L’heure du Snack! Doesn’t that sound fancy? The French don’t generally “graze” like we Americans, but they do vigorously defend their right to the apéro, or the pre-dinner apéritif  hour. Personally, I love finger foods, nibbles, noshes—whatever you want to call them. And I sincerely believe that Super Bowl Sunday should just be called Chicken Wing Sunday so we can stop the charade that it’s actually about the football.
     Sitting down with friends for a glass of wine and a morsel or two doesn’t have to be a big to-do. How about some freshly fried corn tortillas and chilled ceviche with a zippy Verdicchio? Or warm slices of a savory quick bread with a soft, supple Pinot Noir. Maybe try Kermit’s favorite snack, Provençal popcorn: olive oil, sea salt, and dried thyme stirred into the popped corn. It’s an ideal pairing with rosé. Heck, with enough tasty treats, you can call it dinner and nobody has to know the difference. We’ve put together an assortment of versatile, ready-to-drink wines that don’t need a big meal to help them shine and added some recipes to inspire you. And should your snack hour become the dinner hour, you’ll be well covered. Snack on! –Jennifer Oakes

2014 Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi • Azienda Santa Barbara  $12.00
2014 Cheverny • Domaine du Salvard 16.00
2014 Val de Loire Chardonnay • Éric Chevalier 16.00
2014 Delle Venezie Bianco “Incò” • La Viarte 19.00
2014 Mâcon-Villages • Henri Perrusset 18.95
2014 Lambrusco Secco • Fattoria Moretto 19.95
2013 Barbera del Monferrato “Rosso Pietro” • Cantine Valpane 15.00
2013 Corbières “Réserve La Demoiselle” • Domaine de Fointsainte 16.95
2014 Vaucluse Rouge “Le Pigeuolet” • Brunier 18.00
2014 Bourgogne “Pinot Noir” • Régis Bouvier 19.95
2014 Pic Saint-Loup Rouge “Carra” • Château de Lascaux 19.95

Normally $206.70
SPECIAL SAMPLER PRICE
$155
(a 25% discount)