Commentary by Elizabeth Morse
Your inbox is slammed with promo codes. The invitations are piling up. The kids have changed their wish lists about 100 times. In-laws are visiting. The holidays are here and the pressure is on. One thing shouldn’t stress you out this season, and that’s choosing great wine. Check out this fail-proof guide to selecting a great bottle for any occasion. Boom.
Good never goes out of style, and that said, it’s time to talk about what excellent wine selections look like. Resist the urge at your wine shop to grab the trendy gift packs of pumpkin-spiced whatever. Don’t do it. Instead, follow this sage: stay classy. Select your category below:
Party wine
Value-driven options when you need loads of decent wine. I’m loving this little French red: Penya Cotes Catalanes Rouge. It’s so versatile and can be served with anything from burgers to pasta. A medium-bodied blend featuring Grenache, Carignan & Syrah with berry flavor and some tannins. Serve room temp or with a chill. Delish. Twist top. $8.99
Gettin’ gifty with It
These are bottles you give to friends and colleagues. I’d go with Stags’ Leap Petite Sirah, 2014. An elegant red wine that can be enjoyed now or age 20ish years, big blackberry and black raspberry flavors with baking spices and a lovely, long finish. Support California and choose this iconic wine. Approximately $50.
Happy holidays, to you!
One of my all-time favorites is Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. A stunning, deep salmon color. You’ll smell and taste huge amounts of berries. Strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Really feel fancy? There’s a website that will cover your bottle in mad amounts of glitter, any color. Just google the name of the wine and you’ll see it. You’re welcome, and you’re worth the $80ish #poppinbottles
Elizabeth Morse, an owner of Corner Wine Bar in Broad Ripple, grew up in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood and is a graduate of Broad Ripple High School and Indiana University. A Hoosier chef, restaurateur, food writer, wine guru and Hamilton County Master Gardener, she believes in supporting all things local. Morse has been a resident of Hamilton County for more than a decade. Have a wine or entertaining question? Shoot an email to [email protected].
