Whole Story

Making a list and checking it twice… Santa's not the only one doing that this year. As you plan your holiday festivities, you no doubt have a budget in mind and are crunching the numbers. You want to provide a nice spread for your guests but you have to live with yourself-and your bank account-when the party's over. Well, we've been making lists and checking them a whole lot more than twice to find the hits for our Top Holiday Wines. We tasted hundreds of wines and chose the best in their respective categories considering both quality and price. Every one of our selections comes in under $15 a bottle! That's right, wines that'll please your guests' palates and your pocketbook. Here's a sampling: Pisato Montepulciano Made with Organically Grown Grapes For turkey and other rich poultry consider this affordable alternative to Chianti with soft tannins and hints of dried fruit. Bold ruby color and dry, silky fresh tomato notes complement Italian food. Red Truck Zinfandel Made with Organically Grown Grapes Think of this bottle as an old friend in a snazzy new pair of shoes! A balanced, organic California wine, its brambly berries, cracked pepper and dark chocolate finish keep your attention, whether you're eating pot roast or pasta. Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir Warm cherry pie with vanilla ice cream and earthy oak dominate this bargain Chilean 2-pack from a brand you love. Enjoy a glass while you cook and still have enough for the table. Marqués De Riscal Rueda Selección Especial We bought all of this refreshing, full-bodied Spanish wine, but we'll share! Old-world Verdejo comes alive in a straw-colored wine brimming with fruit and fennel. A huge value, serve as an aperitif or with tapas or roasted chicken. What these and the rest of our Top Holiday Wines all have in common is that they represent the pinnacle of quality winemaking. So stock up and rest assured that you're getting some of the best wine values in the marketplace this holiday season.