How exciting it was to read the Wall Street Journal Weekend section on Saturday and see a familiar name -- Jessica Granatiero, co-owner of the Savory Grape Wine Shop in East Greenwich.

Jessica was quoted by WSJ wine columnists John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter. I think this pair, more than any other regular columnist, knows how to make wine approachable, even for those intimidated by it. Their style is breezy. They have made drinking wine part of their lifestyle and they share their passion in an informative and fun way. This makes their weekend columns a must read.

For the most recent column, they wanted to show how easy it could be to expand one's wine knowledge by drinking different kinds of wine. Don't run out each night and buy a bottle, but buy a case (that's how you get discounts) of different wines and drink them over a few weeks to see which you like best.

They asked three wine merchants, including Jessica, to share which 12 bottles they would suggest among affordable wines.

Though most of their readers may not be near the East Greenwich shop, the idea was to show that with the help of a good merchant, anyone can put together an interesting case of wine.

Jessica's suggestions included these food-friendly suggestions:
1. Farnese Montepulciano (Italy). $9.99.
2. Domaine de Solitude Côtes du Rhône (France). $9.99.
3. Line 39 Sauvignon Blanc (California). $10.49.
4. Robertson Chenin Blanc (South Africa). $9.99.
5. Redtree Pinot Noir (California). $9.99.
6. Finca Flichman Malbec (Argentina). $8.99.
7. Stone Creek Unoaked Chardonnay (California). $10.99.
8. Casa Santos Arinto (Portugal). $8.99.
9. ZaZa Garnacha rosé (Spain). $10.49.
10. Undone Riesling (Germany). $10.99.
11. Cortenova Primitivo (Italy). $9.99.
12. Snoqualmie Sauvignon Blanc (Washington). $8.49.
Total: $107.44, including 10% case discount.

I called Jessica to learn how she connected with the WSJ. She told me she wrote Brecher and Gaiter when they penned a column praising the concept of small boutique wine shops. Jessica's is in that category and she sent them a note saying thank you for recognizing independent shops.

They kept her note, and their assistant called for her to be quoted in last weekend's column.

Jessica does some nice writing of her own with a weekly newsletter alerting customers to bargains and events at her lovely store. Learn more at The Savory Grape.