Five white wines to keep your holiday guests happy
Whether you find yourself in need of a gift for someone else or in need of a drink to get through the holidays, here are five white wines that are worth seeking out this December.
Sommariva Prosecco Brut, $21
For me, this is the perfect blend of quality and price point. As I write this, I have three bottles of Sommariva Prosecco waiting for me in my wine fridge. You can bring this out for guests, for yourself, at the beginning of the night or at its end, and it’ll always work. My only complaint is that Arkansas never seems to get magnums of it (which our neighboring states of Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee often do). Until we fix that, you’ll just have to buy two bottles at once; better yet, a case!
Teutonic Wine Co. Jazz Odyssey, $22
Teutonic, out of Oregon, is one of my favorite wineries to come into the Arkansas market in recent years. Their wines are always fun, delicious, and are made with such a clear point of view that it’s hard to mistake them for any other producer in the Willamette Valley. I’ve written about their red and rosé wines before, but this white blend (riesling, pinot gris and viognier) is every bit the superstar. It’s been my summer go-to for a while, but that’s not changing just because the temperatures drop.
Cottanera Barbazzale Bianco, $22
Just because you’re spending the holidays in Arkansas doesn’t mean you can’t sip yourself to an Italian “The White Lotus” fantasy. This wine showcases the native Sicilian grape Catarratto with a small amount of the extra-floral viognier. Light and refreshing, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a long day of cooking prep, gift-wrapping, and food comas on the couch.
Presqu’ile Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, $24
Pronounced “pres-KEEL,” this winery has deep Arkansas connections to its California roots. Their Santa Barbara chardonnay is a crowd-pleaser, especially for those looking for a white wine on the heavier end of the spectrum. Look for notes of Meyer lemon, citrus peel, delicate white flowers and a hint of salty coastal air.
Domaine Trotereau Quincy, $25
It turns out that sauvignon blanc isn’t just for the summer. When it’s grown in the small French village of Quincy, sauvignon blanc takes on a whole new character, leaning into a unique depth and roundness. This is as far from the grapefruit-focused wines of New Zealand as you can get. I’ve served this for years at holiday parties, and it’s always a hit.