Wine Sips and Tips

Wine Sips and Tips

These are some of my favorite wines. All my picks are rated 86 points or higher in wine review publications, and most are under $15!

Whites:

The following white wines are slightly sweet and pair well with Asian flavors, spicy foods, fruits like apples, grapes, and pairs, and cheeses such as Stilton with Apricot, D'affinois, Triple Creme Brie.

• Pacific Rim Riesling 2008 (Columbia Valley) made with organic grapes - Aromas of citrus, honeysuckle, and jasmine. Subtly sweet with a bright acidity. Delicious! Around $11.99
• Ironstone Obsession Symphony 2008 (California) -  Luscious honey, pear, and citrus flavors. Between $8-10
• Dr. Loosen 2008 Riesling (Germany) - Fruity and refreshing. Crisp. A steal at $7.99 a bottle (at Wegman's)
• Lenz Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2005 (North Fork Long Island) - Pear, peach, honeysuckle. Bright citrus. $15-20. This comes from one of my favorite vacation spots - the North Fork of Long Island (close to the Hamptons). Check out By The Bluff Bed and Breakfast in Marion, NY!

Reds:

• Raw Power Shiraz 2008 (South Australia) - Bold, plummy, juicy, hints of blackberries and cherries. Smokey and chocolaty notes. Rated 91 points! Yum, one of my favorites. $9.99 or under. Great with meats, pasta dishes, bold Cheddar, Stilton, or Blue Cheeses.
• McMannis Zinfandel 2005 (California) - Blueberries, raspberries, chocolate, and cola. Around $7.99. Try with tomato-based pasta dishes, lamb, beef, salmon, or strong cheeses. McMannis also makes a great Petite Syrah.
• Panarroz Jumilla 2007 (Spain) - Blackberry, licorice, cola, and plum - rated 90 points! $7-8. Serve with BBQ meats, burgers, bold cheese.
• Altos De La Hoya 2007 Monastrell (Spain) - Deep purple, rich blackberries, lavender. Mineral quality. Between $11-12. Great with lamb, pork, steak, tomato-based dishes, BBQ, and roasted vegetables.