“I don’t know a thing about wine except that I like whites.” “What is the difference between a red wine and a white wine?” “I like beer but would like to find a wine I actually like.” “How can you smell all of those things in a glass of wine?” These are questions I hear regularly from the wine newbie who simply wants to learn more.
With only a few days left of shopping, what should you give these potential wine aficianados to help them navigate the winding road to a good bottle of wine? Written by Master Sommelier Richard Betts, this New York Times Bestseller, The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert ($20), brings the sensory experience of wine to a new and incredibly basic level. Twenty pages of text allow your favorite wine newbie (and anyone who loved those iconic, smelly stickers from their youth) to sniff their way to a terrific vino that is perfect for the holidays and beyond. Easy to understand illustrations are designed like those in a children’s book, but don’t let Baby Bobby start scratching. This book is meant for someone who is ready to figure out the difference between bottles of grown up juice. Check out the website here.
Suggested by Richard Betts as gift-worthy thanks to their price to quality ratio, four wines under $20 were sent to me as
samples for tasting. Each was shared with my friends who aren’t “experts” (otherwise known as normal people) but who love their wine and are always open to exploring something different…as long as it is food friendly and affordable. All of us agreed that the following wines should be under the tree and on the table!
Barone Fini Pinot Grigio 2013 (sample) – Most people I know enjoy a good glass of two of Pinot Grigio – just ask any self respecting book club member. From Alto Adige in Northern Italy, this delicious wine showed aromas of flowers, citrus, pear, and crisp yellow apples. Its high acidity and rich tastes of more citrus were smooth and balanced which paired ever so nicely with grilled calamari and bruschetta. Cost is $12.
HobNob Pinot Noir 2012 (sample) – A familiar French brand from IGP Pays d’Oc in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, the 2012 was medium garnet in the glass with aromas of strawberries and cherries leaping from the glass. Tastes of earth, spice, and black cherries with medium tannins and acidity characterized this balanced wine. The finish was just long enough and paired quite well with my savory Cobb Salad. Cost is $11.
Josh Cellars Legacy Red Blend 2012 (sample) – A blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, I loved this delicious wine of grapes sourced from California’s Central Coast, Lodi, Sonoma, and Napa. On the nose, black cherries, baking spices, and vanilla extract were enticing. Soft tannins and bright acidity with jammy flavors of blueberries, more black cherries, sage, rosemary and a touch of chocolate led to a smooth finish. Crafted in honor of his father, Winemaker Joseph Carr has produced a delicious wine sure to please. Cost is $15.
My Essential Rosé 2013 (sample) – Transport your friend to a wine filled vacation to the south of France with this dry, crisp, and refreshing Rosé. Pale pink in the glass, its juicy red fruit and floral aromas and tastes were absolutely lovely and a smart way to introduce someone to a wine he or she may not have experienced. Grenache (40%), Cinsault (40%), Syrah (18%), Carignan (1%), and Mourvedre (1%) blend to create a wine that will be even more delicious with a cheese or charcuterie platter . Cost is $15.
Now, finish shopping and don’t forget to pick up an extra bottle for yourself!
Cheers to the holidays! ~ Cindy
