Her Two Cents

I have a friend who’s a wine connoisseur. (Becca? I’m talking about you.) It’s awfully nice to share a meal with her, because she really knows her wine menu. And she’s got an impressive collection of bottles in her basement—all carefully selected, all wonderful.

On my own, however, I’m a buy-the-bottle-with-the-prettiest-label kind of girl. I see no need to purchase anything that costs more than $20, because I’m not an advanced enough wine drinker to taste what I’m gaining in a more expensive bottle.

But anyone who’s ever shopped for $15 wine knows that there’s plenty of selection—and some of it’s not all that great. So I was excited when I received a copy of Good Better Best Wines: A No-Nonsense Guide to Popular Wines a few weeks ago. The author, Carolyn Evans Hammond, is a qualified sommelier, and this book is my new best friend.

In it, Hammond presents winning (and cheap!) wines in every conceivable category, from Sauvignon Blanc to Shiraz to dessert wine. Within categories, they’re organized by price, from $4.99 and under to $11 to $15. Within a price range, they’re ranked: Good, Better, and Best.

So, for instance, are you looking for a Merlot for $8 to $11?

• Good: Fetzer Vineyards Valley Oaks
• Better: Bogle Vineyards
• Best: Rosemount Diamond Label

The book is easy to use, and her recommendations are accompanied by serving suggestions and wine storage tips. Frankly, the only problem I face is that the wine stores near me don’t always carry some of the wines on her lists—an issue which is probably unique to Manhattan, where retail space is limited. But when I can find it, I’m a lot more confident about buying a bottle of Cavit Collection Pinot Grigio (a “Best” in the $8 to $11 range).

It also makes a good little gift. Check it out.