Winc is a wine subscription box that re-imagines the traditional wine club by offering a regularly changing selection of unique, small production wines that are sourced directly from vineyards and winemakers.
I've been subscribing to Winc for years, and it's one of my favorite alcohol delivery options out there!
This box was sent at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
My December 2021 Wines: First Impressions
I usually stock up on red wines this time of year, but this winter has been very mild. Despite the scent of pine in the air and the festive cheer, red wine has felt just a little... heavy. So instead, I've been reaching for whites. It's funny, actually. Every time I pop open a bottle of icy white wine with Christmas music playing in the background, I feel like I'm living in one of those "Merry Christmas from the Tropics" postcards that features Santa in surfer shorts and sunglasses and a palm tree strung up with twinkle lights. Looking at my December Winc selection, you might even think I was packing for the beach; I opted for two whites, a bottle of bubbly, and a refreshing rosé. But so what, right? Let's lean into it and take a peek at the *cough* super light and summery wines I picked out from Winc this month.
Winc shipments are securely packed in molded cardboard, and I've never had a problem with damaged or broken bottles. As usual, my bottles arrived quickly and in great condition!
The Taste Test
Finke's NV Brut Sparkling White Blend- $16.99 (Member Price: $14.99)
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California | Light | Dry | 11.5% alcohol
I had a great time last month diving into Winc's bubbly offerings, and I have to be honest, it wasn't enough! When I was picking out my wines this month, I kept clicking back into the sparkling wine section, and ultimately, I gave in and ordered yet another bottle of Finke's Brut. This time of year, you can never have too many bubbles on hand, and Finke's Brut is a real winner. It's a great backbone for mimosas and other bubbly cocktails, and I think the price point is pretty solid. I'm actually planning to order a few extra bottles to keep on my wine rack for brunch-mergencies.
2020 Sauvetage Rosé- $15.99 (Member Price: $13.99)
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France | Light | Dry | 12.5% alcohol
Sauvetage is French for rescue, hence the floatation device featured on the label, and it certainly buoyed my mood when I opened up this bottle. I first tried this bottle when it was released over the summer, and it's been calling to me ever since. The light and reserved mineral-forward taste is just so utterly French. I think Sauvetage may be one of my favorite Winc wines of all time! There are hints of tart raspberry and flower petals, but this is not a wine with big bold fruit flavors. It's minimal, crisp, and elegant.
2021 Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Sauvignon Blanc- $15.99 (Member Price: $13.99)
Light | Dry | 12.7% alcohol
As someone who adores citrusy Sauvignon Blancs, I simply could not resist a wine called "Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy." As promised, the flavor of this vino was all lemon and citrus zest. It was tart and almost sour, but refreshing and bright at the same time. If I could have pulled back the sourness just a tad, I think the flavors would be been in better balance, but that's a small complaint. This wine was perfectly drinkable, and I found the label art to be sunny and uplifting.
2020 Yé-Yé Macabeo- $15.99 (Member Price: $13.99)
Spain | Light | Dry | 12.5% alcohol
I've tried and enjoyed Winc's Yé-Yé Albariño a few times this past year, so when I saw this new offering under the Yé-Yé label, I had to give it a try. But first? Research. What in the world is Macabeo? Here's what Winc has to say about this release:
This Macabeo is sourced from organically farmed vineyards at higher elevations that see large temperature swings between day and night. This heating and cooling result in slower-ripening, grapes with more complexity of flavor. You can expect telltale varietal notes of citrus, melon and hazelnut with a bright finish.
To my palate, this description was pretty spot on. To me, the wine tasted fresh and citrusy, with a round and fruity balance. It wasn't as sharp or acidic as the Sauvignon Blanc in this box, and it was smooth and easy to drink. I paired it with herbed roasted chicken, which was a great match.
Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $56.96
Value Breakdown: This box costs $56.96, which breaks down to a per-bottle cost of $14.24. Given the taste and quality of the wines I received, I'm pleased with the value of this shipment. In particular, I think the sparkling wine is pretty great for the price point. I'd expect to pay at least $5 more per bottle for similar California sparkling wines at the grocery store.
Key Takeaways
Okay, so I'll be the first to admit it: this box didn't feel very seasonally appropriate for December, but you know what? It's exactly what I was in the mood for! I appreciate that Winc allows me to choose my own bottles every month, and I enjoyed the heck out of my light and refreshing vino selections. I enjoyed both of the whites and the Finke's Brut was fantastic, but the standout bottle for me this month has to be the rosé. It was crisp, light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping poolside (or, you know, while sitting on the front porch in 80-degree weather peering in through the window at your Christmas tree). From the simple ordering process to the creative labels and the wine itself, I'm a fan of Winc. I've been a subscriber on and off for years, but next month, the switch will be flipping off again. I'm taking a step back from some of my recurring reviews to focus more of my attention on MSA's new forum, so Taryn will be taking over reviews of Winc. Taryn, I can't wait to see which wines you choose for your January review!
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To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Since Winc allows you to choose your wine, you can get any combination you’d like any month. Sign up today and curate your own selection, or let them choose a few bottles for you.
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