This is a long-time favorite (it used to have another name and another label), but one that doesn’t seem to be available when I want to buy it. But it does seem to be around now (check World Market and Central Market). It’s a $13 California wine with Italian-style minerality — the flinty quality that in poorly-made pinot grigios tastes like turpentine. But it also has lots of California citrus fruitiness. This is an excellent wine to serve as an aperitif during the holiday season, or with Christmas dinner leftovers.
One other note: If you’re looking for holiday wine suggestions, go here. I’ll run down sparkling wine for New Year’s next week.