Babylonstoren Sprankel Sparkling from South Africa
Drizly’s fourth annual Consumer Trend Report reveals Gen Z’s blossoming appreciation for wine—which comes as no surprise. Gen Z is a quality-minded generation that makes intentional decisions about everything they consume, it’s no wonder wine is compelling to them. Based on Drizly’s nationwide survey of adults of legal drinking age conducted during April 2022, the most remarkable metric shows that the Gen Z consumer has a surprisingly big taste for red wine. According to the report, “The nation’s youngest legal drinkers cited red wine as the drink they most anticipate buying more of this year, topping a list that included tequila and hard seltzer.” The world of wine is a vast and marvelous place to explore, below is a list of wine in every price range to get wine drinkers of every age even more excited about wine.
Great Deals in Wine
Babylonstoren Sprankel Sparkling: South African sparkling wine is a world-class deal—exceptional wines made in the Champagne method (what they call Methode Cap Classique) with very under-the-radar coverage means you’ll drink like the Queen—for a lot less. Aged four years on the lees, this bubbly has a creamy mousse-like texture and vibrant rich notes of pear and apple. $35 avg online.
Di Giovanna Vurria Nerello Mascalese Rosato, 2021: Organic, Sicilian and rose—a delicious combination. Made with Nerello Mascalese grapes, this wine’s salmon pink hues, wild strawberry aromas and juicy mouthwatering flavors make it an easy choice for everyday drinking. $15 avg online
Pazos de Lusco Albarino, 2021: Cultivated in the northern, cooler region of Spain, the Albarino grape produces wines of rich flavors (think peaches, pear and apples) tem pered by mouth-watering acidity. These are great wines to pair with spicy food and especially delicious to sip on poolside. $13 avg online
Staffelter Hof Little Red Riding Wolf, Abfuller, Germany: A red from Germany’s Mosel region that shows a delicate and juicy palate. It’s 100% Spatburgunder, a German Pinot Noir, and a lower-alcohol red that packs a juicy, fresh punch. It would sing with spicy rack of ribs. Jan Matthias Klein is winemaker. Delightful, unfiltered wine fun. $23
A Chardonnay You Must Try—Diatom Santa Barbara County, 2021: Crafted by Greg Brewer, one of Santa Barbara’s most talented winemakers, this wine walks the challenging line between opulent and silky and fresh and pure. Brewer’s juicy, tropical and focused chardonnay is an unvarnished reflection of Santa Barbara terroir and climate. Spectacular, and only $27.
The Maremma Appellation in Tuscany is still a bit under-the-radar for most wine lovers, which is why now is a great time to explore the offerings. Varietals from Canaiolo and Merlot to Vermentino and Chardonnay are cultivated in Maremma’s diversity of soils and climate. Two to try: Argentaia Col di Lupo, Maremma Toscana, 2017 (a ripe, fruity Sangiovese and Merlot blend) & Mazzei Tenuta Belguardo Maremma Toscana, 2017 (a polished, silky red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.)
Tedeschi San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, 2018: The alpine conditions that shaped this wine lend it a savory mouthwatering aspect. Made in northern Italy’s Veneto region, the wine is pressed over dried grapes to lend it even more body and texture. It is rich and savory with notes of dried black cherry, plum and a bit of tobacco spice. $24.99
Go Big Splurge Wines:
Barone Ricasoli Colledila Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018: Since its start in 1141, the Ricasoli winemaking family has been refining its approach to Sangiovese. They are the fourth oldest family business in the world and the oldest winery in Italy. This bottling is a unique single vineyard expression with satiny black cherry fruit, structure and seamless tannins that together deliver purity and complexity. A remarkable example of what Sangiovese can be. $77 avg price.
The Kosta Browne Appellation Series of Wines—This collection of world-class wines is made from a range of top sites for cultivating pinot noir in California. Each one delivers a delicious window into the differences of terroir and climate. Consider the cooler blue-fruited profile of their Anderson Valley Pinot Noir versus the rounder, more generous offering from Russian River Valley. They are definitely in the splurge pricing range, but worthy reflections of the distinct terroirs that define some of CA’s best appellations. $115 on average
