Countryside at sunset; Aspen, Colo.

Always keep quality in mind when buying wine for any occasion. When buying wine for large groups, try to keep the price down.

• Things to remember when shopping for wine:
  • price
    
  • availability
    
  • type of occasion
• Uniquely package wines can be a great value.
  
• Lesser known wines can be a good conversation piece.

Wines Under $20

• Firesteed Pinot Noir, 2002 vintage, widely available throughout the U.S.
  
• Kendall-Jackson Riesling, 2003 vintage, widely available throughout the U.S.
  
• Segura Viudas Aria Extra Dry, widely available in the U.S.
  
• Sutter Home "Little Pink Box" White Zinfandel, available nationally at major supermarket stores
  
• Two Tone Farm Merlot, 2001 vintage, nationally distributed
  
• Miner Family Rosato, 2003 vintage, made under 1000 cases so there's limited availability; sold at select retail stores
  
• d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Marsanne Viognier, 2003 vintage, available widely in fine wine stores and restaurants
  
• Martinelli Gewurztraminer, 2001 vintage, available in select restaurants and through select online stores
  
• Montecillo Rioja Reserva, 1998 vintage, widley available

Wines Under $50

• Truchard Carneros Pinot Noir, 2000 vintage, available in premier wine shops and upscale restaurants
  
• Louis Jadot Santenay "Clos de Malte," 2000 vintage, 2000 vintage is somewhat limited in availability; 2001 and up are available everywhere in the U.S.

Wines Over $100

• Krug Grande Cuvee, readily available throughout the U.S.
  
• Ornellia, distributed nationally at major wine retail stores

Perfect Pairings

Caviar and Krug Grand Cuvée Champagne
Rack of Lamb and Ornellaia
Cobb salad and Firesteed

Resources

Miner Family Vineyards
Oakville, Calif.
800-366-9463 x 19
www.minerwines.com

d'Arenberg
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Ph: + 61-8-8323-8206
www.darenburg.com.au

Range and Rustique
403 Luis Lane
Basalt, Colo.
970-927-3337

Renaissance Restaurant
304 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, CO 81611
888-311-CHEF (2433)
dine@renaissancerestaurant.com, www.renaissancerestaurant.com

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