Congratulations! You’ve graduated, and now it’s time for the gifts that come with graduation. During graduation season, there will be a multitude of grad parties to attend and throw. What better way is there to wow your friends than with a wine that screams, “Welcome to the real world.” With student loan payments on the mind, one might go to the nearest grocery store and pick up a cheap, pretty bottle. This is a momentous occasion in one’s lifetime; stay away from the cheap wine!
Great wine does not have to be expensive to be elegant, complex, and delicious. Selecting a wine haphazardly, however, can result in a poor selection that may say, “Congratulations, cheers to a meek and unfortuitous future.” Let’s take a look at some top tier wines without the top tier pricing.(Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate from time to time.)
$7-$15
This wine displays notes of strawberry, vanilla, and black cherry, along with a light body and a pink hue. Pop some bubbly and celebrate!
A wonderful sparkling rose
Tierras Guindas 2011 Tempranillo
Loads of dark fruit flavor hit first with this one, with juicy berries taking the lead. Custard, spice, and nuts, along with a bit of mocha, round out the profile.
Pacific Rim 2012 Sweet Riesling
Bright acidity balances pronounced sweetness with apricot, mango, and mandarin oranges making up the bulk of the flavor profile. This is complemented by notes of peach, pear, pineapple, and orange blossom honey.
$15-$25
Malolactic fermentation in a blend of French and American oak lend the Starry Night Chardonnay a warm, full, and rich flavor profile. Apple, pear, and vanilla notes are highlighted by a toasty, creamy round finish.
A classic Burgundy style wine from the Russian River Valley, the Trione Pinot Noir displays luscious notes of blackberry, dark cherry, earth, and spice. A great structure and silky smooth mouthfeel complement these flavors beautifully.
A soft, delicate pinot noir from the Russian River Valley.
Lemon, green apple, honey, and grapefruit make up the flavor profile of this crisp and refreshing prosecco. This is paired with notes of toast, honey, and minerality to bring the wine into balance.
$25-35
Orin Swift 2012 Mannequin White Blend
A Chardonnay-forward blend with pear, honeydew, and tropical fruit notes. This gives way to spice, hazelnut, and a sweetish, creamy finish.
Justin 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
A traditional, rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, which highlights black currant, black cherries, and ripe tobacco. Spice, licorice, and black tea notes round out the mix.
A big, bold Cab from Paso Robles
This Spanish sparkling wine begins with notes of mango and passionfruit and gives way to a bit of smoke. It opens up to an herbal flavor, with more smoke, and citrus. The finish is lingering with pronounced acidity, invoking more lemon-forward citrus notes.
Graduation can be a stressful time. There is no need to stress while choosing a gift or a wine to enjoy if one follows this guide. Cheers to the real world!
