Up the Vine
When it comes time to pick a wine, it sometimes seems like there are an overwhelming number of them to choose from. Anyone can be forgiven for throwing up their hands and just going with a bottle they’ve had before and enjoyed. For those of us who could use some guidance, we turn to Columbus locals who work with wine every day and ask what they’re excited about and which wines might deserve more of our attention. —Landon Proctor
Chateau Puech-Haut Rosé
(Languedoc, France) $20.99
“One of the most stunning wines I’ve had in the rosé category. Rosés have become some of the most complex and layered wines that money can buy. Dry, mineral-driven, and delicate in style—the French have been making rose better and longer than anyone else.”
Sineann Pinot Gris
(Oregon) $23.99
“From one of my favorite wineries. Pinot Gris is the same as Pinot Grigio, but this comes from a cool climate in northern Oregon from a single vineyard. Almost in an Alsatian style, everyone should enjoy this wine on a regular basis.”
Three Degrees Pinot Noir
(Oregon) $18.99
“This comes from a particular sub-region of Oregon called McMinnville which lends a more rustic, spicy, power-driven style than many other Oregon Pinots. One of the best values in its category and a fantastic representation of a wine over-delivering for its price point.”
Confidencial Reserva
(Portugal) $12.99
“A red blend of local grapes: more full-bodied than a Pinot Noir, more like a Cotes-du-Rhone. Dark, brambly fruit with white pepper, tobacco, and earth. Beautiful and structured, this is your gateway wine to Portugal and needs to be enjoyed by more people!”
Callejon del Crimen Petit Verdot
(Mendoza, Argentina) $19.99
“Petit Verdot is one of the five noble grapes of Bordeaux, but under represented as a single varietal here in the U.S. This particular representation is smoky and mineral-driven; rich and decadent. Appealing to Cab drinkers.”
Clarendelle
(Bordeaux, France) $19.99
“From the same winemakers as Haut-Brion, one of the five first growths in Bordeaux, and named after Clarence Dillon who revitalized the estate. Sometimes people are wary of Bordeaux: there’s a lot of bad, inexpensive wine out there. If you’ve been burned in the past this might be the perfect way to reintroduce yourself, with a stylistic wine from a great producer.”
Tenuta di Arceno
(Chianti, Italy) $18.99
“A phenomenal Chianti Classico. From a region that can be known as being light or tart, this is a more generous, fruit forward example of Sangiovese. It’s awesome wine, lively, balanced tannins, and structured.”
Alvear Pedro Ximenez
(Spain) $34.99
“Pedro Ximenez is the lovely grape they make many sweet sherries with in Jerez. This comes from Montilla-Moriles, bordering Jerez, from a 1927 solera. One of the most successful dessert wines I’ve ever had; great for cooking or sipping. We even use it in our Manhattans.”
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