James Nevison's top 5 wines under $20 for the holiday season
Author of Had a Glass: Top 100 Wines under $20 says good quality wine doesn't have to break the bank
It's that time of year for seasonal socializing and gift giving, which often means drinking and sharing wine.
If there is anybody who knows the difference between cheap wine and good-value wine, it may be James Nevison, Vancouver wine columnist, consultant and author of Had A Glass 2016: Top 100 Wines Under $20.
"That $20-mark is the comfort zone for most, beyond that they see it as an extravagance," Nevison said in an interview on CBC Radio's B.C. Almanac.
"My approach has always been good food and good wine should go together, and I want people to feel comfortable being able to pair the two together, and that means keeping it at a price point under 20 bucks."
Nevison tasted hundreds of white, rosé, red and sparkling wines from around the world to compile the 10th edition of his guide, but gave CBC his top five picks from the book for the holiday season:
1. Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, Spain
2. Joie Farm Rosé, B.C
"Another perennial local favourite, don't think that pink wines only pair with summertime patios. Rosé is amazing all year, and this fresh and fun blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay will go gangbusters with the Christmas goose or turkey."
3. Wild Goose Autumn Gold, B.C.
"An über-aromatic local white blend that year-in-and-out makes for easy pairing, whether crab cakes or roast chicken are on the menu."
4. Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina
