With all its holidays and the associated parties and family gatherings, December may be the biggest month of the year for adventurous wine drinking opportunities. This also presents challenges deciding what (and what you can afford) to drink. Not to worry; I’m here to help.
For white wines, I prefer crisp, fruity, fragrant and food friendly. For reasonable prices, these wines also provide a refreshing combination of acidity and moderate alcohol.
Riesling, with its enticing aromatics, bracing acidity and apple, citrus and stone fruit flavors, is one of my favorite choices this time of year. One of Germany’s best, Dr. Loosen offers entry-level Rieslings produced with grapes from contracted growers. The 2012 Dr. L Dry ($14) is crisp and refreshing; the 2012 Dr. L ($14) is off dry, light and pleasantly fruity.
Pinot Gris, with fresh citrus, melon and more weight, provides a different drinking experience. The fruit forward, brisk and easygoing 2014 Willamette Valley Vineyards ($16) and the impressively rich and complex 2014 Raptor Ridge ($20) prove why this grape has emerged as the premier white wine of Oregon.
Another fun choice would be crisp, dry Alsatian versions of these grapes, like these from Hugel, a family owned company since 1639! The 2013 Riesling ($12) is aromatic and refreshing; the 2012 Pinot Gris “Classic” ($24) is a special selection revealing impressive weight and enticing nutty qualities. Also, check out the spicy lychee of the 2012 Gewürztraminer ($24) and the 2014 “Gentil,” a delicate but aromatic blend.
Sauvignon Blanc typically sports zesty white and green fruits (often grapefruit or gooseberry) and distinctive herbaceousness that pairs with multiple foods. The 2014 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve ($13) is notable for its lush texture. The 2104 Avant ($13) is lighter and fresher with more forward fruit.
Chardonnay continues to be the most popular wine among American consumers. So, expecting many of you will be looking for modestly priced but still flavorful Chardonnays, I suggest the juicy apple and light cream of 2013 Talbott “Kali Hart” ($20), the toasty, delicate apple of 2013 Old Soul ($14), and the brisk citrus of 2013 La Merika ($13).
Diversity is the message of the season for red wines, too. While I drink mostly full-bodied wines during cold weather months, I still find a place for light reds, especially when faced with a wide variety of foods to match. The 2014 Willamette Valley Vineyards “Whole Cluster” ($22) uses whole cluster fermentation of pinot noir to promote freshness and fruit. Light but still flavorful, the 2014 Balletto Rose of Pinot Noir ($18) shows delightfully crisp strawberry notes.
Zinfandel is always a good choice this time of year. Its brash red fruit and peppery accents compliment many foods. The 2013 Renwood Premier Old Vine ($20) reflects hefty, dense Amador fruit. The 2013 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve ($17) bursts with bright, fresh Mendocino berries. And two: 2013 OZV “Old Vine” ($11) and 2012 Concrete ($20) reveal jammy Lodi fruit.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red wine in America, second overall only to Chardonnay. These will satisfy your craving: 2013 Joel Gott “815” ($18) for its luscious red fruit, 2013 Decoy ($25) for its intense fruit and lush texture, and 2013 Our Daily Cab ($11) for its fresh tasting organic fruit (also vegan, gluten free and no added sulfites).
Finally, a multi-varietal red blend can be a fun alternative for any occasion. Different aromas and flavors from different grapes come together to make a whole that is better than the sum of its parts. I like these two from Chronic Cellars (by brothers Jake and Josh Beckett who worked for their family’s Peachy Canyon Winery). The 2014 Purple Paradise ($15) shows lots of nice juicy red fruits from zinfandel, syrah, petite sirah and grenache. The 2013 Dead Nuts ($24) bursts with berry flavors thanks to zinfandel, tempranillo and petite sirah. Also delightful is the 2013 Charles & Charles “Post No. 35” ($12), a voluptuous blend of cabernet sauvignon and syrah.