Top Three Bottles: May 2026
The first Wednesday of every month I will be bringing my top three bottles to you. This was one of the original inspirations for me to start Far & Low. I had more than a few friends ask me what I’m drinking right now or asking about some pairing or wine options. My hope is to bring you something new or interesting and give you affordable producers that can help you approach dinner on a weeknight or wow your coworkers on the weekend.
Spring is here! These are the three bottles I am reaching for right now.
Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut
Burgundy, France – $25
Champagne gets all the attention, but Crémant de Bourgogne is made the exact same way and costs half the price. Louis Bouillot is one of the best producers in Burgundy doing it, and this bottle consistently punches above its weight. Expect fine bubbles, a creamy texture, and fresh citrus and apple flavors that make it an easy yes for any occasion. It also comes in a Rosé and a Blanc de Noir made from 100% Pinot Noir, which takes on a golden straw color but gives you enough red berry aromas to surprise you.
Pair it with: virtually anything. Personal favorite is chicken nuggets and honey mustard.
Fun fact: this is made using the méthode traditionnelle, the same labor-intensive process used in Champagne. The difference is the grapes and the appellation. The quality gap is much smaller than the price gap would suggest.
Dr Heidemanns Bernkastel Riesling Kabinett
Mosel, Germany – $20
Mosel Riesling is one of the most distinctive wines in the world, and this bottle is one of the most accessible ways into it. Expect bright citrus, a streak of minerality, and that signature tension between fruit and acidity that makes Mosel wines feel alive in the glass. This one is off-dry, meaning there is a touch of sweetness that balances out beautifully. If you want to go drier, look for the word "trocken" on the label. If you want to go sweeter, look for "spätlese."
Pair it with: creamy pasta, seafood, or anything with a little spice. I personally like to load up a pad thai with some chili paste!
Fun fact: the vineyards in the Mosel are some of the steepest in the world, with slopes approaching 60 percent in places. Growers use monorail systems to get around. The vines essentially grow off cliff faces above the river.
Buying straight from the source in 2025!
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Southern Rhône, France – $30 to $80
Few wines carry as much history as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The name translates to "new castle of the Pope," a nod to the 14th century when the French papacy relocated to Avignon and brought its wine culture with it. The wine itself is typically a blend led by Grenache alongside Mourvèdre and Syrah, though up to 18 grape varieties are permitted (only 13 if you don’t count the color mutations). The result is big, bold, and fruit-forward with a complexity that rewards patience. The vines grow out of fields of large smooth stones called galets that absorb heat during the day and release it at night, extending the growing season.
Pair it with: grilled lamb, venison, or ribeye. This wine wants food.
I don’t have a producer for you on this one. You can enter this category at $30 and spend up to $80 in most stores. The best known producers will start at $80, but it doesn't mean you need to spend that much to have a great experience with this wine.
The 2023 vintage is widely available at H-E-B (for those in Texas) and Trader Joes (great find by Josh in California) right now. Buy it, decant it while you cook dinner, and you will be surprised what a $30 bottle can do.
All prices are approximate and may vary by retailer and region.
Support your locally owned wine shops!
Next month I will be back from Napa and Portugal. The June list is going to look a little different. Follow along on my Instagram.
