In today’s world, the new-age oenophile has options. Lots and lots of options.
Wine drinkers can source wine from virtually everywhere—online, local wine shops, wine clubs, digital auctions and so on. Prices for the same bottle can vary widely from your wine store to a multitude of wine sites, so being armed and ready to do some digging for the best deal is a smart approach.
Prices aside, not all wines are created equal. One $25 bottle might be drinkable, another may be life-changing.
In today’s landscape it can be hard to decipher which one is which when there are so many to choose from. Staying on top of current wine trends is another item to contend with (natural anyone?) when choosing that next bottle. All of it combined can make the process feel overwhelming.
My advice? Let’s turn to the experts—those who eat, pray and love wine day in and day out to see what wines pique their interest at the moment. Below we’ve consulted five such beverage powerhouses to get their take on what they’re drinking now, why they love it and what they’d eat with it.
Sara Lehman, Owner, Somm in the City @somminthecity
Wine: The Pale Rosé 2021 $16.99
Lehman, a certified sommelier and sherry specialist and owner of Somm In The City, a blog and event planning company, chose the Pale Rosé. “This stylish bottle is a crowd pleaser with a label inspired by a mid-20th century cocktail party! It is a wine that’s very true to the Provence Rosé style, and boasts great aromatic freshness, fruitiness and elegance. I recommend this as a great wine to pair with a baked Camembert topped with hot honey and mixed berry coulis,” she explained.
Amy Sedeño, VP and Partner CIIC PR & wine educator @amysedeno
Wine: Jansz Sparkling Wine I NV $24.95
Sedeño spends her days in public relations touting some of the world’s most interesting products and destinations and her nights as a wine educator and former sommelier at Abaco Wines. Her pick at the moment is the Jansz Sparkling. “I love an everyday sparkling moment. Made in Tasmania in the traditional method, this easy-drinking sparkling wine drinks well above its price range,” she explained. “It’s the perfect wine to take to a dinner party and know that everyone will be pleased. Made predominantly with Pinot Noir, on the nose it is fragrant with aromas of fresh berries, rose water and sweet brioche. The palate feels exquisitely creamy with delicate bubbles showing freshness and vibrant acidity. Tasmania’s cool climate is ideal for producing elegant sparkling wines with powerful fruit flavors and high natural acidity. I’d love to continue to see more from this region.”
Ana Gerst, Food and Beverage Consultant, Sommelier @anazgerst
Wine: Agricola Cirelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020 $20
Gerst not only has a soft spot, but also a specialty focus, on wines with natural and sustainable practices. So, it’s not surprising that her under $25 choice is a natural wine that hales from Tuscany in Italy. “It’s a perfect introduction for those wanting to dabble in natural wine made from 100% Montepulciano organic grapes, meaning less headaches the next day! It drinks smooth on its own, but pairs perfectly with pizza or pasta,” she noted.
Kimberley Cavoores, Owner, One Kourt Winery @onekourtstudio
Wine: Vina Zorzal ‘Malayeto’ Garnacha 2019 $21.99
Cavoores focuses on wine curation and sourcing on a daily basis in her wine shop, One Kourt, based in Greenport, New York on Long Island’s North Fork. While her favorite wine under $25 changes “from week to week or even meal to meal,” she explains, her current pick is the Vina Zorzal ‘Malayeto’ Garnacha. “I’m completely floored by Vina Zorzal ‘Malayeto’ Garnacha. This Spanish gem is bursting with loads of flavor and balance. I enjoyed it mostly for its balance of fruit and structure, but for its diversity as an everyday wine. It’s juicy but not overly so as Garnacha can be. The tannins are present without being chewy,” she said. “I would drink this with a variety of foods such as pizza, tacos, roast chicken, pulled pork or a good old-fashioned burger.”
Anne Malhere, Sommelier, Scarpetta Beach, Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa @annemalhere
Wine: Belle en Bulle Roche Bleue 2021 $19.99
Hailing from Brittany, France coupled with spending many years in New York City, the Hamptons-based Malhere appreciates all types of wine, but also finds great joy in finding unique, natural wines with no added sulfites. “My new ‘coup de cœur’ is a Rosé/red sparkling from the Loire. It is a 100% Pineau d’Aunis which is one of my favorite grape. I named my dog Aunis after this grape,” she added. “This wine is earthy with notes of strawberry compote, cherry and violet. When you drink it, it is mineral and very refreshing. I like that wine by itself, but it is your perfect aperitif wine with a plate of hard cheese and charcuterie.”
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