a good glass of wine

A Good Glass of Wine November 2008

Wine columnist Wini Moranville guides you to the best bottles for the money

How do you choose a wine to harmonize with all those flavors that crowd holiday tables from Thanksgiving to New Year’s? One quality to look for is acidity—a palate-perking brightness that sets you up for the next festive bite.

Rioja/Tempranillo
Almost all Roijas from Spain are dominated by the Tempranillo grape. Choose those labeled crianza (the younger wines) for fresher, brighter sips. Look for Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza ($15) and Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Crianza ($11).

Select Rosés
Good picks for the holiday table include Pink Truck (California; $10), Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Rosé (Spain; $9) and Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare (California; $15).

Chianti/Sangiovese
Made in Tuscany, mostly from the Sangiovese grape, the best Chiantis brim with brightness and robust fruit flavor. Look for Da Vinci Chianti ($16), Cecchi Chianti Classico ($12) and Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico ($13).

Sauvignon Blanc
Save the super-tart bottles for summer; in winter, reach for a more restrained pick. Look for: Moon Mountain (Sonoma County; $11), Sterling Vintner’s Collection (Central Coast; $9) and Dynamite Vineyards (Sonoma County; $11).