A holiday shopping list for wine lovers

We're #1! Good work, American wine lovers; again, we have crushed contenders France, Germany and Italy in volume of wine consumed, (according to International Wine & Spirit Research, a London-based drinks research group.)

Of course, we trail Europe by several yards in per capita consumption, not even cracking 50th place.

Still, our sales potential has attracted to our market a wealth of wines, both made in the USA and imported from every corner of the wine world.

Illinoisans are average U.S. consumers, drinking about 13 bottles per year.

And because we purchase the majority of those 13 between now and New Year's Eve, retailers are geared up with their best prices of the year.

So why wait? Avoid the crowds and begin using this wine shopping list today!

Crowd-Pleasing Whites: Have these whites on-hand for gifts, BYO and personal relaxation.

The Sauvignon Blanc grape is generally refreshing and unoaked, a perfect pairing to the widest range of company and international cuisines. Two favorites include:

Sauvignon Blanc “120”, Santa Rita (Chile): Need a last-minute gourmet dinner at home? Make one stop to your local grocery to fetch this bargain-priced beauty, for pairing with sushi, salads and other prepared dishes. Off-dry flavors compared to grapefruit and peach are balanced with zesty acidity, a consistent “Best Value,” under-$7.

Sauvignon Blanc, St. Supery (Napa Valley, California): Dynamic and dry with bright, fresh-cut herb flavors, never touching oak. Serve as an easy, elegant aperitif (with noshes including cucumber rounds topped with taramasalata or cured salmon) and with medium-weight dishes involving olive oil or herbs. (Widely available, about $17.)

Chardonnay remains America's #1-selling white grape.

Chardonnay, Truvee (Central Coast, California): Grapes sourced from the finest vineyards throughout California's Central Coast provide flavors of white peach, pear and zesty citrus, enhanced by the delicate brown spice of careful oak maturation. Add gourmet spin to mac 'n' cheese, rotisserie chicken, grilled pork chops and other daily fare with this affordable luxury. (Widely available, $12.99)

Warming Reds: Remember the recipe for cooking with wine: equal parts for pot and chef.

Cotes-du-Rhone “Saint-Esprit”, Delas: Moderately brawny and packed with fruit, herb and spice flavors. Make this value from a region of values your “bistro wine,” for rich cocktails and complement to comforting classics including steak frites, chili and meaty pasta. (Widely available, $12-ish.)

Pinot Noir, “Russian River Valley”, Gary Farrell (Sonoma County, California): Since the 1970s, Gary Farrell pioneered Sonoma County's Russian River Valley into recognition as one of the world's finest regions for Pinot Noir. Under new leadership, the winery continues 30-year partnerships with finest growers; winemaking techniques are 100 percent geared to express unique regional flavor (as the French say, the gout de terroir.) Lush and seductive, this wine combines fresh red berry flavor with savory mushrooms, dried figs and exotic spice, with a long satiny finish that calls for the next bite of filet, grilled salmon or game birds including duck, goose and your Thanksgiving turkey. (Wine shops, about $45.)

For the Wine Geek: True enthusiasts value quality over price, especially in wines grown off the beaten path.

For a unique white, ask your merchant for Spain's Albarino grape, specifically grown in the minuscule Rias Baixas region.

Albarino, Condes de Albarei: Plush and complex, with off-dry, peachy flavors, star-bright acidity and long, mineral finish make this Albarino a satisfying cocktail and complement to cured meats, pulpo all griglia and international tapas. (Wine shops, $14.)

For unique reds, look to Italy's Sicily, which holds fast to indigenous grapes while employing up-to-the-minute winegrowing techniques to create flavors for a modern palate. The Nero d'Avola grape is Sicily's pride, combining ripe fruit, earthiness and comfortably firm tannin.

“Ramione”, Baglio di Panetto: A blend of Nero d'Avola and merlot, rich but lively, with deep, pulsating flavors of red berries, plums and pepper. Serve with rich zuppa (such as Sicilian lentil and bacon soup), red meats and deep-dish pizza, either Sicily's sfincione known as Sicilian pizza or your own Chicagoland favorite. (About $23.)

What, no bubbly!? readers may ask. With so much fantastic fizz hitting our retail shelves, sparkling staples are covered in the current “Ross's Choice” and our next “Good Wine.”

Ross' choice

Name: Palmer Brut Reserve

Region: Champagne, France

Producer: Champagne Palmer

Vintage: Nonvintage (a multi-vintage blend)

Availability: Wine & spirits chains, specialty grocers, about $52

(Distributed by: Stoller Wholesale Distributing of Illinois, Elk Grove Village)

Founded in 1947 by owners of Champagne's finest vineyards, expansion has not swayed Palmer's commitment to the purest expression of terroir. Rich minerality and ample mouthful of white fruits reflect the chalky soils of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Fine, persistent mousse (bubbles) and aroma evocative of toasted brioche reflect bottle maturation two years longer than most producers. Freshness highlights the complexity of mature wine added from Palmer's vast reserve cellar. A new arrival to the U.S., Palmer is taking its place in the finest restaurants and shops, and will make an exciting addition to your table this holiday season.