It’s the time of year to drink and be merry – and whether you like red, white, or bubbles, finding the right one for your taste buds and your budget can be a challenge.
Food and Wine Magazine’s executive wine editor Ray Isle shared his wallet friendly picks with CNBC’s “On the Money.”
Dr. L Sparkling Riesling ($13)
While Prosecco may be the best-selling sparkling wine in the world by volume and Champagne is the drink of choice for many when it comes to celebrations, Isle has another option. “A lot of what’s been going on this year in wine is that people have been trying different stuff like breaking out of their normal realm,” he told CNBC.
Isle notes that this German Riesling is fruity, crisp and has a tangerine flavor to it, and it’s also not sweet.
2017 Cune Monopole ($15)
People associate Spain’s Rioja region with red wine, but Isle says this light, crisp Rioja white is an ideal alternative for Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc lovers and makes for a great aperitif wine.
This winery first stated making Monopole in 1915— and it’s the oldest registered white wine brand in Spain.
2016 Badenhorst Secateurs ($17)
Adi Badenhorst is a winemaker from South Africa. For his Secateurs red, Isle says “it’s Cabernet, but blended with Rhone varieties like, Cinsault and Carignan, so it lightens up the Cabernet.”
The name “Secateurs” comes from a term for grape vine-pruning shears.
NV Pierre Peters Cuvée de Reserve Brut ($55)
If you’re looking to splurge, Isle says this champagne is “a killer wine – can’t go wrong with it.”
Isle explains this is a “grower champagne” meaning all the grapes used come from Pierre Peters’ own estate, unlike producers such as Moet or Veuve Clicquot which source their grapes from a number of different farmers.
Ready to sip on some champagne? Isle says make sure to hold the cork steady and turn the bottle, pointing it away from people. Isle notes the cork pops out at 40 miles per hour ” about the same pressure as a car tire.”
And keep your champagne chilled because if it’s too warm the wine editor says the champagne will foam out.
Finally he says, “don’t chill down in the freezer and then forget about it – because it will explode in your freezer and you will be bummed.”
On the Money airs on CNBC Saturdays at 5:30 am ET, or check listings for air times in local markets.
