A long and winding path has led master sommelier Richard Betts to success. Read more about his rock star life and simple approach to wine in Uncorked.

Bisol Prosecco NV, Italy
In his words: I looooove prosecco! Sparkling, pretty, and totally joyous. I drink more prosecco than Champagne these days. It’s also totally affordable.
Price: $14

5280 June 2008
More From The Issue

Bieler Family “Sabine” Rosé, France, 2007
In his words: Smells red, tastes white. It’s dry, cool, and goes with absolutely anything.
Price: $12

Scarpetta Pinot Grigio, Italy, 2007
In his words: Made by master sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Makinnon-Patterson of Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine, this white is a real pinot grigio. It’s full of pear, lemon/lime, and orange blossom aromas, and it’s perfect for the table.
Price: $18

Gaston Huet Vouvray “Le Mont”, France, 2006
In his words: This is Chenin Blanc at its best. Appley, earthy, and deep. This wine costs a little more than some, but it’s worth the expense.
Price: $30

Heretieres du Lafon Macon, France 2006
In his words: Dominique Lafon may be the best Chardonnay producer on the planet. His offerings from the Meursault region go for hundreds, even thousands of dollars, but his work from the lesser-known Macon area—this wine included—can be had for about $20 dollars and will deliver like a white Burgundy that is five times its price.
Price: $28

Trevor Jones Eden Valley Riesling, Australia 2007
In his words: When Riesling finally takes hold as it should, we’ll all be paying much more attention to Australia. This one is dry, is just loaded with fun tropical fruits, flowers, and minerals, and is totally refreshing. It’s like a Sauvignon Blanc with more charm.
Price: $16

LuLi Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, 2007
In his words: This is an awesome un-oaked Chardonnay from one of the very best up-and-coming, grape-growing spots in California. Made by the Pisoni family, with friend and master sommelier Sara Floyd, it is at once smart and delicious. This Chardonnay, free of oak, is a great partner to anything you could possibly cook up.
Price: $18

La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti “Ca di Pian”, Italy, 2006
In his words: Barbera is total fun. Red, rich, and completely yummy. It’s got big impact without weighing down the party. Producer Giorgio Rivetti is a master of this very polished wine style, and this is a great way to take a peek at his very special work.
Price: $19

Jacques Puffeny Trousseau, France 2005
In his words: Never hear of Trousseau? Most people haven’t. But the red, which comes in a funny bottle and sounds strange, drinks like one of the best Burgundies (pinot noir grape) you could hope for.
Price: $24

Lioco “Hirsch” Pinot Noir, United States
In his words: From the red-hot Lioco, one of the most revered vineyards on the Sonoma coast, comes this pinot noir, which is as close as you can get to a Burgundy from our own shores.
Price: $39