Value-priced wines deliver ample flavor for festivities

Yes, the holiday season — with its many office parties and family get-togethers — is already upon us. Here are some wine recommendations to bring even more cheer to the festivities.

SPARKLING WINE

It takes a lot of care and attention to produce a good sparkling wine, and prices reflect the effort invested in the product.

At this time of year, folks are willing to splurge. After all, can you imagine a holiday celebration without bubbly?

» Value pick: The Sommariva Prosecco (about $16 a bottle), a light, refreshing, minerally sparkler grown and produced in the rolling hills of Veneto, Italy.

Prosecco is making a meteoric rise in popularity, and deservedly so, because of the great value it can offer. But quality can range widely.

This one is produced from an heirloom clone of prosecco and is grown and produced with an eye toward quality. Few can resist this wine’s captivating deliciousness and refreshing edge — all at an unbeatable price.

» If you are willing to invest a bit more, look for the Diebolt-Vallois Brut "Tradition" (about $48). This "grower," or artisanal, Champagne is remarkably light on its feet with tiny bubbles that flirt with the palate.

Though a bottle of this one might seem pricey, it really delivers for your dollar.

RED WINE

» Value pick: Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon (about $18), grown at 1,000 feet elevation in Paso Robles, Calif., certainly overachieves for the dollar. It’s a bottle of well-made wine produced from estate-grown fruit — terrific for the price tag!

» Another great bargain is the Palmina Dolcetto (about $17). Dolcetto is an Italian grape variety that in this case is grown and produced in the Santa Barbara appellation by Steve and Chrystal Clifton of Brewer Clifton fame.

One would be hard pressed to find a more interesting, delicious red at this price point. Don’t be surprised if it runs out first and people are asking for more.

WHITE WINE

» Value pick: Try the Boutari Moschofilero (about $16) from Greece. This light, off-dry white is delicious, refreshing and works with a wide range of foods.

» More value: CF Euro-Asian Riesling (about $14). This stellar, medium-dry, innovative German white was crafted with consideration to Hawaii’s warm climate and Asian cuisine.

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Chuck Furuya is a master sommelier and a partner in the DK Restaurants group. Follow his blog at chuckfuruya.com.