Tannat – $17

Tikal Natural Malbec/Syrah – $17

Dandelion Vineyards Menagerie of the Barossa GSM – $18

Shell & Shale Margarita Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – $20

Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County – $20

In a nutshell:

Where it is primarily grown:

Wine Styles:

Fun Facts:

Wine Texture:

Flavor and aroma profile:

You might like this grape if you like…:

Food Pairings:

Recommendations:

In a nutshell:

Where it is primarily grown:

Wine Styles:

Fun Facts:

Wine Texture:

Flavor and aroma profile:

You might like this grape if you like…:

Food Pairings:

Recommendations:

Chardonnay

Viognier

Rhône whites

Pinot Gris

Gewurtztraminer

In a nutshell:

Where is it grown:

Wine Styles:

Wine Texture:

Flavor and aroma profile:

You might like this grape if you like…:

Food Pairings:

Recommendations:

Wineries:

Restaurants:

Accommodations:

Feast of the Seven Fishes (or any seafood dish)

Charcuterie/Cheese/Antipasto

Honey Baked or Glazed Ham

Game Birds/Poultry (Duck, Turkey, etc.)

Beef (Filet Mignon, Prime Rib, etc.)

Dessert

Coravin Wine Preservation System, $285

Zalto Denk-Art Universal Glasses, $69

Le Nez du Vin, $40-$399

Vino Chapeau Wine Tasting Covers, $7.99

Cheese Grotto, $85-$350

Wine Infused Salts, $35

Wine Tasting Kit, $27-$275

Grapevine Cuff Bracelet, $29

Blitzen & Friends Wine Bottle Stoppers, $59

The Wine Diva Private Tasting Experience, $300 for up to 10ppl

Under $15

$15-$20

$20-$35

$35-$50

$50-$100

$100+