The French Paradox Value Wine of 2021
In selecting a value wine of the year for 2021, we followed much the same criteria as we had in choosing the overall wine of the year. Just as before, the nominees were required to be compelling, available and (in this case) under $20.
Our initial debates unearthed a host of worthy candidates ranging from crisp Loire whites (Touraine, Muscadet, etc.) to burley new world reds (Paso Robles Cabernet, Columbia Valley Syrah) and many styles and regions in between. Ultimately, we settled on our winner based not only on the parameters above, but also on two qualities not easily found in the same bottle of wine: the ability to surprise and delight.