So last week we talked (OK, I talked) about bringing a good bottle of wine to a host. I wanted to expand further on the subject but then the blog started getting really long and I know you’re busy and..

I like to call it “picks that may not cost a lot but can sound really cool when you explain it”:

Mano a Mano (around $10)
What to Say: “Spain is one of the great undiscovered wine areas where you can still find an incredible wine at a ridiculous price. This one is a Tempranillo – it’s a rich and hearty Spanish grape like the ones they use in Rioja.”

Kim Crawford Pinot Noir (about $20)
What to Say: “The cool climate in New Zealand is perfect for growing Pinot. Marlborough is like New Zealand’s Napa in terms of quality wines.”

Louis-Jadot Poully-Fuissé (about $20)
What to Say: “Did you know a Pouilly-Fuissé is a Chardonnay? Yeah, in France, they name wines after regions not the varietal like we do here. It would be like a Cab being called a Napa, since Napa is so famous for Cabs.”

Chandon (about $14)
What to Say: “Did you know Chandon sparkling wine is the sister house to Moët and Chandon.” (Bonus points for pointing out that Mumm Napa is the sister house of French Mumm.)

Razor’s Edge Shiraz (about $12)
What to Say: “I really like this Australian Shiraz. Wine Spectator labeled a ‘Best Value Wine’ and so did that big wine critic Robert Parker.”

Don’t worry. I won’t tell..