Many women (and some men) already know about the members-only designer and luxury flash sale site appropriately called Gilt. I confess I was a huge fan of the concept, especially when it was launched in 2007, but my obsession slightly dwindled when I finally came to the realization that my closet was bursting with garments and I couldn’t possibly fit another pair of shoes under my bed. Kinda like my wine cellar… although I always somehow manage to find room for more in that.

But then they threw me a curve ball. Gilt Groupe, the crafty parent company for all the Gilt sites as well as Jetsetter and Park & Bond, launched Gilt Taste in May of 2011. Premised as a marketplace offering artisanal hard-to-find foods, I perused with great interest all of the fantastic foodie luxuries my pantry was so desperate to house. Although the prices weren’t as knock-your-socks-off good as they appeared to be on the company’s other sites, it’s a fantastic resource for easy access to notoriously hard to find items like fresh truffles, exotic meats and a wide assortment of micro greens. There are also killer entertaining or aficionado assortments, like the drool-inducing D’Artagnan “Happy Hour in a Box” cured meat set or Artisanal Premium Cheese’s “Connoisseur’s Collection.”

Great. Bad enough for my wallet as is, but then in late August, Gilt Taste launched their wine section, starting with more than 50 bottles but rapidly expanding to what is now more than 100 selections. I know what you’re thinking…. over 100 selections of wine, so what? I have more than that in my basement! What’s the big deal?

Well, first is the range. The assortment offers choices from around the globe (although it is heavy on the traditional retail regions like California, Italy and France), and the prices vary from inexpensive (like a Geatien & Meyer Saumur Brut Rosé for $16.99) to higher-end and classically cult (Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2005 Pauillac at $159.00).
 

And then there are some older or rare finds that are worth checking out just for the experience of tasting them. Items like the Domaine de Chevalier 1999 L’Esprit de Chevalier Pessac-Leognan Blanc and the Edi Kante 1991 Terranum Selezione from Carso in Northern Italy are sure to provide a lasting impression and wine memory, broadening your palate and providing greater reference for all your future consumption. There’s a selection of Hermann J. Wiemer Rieslings and Gewürztraminers, sharing some of the best wines from New York’s Finger Lakes wine region with thirsty drinkers across the states that might not otherwise have access to them. And why not go “orange” with Vodopivec’s 2006 Amphora?

But on top of the varying range is the layout of the site. Each selection opens to a close-up bottle image, a description of the wine and technical details such as varietals, alcohol and appellation. Every wine also carries a description of the producer complete with picture, providing a glimpse into who makes what you’re about to buy. There’s also an aging recommendation, serving temperature and detailed food pairing suggestions for each. What else could one possibly need?

It’s refreshing to come across a resourceful retail site that has so much to offer without feeling overwhelmed by too many selections. Good thing the holidays are here, as it’s absolutely with others in mind that I’ll keep checking in on this GILTy pleasure.

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