By DCist contributor Amy Monroe
How do you know what’s naughty or nice — in wine, that is? After much swirling and sipping, DCist offers up the following options for all the wine enthusiasts on your holiday gift list. Each selection is truly one of our taste-tested favorites. And if after trying anything listed below you disagree, don’t write. Just bring us the remainder of the unfinished bottle and we’ll happily toast you before we consume it.
The Beauty of a Bargain
By far one of the most overlooked and underrated places to find wine values is France’s Loire Valley. DCist understands that the label, usually in French and devoid of grape variety, is off-putting due its lack of information regarding what is actually in the bottle, but we urge you not to let these beauties languish on retail shelves simply on account of a language barrier. We’re particularly enamored of the Lieu Dit “Les Pouches” Saumur 2005 ($13), a wine made entirely from Chenin Blanc grapes — a fact that’s helpfully stated on the bottle’s back label. With fresh-from-the-orchard flavors of peaches and pears illuminated by a sprinkle of citrus, this easy drinker is simultaneously charming and food-friendly. The bonus here is that the look of the stately all-French label and a crest on the glass combined with the wine’s lovely flavors conspire to make this bottle appear to be much more expensive than it actually is, so your recipient will never suspect you got change back from your $20.
Where to find it: Best Cellars Dupont
The Trendy Tipple
Remember that little wine movie that took the country by storm a couple of years ago? Not only did it make household names of its relatively unknown cast, it also made Pinot Noir the wine world’s newest superstar. Wine drinkers of all stripes seemingly can’t get enough of it, making it an impressive, of-the-moment (yes, the moment’s still going strong two years hence) holiday gift. Personally, we’re partial to bottlings from Oregon’s wine country, especially Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2004 ($27). Its black cherry flavors and beautiful silky texture are elegantly satisfying. Add to that its versatility in pairing with virtually any plate, and you just can’t go wrong here.
Where to find it: Schneider’s of Capitol Hill
