NV Christophe Mignon Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs Pur Meunier ($47)
This cuvée captures two current trends: It’s ultradry (zero dosage) and made from 100% pinot meunier, which gives it bright, intense fruit-and-floral aromas and a creamy texture.
NV Henriot Blanc de Blancs Brut ($50)
A young woman chef de cave makes this zingy aperitif-style all-chardonnay fizz. Although some shops charge more, it can be found with a $50 price tag, and sometimes less.
Bright Whites
From light, elegant aperitifs to lusciously rich wines for a grand dinner
2019 Enrico Serafino Gavi di Gavi Grifo del Quartaro ($15)
This clear, crisp, chalky white made from the cortese grape is evidence that this Piedmontese winery is on the verge of a renaissance.
2019 Tommasi Lugana Le Fornaci ($18)
Made from the turbiana grape, this pale, mineral-y white comes from an Italian region on the shores of Lake Garda that’s just catching global attention.
2019 Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($20)
Vivid, citrusy, and intense, this is more subtle than most New Zealand “savvies” and silkier in texture.
2019 Château Pégau Cuvée Lône Côtes du Rhône Blanc ($20)
Domaine Pégau produces expensive cult wines, but its château line includes this fresh, ripe, peach-scented white that offers a taste of the style for much less.
2017 Guido Marsella Fiano di Avellino ($23)
Fiano is one of Italy’s underrated white varieties, but it shouldn’t be. This round-textured organic bottling with juicy fruit-and-almond flavors shows why.
2017 Duchman Family Winery Roussanne Oswald Vineyard ($24)
Get ready to be wowed by the first vintage of this vibrant, savory Texas white made from a white grape popular in the Rhône Valley.
2018 Reyneke Old Vine Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch ($27)
South Africa is an excellent source of stunning chenin blanc. This pale, straw-colored, biodynamic white is rich and layered, with quince and spice notes.