Gluggy

The 12 Days of Wine-mas

By Mike Muirhead, Sommelier (ISG, CMS)

In case we needed another reason to imbibe this season (as of writing this, aliens had not yet landed, but they are scheduled for late September 2020), here is our annual 12 Days of Wine-mas list: an opportunity to look at some great-value gems that you might have missed in the store. Some are new, some have a long, healthy track record, and some you will find in our Top 100 Wines section in the store—but all of them will please and delight your guests around holiday time.

1 Vinçonniere 2017 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Loire Valley, France ($14.99)

This was such a great summer wine, but I am making sure people know it is an “allyear wine.” This fresh white with a touch of frizzante is the perfect way to start a meal or party. Low alcohol and zippy acidity mean that it pairs with almost any appetizer. There is always time for Muscadet. 2 Santa Ema 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Maipo, Chile ($15.99)

I am a firm believer that Chile should be in the same conversation as France and New Zealand for Sauvignon Blanc production. The cooler climates mean that the true characteristics (fresh green apple, grass, and gooseberry) can shine through. Time to break your NZ addiction and try something new!

3 Viña Zorzal 2018 Garnacha Blanca Navarra, Spain ($16.99)

Grenache Blanc. It may not be one of the “noble varieties,” but it has had my heart (and palate) for years. I love the texture and richness in a wine with no oak. Melon, cream soda, vanilla pod, and a medium body mouth feel. I love this wine with salmon. 4 Bon Courage 2019 Unwooded Chardonnay, Robertson, South Africa ($18.99)

Every list I do will always include a

If you haven’t tried this Chardonnay yet, you really need to. Everything in your head is likely telling you rich and creamy, but this is the polar opposite: fresh Macintosh apples, white flowers, and a mouthwatering finish. This is a crowd-pleaser!

= You will find these wines in our Top 100 Wines section at Jones & Company Wine Merchants.

5 Les Domaines Auriol 2018 Catch & Release Sauvignon Blanc, France ($16.99)

A new one on our shelves this year from our friends at Auriol in the south of France. Fresh citrus, orange peel, and mineral on the palate. A great wine for ice fishing!

7 Tempus Two 2019 Silver Series Rosé, South Australia ($12.99)

Rose in the winter? Nope, rosé ALL YEAR LONG. Why? Because it is versatile in all seasons and with all types of food. This was our latest summer arrival to go along with their highly successful Pinot Grigio and Shiraz. Try it with barbeque shrimp (yes, you should bbq in the winter too!).

9 Domaine Astruc 2017 Merlot, South of France ($15.99)

My go-to for turkey and teaching, this Merlot checks all the boxes. Ripe plum and silky tannins, this French red is the perfect way to slip back into loving Merlot for the noble grape it is. Also, it can stand up to cranberry sauce!

11 Precision Wine Co. 2017 Windstorm Reserve Cabernet, California ($19.99)

One of the newest members to our California Cabernet stable, this robust Cabernet shows black cherry, blackcurrant, and silky tannins. It is a comfort wine perfect for family gatherings around the fireplace. 6 Ka Tahi 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand ($18.99)

Ka Tahi means “The One,” and this is our newest “one” in the Sauvignon Blanc section. Classic New Zealand characteristics of gooseberry, fresh-cut grass, and fresh lemons. Pan-seared pickerel + butter + lemon + a glass of Ka Tahi = perfect.

8 La Cave du Valençay 2017 Patagon Rouge Loire Valley, France ($18.99)

And now for something completely different. A blend of Gamay (light), Malbec (heavy), Pinot Noir (light), and Cabernet (heavy) from the Loire Valley in France. Medium-light and bristling with red berry fruits with a really long and persistent finish. Try a blend that you will likely never see anywhere else!

10 Santa Julia 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza, Argentina ($15.99)

Malbec always gets first billing for Argentina, but I argue that their Cabernet style is just as good and rivals some American wines for twice the price. This offers raspberries, spice box, black cherries and a bold but supple mouthfeel.

12 Heron Ridge 2015 O-Nine Shiraz Stellenbosch, South Africa ($19.99)

We discovered this wine in 2012 and bought most of the production. In 2014, Heron Ridge stopped making the straight Shiraz and moved to The Flight blend. Every year, we asked if they were going to make the O-Nine varietal Shiraz again. We asked so often, they decided to make it just for us! 100% organic, unfiltered, beautifully complex Shiraz. A wine that tastes like $30...for $20.