By Rick Riozza
Mothers of all sorts are rejoicing over this upcoming Mother’s Day because they all know that their family will not hold back when it comes to the cost of the celebratory Mother’s Day bottle of wine! Hey!—it’s only once a year, so we are privileged to spend and do it up big time.
Of course you don’t need a wine article to recommend a pricey bottle of wine: Anyone can spend hundreds of dollars on a French Champagne—and cheers to you and yours who will do so; but what we’ll recommend below are some wonderful wines under $50. It’s not really the amount you spend in the wine game—after all, it’s really the love behind the smart purchase of a delicious wine for mom.
Mother’s Day is the busiest restaurant day of the year. If your family has reservations at her favorite venue, then you may as well choose a nice wine from the restaurant’s wine list—with or without the assistance of a somm. Regardless, it will be a perfect choice because of the love experience at the table—relish the time whilst we have it with our loved ones, no one wants regrets when it comes to the importance of the family.
But for many of us—who will be entertaining a roomful of family, the home luncheon or dinner will be front and center. And things are really relaxed here: we’ve quickly selected some bottles that are easy to obtain and are available at most supermarkets in our area. Please do consider these delicious wines to grace the table:
For starters, let’s look at a refreshing offering that will definitely satisfy the wine quaffers in the bunch, and give them something to talk about when it comes to their general knowledge of California Pinot Gris. It serves great as an opening apero and can play its way into the meal.
2022 Etude Winery Carneros Pinot Gris, around $30. Of course this is the new world’s take on the Italian Pinot Grigio or the French Pinot Gris from Alsace. The winemaker’s notes pretty much hit it on the head:
“On the nose, the wine is bright and cheery with fragrant white elderflower aromatics alongside hints of lime zest, kiwi and marzipan. On the palate, a flinty minerality comes through balanced by tropical notes of Granny Smith apple, white peach, lime zest and citrus blossom. The mouthfeel is lithe and supple providing depth and richness from the sur lie lees contact, giving the wine a luscious texture, weight and body.” It’s a complete gustatory package that can substitute for the usual Sauv Blanc or Chardonnay.
Tremendously balanced, refreshing and quite quaffable, this Pinot Gris finish provides a mouth-pleasing length that’s dry and crisp. This is perfect for Mother’s Day appetizers, barbecues, cheese boards, and easy sips.
But again, we’re focused on what delights the mothers most of all. Although they may appreciate a new Pinot Gris player in the mix, mothers may simply wish to enjoy their usual comfortable white wine on the table.
Enter now: the 2024 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($40). This Sauv Blanc, sourced from the heart of Napa Valley, offers bright, fragrant notes of Meyer lemon, white peach, orange blossom, and pineapple. Pairing beautifully with charcuterie or salads, this bottle is crisp and lively, perfect when chilled for a Mother’s Day brunch, luncheon, or light dinning.
For a deeper dive into this BV stunner, the winery notes state: “This is a classic expression of the varietal, showcasing its stunning Napa Valley character. It opens with a fresh, lively nose featuring lemon and lime zest, complemented by delicate white blossoms. On the palate, bright, juicy notes of lemon and freshly squeezed grapefruit are supported by sleek minerality and focused acidity. Subtle oak undertones add unexpected richness mid-palate. The mouthfeel is refined with delectable, whisper-like tannins. A delightful aperitif and a perfect pairing for light bites or charcuterie platters.”
Now onto a classic California Chardonnay: 2023 Stags’ Leap Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay ($35). This Chardonnay is a full-bodied, highly rated California white wine offering a creamy texture with bright, balanced acidity. It features aromas of lemon crème, white pineapple, and pear, with flavors of green apple, spiced oak, and toasted brioche. Definitely a “French style” White Burgundy meets California terroir.
Winemaker notes include: “For a truly exceptional Mother’s Day gift, this wine embodies both sophistication and depth, making it perfect for gifting the remarkable women in our lives. This rich and refined Chardonnay shines with aromas of lemon crème and white pineapple balanced by delicate notes of brioche toast and ginger spice. (92 pts).
So let’s circle back to the wonderful Etude Winery brand. Now the perfect red Mother’s Day Pinot Noir: the 2023 Etude Pinot Noir Carneros Grace Benoist Ranch ($47). This is one of the tastiest Pinots we’ve tried this year at this so-reasonable price range. A dark-fruited, spicy and typical Carneros wine. The palate is densely packed, with refined tannins and a plush, succulent mouthfeel that leads to a generous and mouthwatering finish. Plenty of perfume and generosity. We’re calling this wine: Mother’s Delight!
For Pinot lovers who may not know already, the Pinot Noir for this wine is grown on estate vineyards which lie tucked in the southwestern most corner of Sonoma. Unlike the majority of Carneros, which are largely uplifted bay bottoms with soils composed of clay, the soils at Grace Benoist Ranch are volcanic in origin. Grace Benoist Ranch is farmed to Etude’s exacting standards using environmentally sound viticultural practices. The ranch is certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing as well as Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming.
Here’s to a very merry Mother’s Day to you all! Cheers!
