Recommendations

Recommendations

Prices are approximate. Call stores to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.

Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco 2010, $14

Alto Adige, Italy

Crisp and delicate, with a note of pear, a bit of brine and a clean finish. Fans of easy-drinking pinot grigio should give this a try for a bit more complexity.

Dalla Terra: Available in the District at Bell Wine & Spirits, Rodman’s. Available in Maryland at Wegmans in Lanham. Available in Virginia at Salute! Wine Market in Winchester, Wegmans in Fairfax.

Abbazia di Novacella Kerner 2010, $17

Alto Adige, Italy

Lots of fleshy peach and melon on the nose; full-bodied in the mouth, with good acidity on the finish. This is a joyous, aromatic white for winter.

Vintage Epicure: Available in the District at Calvert Woodley, Schneider’s of Capitol Hill. Available in Maryland at Bin 604 in Baltimore. Available in Virginia at the Frenchman’s Cellar in Culpeper.

Elena Walch Gewurztraminer 2010, $19

Alto Adige, Italy

Full-bodied, with aromas of apricot and almond, a nice balancing acidity and a clean finish. This will change your mind about Gewurztraminer.

Chambers & Chambers: Available in the District at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill. Available in Maryland at I.M. Wine in Fulton, and Bin 604 and Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore.

J. Hofstatter Meczan Pinot Nero 2010, $19

Alto Adige, Italy

Beautiful, Old-World subtlety, fresh, light berry notes and silky tannins. A good-value pinot noir that’s more Burgundy-like than New World.

Domaine Select: Available in the District at Calvert Woodley, MacArthur Beverages. Available in Maryland at Bin 201 in Annapolis, Bin 604 and Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore, I.M. Wine in Fulton.

San Pietro Pinot Noir 2010, $13

Alto Adige, Italy

Fresh, vibrant with berry and cherry, and a tart finish. At this price point, you won’t find many pinot noirs, from anywhere in the world, this good.

Michael Skurnick: Available in Maryland at Bin 201 in Annapolis, Bin 604 in Baltimore, I.M. Wine in Fulton.

Cantina Terlano Quartz Sauvignon Blanc 2008, $53

Alto Adige, Italy

A splurge, but one of the most intense and interesting whites I’ve tasted all year. Rich, complex and layered, with tart fruit and smooth honey, but with a pronounced note of herbs and smoke and a long, mineral finish.

Banville & Jones: Available in the District at MacArthur Beverages, Magruder’s, Potomac Wine & Spirits, S&R Liquors; on the list at Rasika, Cafe Milano, Proof, Tosca. Available in Maryland at Bin 604 in Baltimore; on the list at Cinghiale, Passo. Available in Virginia at the Italian Store in Arlington; on the list at the Inn at Little Washington, Landini Brothers.