Holiday Wine Switch Ups

Designated "Wine Person" Picks

Are you the designated “Wine Person” among friends and family? I am often tasked with bringing wine or recommending it as a gift. A question you may hear every now and then is, “WhAt’S tHe BeSt WiNe?!” This is an impossible question for a wine nerd to answer.

The exciting part for me is not having a favorite and always trying new things. My palate has changed so much over the years that a lot of wines I posted about 8 years ago I don’t even like anymore.

The best thing to do is keep it simple. Basing the recommendation or answer on what they already drink usually has a higher success rate.

I like to try and recommend options that are easy to find at a local wine shop or available directly from the winery. Here are some crowd-pleasing grapes, styles, and unique wines that I love introducing people to.

For my Prosecco girlies:
Try: Vinho Verde

• Why You'll Love It: Often slightly spritzy, it's always refreshing and typically lower in alcohol than most other white wines.

• Tip: Bring more than one bottle. This wine tends to disappear fast!

• Recommendation: Vinho Verde, Quinta do Ermízio, Portugal

For the Pinot Grigio Enthusiasts:
Try: Gavi di Gavi

• Why You'll Love It: It’s a natural upgrade for Santa Margherita fans.

• Recommendation: Gavi di Gavi, Villa Sparina, Piedmont, Italy (People love the bottle shape)

For the chill, lighter style red wine enjoyers:
Try: Carbonic Cinsault

• Why You'll Love It: This lighter style of Cinsault making is juicy, fresh, and perfect for those who enjoy less tannic reds.

• Tip: Do not explain what Carbonic Maceration is unless they ask.

• Recommendation: Mersel, Red Velvet from Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

For the big, bold, red enjoyers:
Try: Rioja Reserva or Gran Reserva

• Why You'll Love It: Perfect for those who like Cabernet Sauvignon or red blends, this Tempranillo-based wine has comforting notes of toasty American oak and dark cherry, when well balanced.
  Fun fact: Some bottles of Rioja have sexy gold mesh.

• Recommendation: Señorio De P. Peciña, “Reserva” from Rioja, Spain

For the Provence Rosé Loyalists:
Try: Finger Lakes Rosé

• Why You'll Love It: These often dry, refreshing rosés offer incredible value and variety while showcasing a winemaking area closer to home. Whispering Angel may loose its wings once they explore rosé from this region.

• Tip: Read more about Finger Lakes Here

• Recommendation: Fox Run Dry Rosé, Seneca Lake, NY

For the “Champagne must come from Champagne” Champagne Aficionados:
Try: A Traditional Method Sekt from Germany

• Why You'll Love It: Many quality producers in Germany craft sparkling wines using processes similar to Champagne. It can be made from many different grapes, but the one below is made from the classic Champagne grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a very dry style.

• Recommendation: Scheuermann Blanc et Noir (Brut Nature), Pfalz, Germany

For the Sauvy B Devotee
Try: Grüner Veltliner

• Why You'll Love It: Bright citrus and herbaceous aromas make it a hit with Sauvignon Blanc fans.

• Fun fact: People say they often taste white pepper in this grape that comes compound called Rotundone.

• Recommendation: AniChe Cellars Grüner Veltliner “The Devil” Columbia Gorge, Washington

For the out of the box drinker
Try: A grape and apple coferment

• Why You'll Love It: This adventurous mix blends the best of both worlds. Unique and unexpected flavors.

• Tip: I got to try many wine and cider coferments for the first time at an event called ABV Ferments

• Recommendation: North American Press “Wildcard” Dry Sparkling Wild Grape Coferment

Feel free to some of your successful recommendations or switch ups below.

Cheers,
Shitty

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