by Lorri | Dec 21, 2016 | UnCorked
The big day is just around the corner and most of us are finishing up planning for our special Christmas celebration. While some plan the holiday party specifics weeks in advance, it interests me that the selection of Christmas wine is often listed forlornly on the last page of notes. It usually is hidden with a penciled-in reminder, “Don’t forget to buy beer and wine.”
I consider the choice of wine I will be serving equal to, if not more, important than the main course of Christmas dinner. While some items like food and flowers can’t be stored in advance, wine will wait humbly in the corner until the big day, making it one of the easiest items on my holiday checklist. But wine purchases can add considerably to the budget so searching out ways to save can pay off.
By planning early, you can take advantage of wine discounts and in-store specials. Buy by the case and not the bottle. Because wines do not have a specific hurried drink-by date, buying in bulk can save you money. Many retailers will offer savings from 10 percent to 20 percent and may allow a discount on mixed assorted bottles so you don’t have to be stuck with the same wine.
Some retail stores offer savings on odd bottles of wine they are trying to move. Many times they end up in the clearance section not because of poor quality but because of torn, scratched or damaged labels. While I have found many bargains in these bins, keep in mind that you should always buy the most recent vintage. As I have preached before, wine isn’t a bargain that is past its life span.
If you’re not buying by the case, your best savings option is to take advantage of a retailer’s “wine day.” These discounts can be up to 20 percent off and apply even when buying only one or two bottles at a time.
Shop around to find the best deals. Many consumers will drive across town to save on a sweater or wait in long lines for the best deals, so be open to searching out the best wine prices.
Focus on quality for the best value. This is where buying my past “Value” wines may be your best choice. Shop for savings.
by Lorri | Nov 23, 2016 | UnCorked
Each year I write about the many wine matches that pair with the indulgent Thanksgiving feast. Over the past few weeks I have been asking friends and readers if turkey would grace their tables or if another meat would star. Of the more than 30 or so people asked, I had only one respond with a different entree. Statistically, that may be about correct considering estimates are that more than 46 million turkeys will be cooked for the celebratory occasion. So here is my Thanksgiving Feast wine advice.
In order to ease the stress of preparing for this holiday celebration I am recommending value wine for less than $20 this week. In the past I’ve gone into detail about the various flavors and textures on the Thanksgiving table and the best wines to match with each. This year my approach is much more simple: You could literally close your eyes and point to one of these suggestions. They are all spot-on as the ideal pairing for your Turkey Day festivities!
THE WHITES
- 2014 Irony Chardonnay, California (about $11 retail)
- 2014 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer, Washington (about $12 retail)
- 2015 Firesteed Riesling, Oregon (about $16 retail)
- 2014 Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay, California (about $17 retail)
- 2015 Matua Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $15 retail)
- 2015 Tora Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $14 retail)
- 2015 Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris, California (about $19 retail)
- 2015 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier, California (about $18 retail)
- 2015 Simi Chardonnay, California (about $20 retail)
- 2015 Cline Viognier, California (about $15 retail)
- 2013 Anne Amie Estate Dry Riesling, Oregon (about $19 retail)
THE ROSES
- 2014 Presqu’ile Winery Pinot Noir Rose, California (about $20 retail)
- 2015 Domaine Bousquet Rose, Argentina (about $12 retail)
- 2015 Crios Rose of Malbec, Argentina (about $15 retail)
- 2014 Turkey Flat Rose, Australia (about $20 retail)
- 2015 M Minuty Rose, France (about $20 retail)
THE REDS
- 2014 Clos du Bois Pinot Noir, California (about $12 retail)
- 2014 Bell Wine Cellars Red Blend, California (about $17 retail)
- 2014 Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $20 retail)
- 2014 Parcel 41 Merlot, California (about $20 retail)
