By Carrie Dykes

When it comes to enjoying wine during a pandemic, there are a few things I factor in

that vacillate daily depending on my mood: Price, Ease, and deserved Luxury.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Times are tough, so getting the most out of your money is important. In the boxed wine game, there are a lot of variables but cost-effective doesn’t equal bad juice. These brands are delicious and each box contains four bottles of wine!

For a crisp white wine, go for Schplink Gruner Veltliner from Burgenland, Austria. It’s sustainable and the label has a real Kraftwerk feel to it.

Wineberry Château Tassin Bordeaux Blanc comes in an actual wood wine-crate. A blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, it’s round and textural with tropical notes.

From the Tank makes red, white, and rosé with organic and sustainably-farmed grapes from Southwest France.

Come for the adorable hedgehog on the label, stay for the refreshing rosé made from Carignan by Hérisson Moutard-Diligent.

EASY LIKE SUNDAY (or whatever day it is) MORNING

What is time these days? Time is a flat circle. What I’m saying is, there’s no judgment if you start earlier in the day. Who is around to judge anyway? These selections are easy charmers that you can sip on any time of day.

Wild Arc Piquette is a low ABV wine-spritzer cousin made biodynamically by the delightful folks at Wild Arc Farms in the Hudson Valley. The newest release is in adorable cans!

Chillable reds are perfect for warmer weather and Lightwell Survey Los Idiots from Virginia is a co-ferment of half Syrah, half Riesling. Glug-glug.

Tag and Jug is a cider house and winery in San Francisco that makes some really out there blends of cider and wine (in addition to straight ciders and straight wine). Refreshing and funky is a descriptor for most of the line but flavors and styles vary widely.

Lieb Bridge Lane Bubbles comes in adorable cans edged with rainbow waves. A sprightly effervescent Riesling with floral and citrus notes, and a hint of sweetness make for a perfect solo picnic.

Martha Stoumen Post Flirtation is back! This juicy, chillable red is a sought-after bottling so snatch it up if you see it.

The name says it all, Rose All Day is an easy-to-love rosé from the South of France that comes in still or sparkling, bottle or can.

TREAT YO’SELF

If there was ever a time to open up something special, it’s now.

Schmelzer Schlidt Und Ergreifend Weiss Cuvee is an orange wine made biodynamically from Grüner Veltliner, Weissburgunder, and Samling in Burgenland is the definition of beauty in a bottle. It sings of rooibos tea and marmalade and has textural structure that builds upon itself with each sip.

Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is just so dang enjoyable and lovely. A medium-bodied red made by one of the pioneers of biodynamic wine.

Don’t write off Riesling as a sweet variety. Most Riesling is actually some of the driest wine out there but it retains an incredible concentration of flavors. Look for “GG” on the label which stands for Grosses Gewachs and is a designation for ultra-dry Rieslings of renown. Dönnhoff GG Riesling is one example of this amazing category.

Some fancy champers like Besserat de Bellefon Cuvée BB 1843 will do the trick. BB is loved by BB herself—Brigitte Bardot and you can’t argue with that.

Domaine Romanée-Conti is as classic as it gets. If you are looking for a luxury wine that hits all the right notes, it’s DRC. Probably one of the most well-known and respected Burgundy houses, and for good reason.

Follow @lilmarzipan for more on wine, travel, and Pee-Wee Herman.

Wines Getting Me Through the Quarantine