Oh, the simple luxury of a really nice glass of wine. There is something so pleasant in savoring the taste of a refreshing fruity white in the summer, or a smooth bold red before dinner.
Unfortunately, such luxury usually comes with a price that many Columbia students cannot afford. But some merchants do provide great wine for an affordable price, and they are conveniently located in our neighborhood.
Morningside Heights staple International Wines and Spirits offers a variety of wine and liquor, but navigating the store can prove difficult for the wine newbie. Luckily, sales associates like Jordan Panaiotov can help customers make selections to fit their taste and budget.
He recommends varietals from regions known for the value of their wine, like Argentine Malbec, Australian Shiraz, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and German Riesling. The Argentine Malbec Parral de los Monjes can be purchased for $8.99, and the Wishing Tree Shiraz from Australia is $12.99.
For students who prefer the better-known Old World regions, Panaiotov suggests certain varietals that tend to be more affordable. For California wines, students should try Zinfandel, a spicy medium to full-bodied red, or Viognier, a dry white that is similar to a Chardonnay, though often fruitier.
What about Italian wines? Panaiotov suggests Chianti, the country’s most popular red. Look for a Chianti Classico to ensure that it comes from the Chianti region and has been certified.
On Amsterdam Avenue, a new wine establishment is making a name for itself with a strong offering of quality wines under $25. Vino Fino was opened by Jorge Alvarado in May 2008. He handpicks quality affordable wines and knows them well.
Some highlights from his store include the CaDonini Cabernet Sauvignon ($10), an Italian red he describes as “a nice table wine with a lot of character.” He also recommends the Mesta Tempranillo ($13), a Spanish wine that is “very easy to drink with a nice dry finish.”
Alvarado also stocks many affordable whites, such as the Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc ($14). This wine is balanced and appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Vino Fino uses color-coded price tags and stocks fewer wines that customers can browse very easily. This kind of independent specialty shop is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Affordability makes all wines more accessible, and knowing where to go and what to try makes enjoying great wine even easier. Both of these local merchants allow Columbia students to do just that.
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