What vintage of wine to buy? Shopping for a variety is half the fun
Too much empty space in your wine rack is a sign from the wine gods (Bacchus/Dionysus) that you need to visit your local wine shop. Grocery stores can be fine for picking up a last-minute bottle, but for expert local guidance and first-hand knowledge, its hard to beat your wine shop geeks.
Putting together a mixed case can be a great way to sample new vintages of old favorites and explore new labels—and many shops offer mixed-case discounts. I have put together my own wish list here with an eye toward variety. In addition to a selection of house wines it’s nice to have special occasion/gift wines at the ready, and selecting them is half the fun.
2020 Bodegas Beronia Verdejo: a Spanish white from the famed Rueda region, this mouth-watering white opens with intense aromas followed by clean, crisp acidity. $15
2021 Chateau Domeco: a lush blend of Chardonnay and Viognier from Mexico delivers creamy/buttery fruit. Nice wine from our neighbors across the border. $14
2021 Apeture Chenin Blanc: a relatively dry expression of this fascinating white varietal from California’s North Coast, Apeture brings deep, complex flavors. $38
2021 Frank Family Carneros Chardonnay: a dreamy drop from one of California’s top producers. Rich aromas lead to buttery toast playing against nicely balanced acidity. $40
2022 Revelation Rosé: created by a team of women in Washington state, Revelation is a syrah-based blend featuring tangy red fruit and a clean finish. $18
2021 Donnafugata Bell’Assai Frappato: a delightful red Sicilian varietal renders floral/fruity aromas leading to light, fresh red fruit. Pair with light foods. $36
2020 Caldora Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: dry-style Montepulciano from Italy’s Abruzzo region with intense dark fruit/oak. Plenty of backbone for hearty foods. $27
2021 Raeburn Pinot Noir: Russian River fruit, spicy vanilla aromas, medium body. Relatively dry with nicely balanced acidity and tons of berry flavor. Highly rated. $25
2020 Maddalena Merlot: lush, ripe fruit flavors emerge from Paso Robles grapes. Eighteen months in oak leads to hints of vanilla, soft texture and tannins. $18
2019 San Simeon Syrah: Paso Robles/Central Coast grown, richly aromatic, intense dark fruit flavors, velvety mouthfeel. Highly rated. Think grilled meats. $25
2020 Highlands 41 Black Granite: based on a blend of robust Paso Robles Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Blackberry/plum/spice on soft, smooth finish — a deal. $15
J Vineyards Cuvée 20 (NV): classic Champagne-style blend of Russian River Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Rich, subtle, elegant — a California gem. $38
Wines from where?
You would have to look closely at your wine radar screen to spot the wineries on Long Island — even though there are over 80 of them — mostly along the North Fork of the island about two hours “Up-Island” from New York City. While not as well-known as long-established New York wineries from the Hudson River Valley or Finger Lakes area, Long Island wineries have made a name for themselves since their inception just 40 years ago.
Every successful wine region is geographically unique. In the case of Long Island that includes the temperature-moderating influence of its surrounding waters and its well-drained, sandy soil. With 25 varietals to work with, winemakers there have made a name for themselves with reds, blends and stand-out whites.
2019 Pellegrini Vineyards Stainless Steel Chardonnay, $23
2015 McCall Pinot Noir, $24
2015 Lenz Winery Estate Selection Merlot, $35
2019 Wolffer Estate Vineyard Fatalis Fatum Red Blend, $40
Steve Prati is a Franklin-based wine consultant. www.steveswinecellar.com
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When buying wine, best to mix it up
