It’s Wednesday and you are already thinking about your weekend plans and perhaps which wines to purchase. Each Wednesday, I post two recommendations for your weekend wine choices which are under $20.00 – one white and one red. On Monday, October 8, those of us in the United States will be celebrating Columbus Day…and if you don’t want to wave an Italian flag or research the landing of Columbus in Hispaniola, you can at least bake a little mostaccioli, order a pizza, or put together some bruschetta paired with these favorite Italian wines which were sent to me as samples and are new releases from the estates of one of my favorites, Casa Vinicola Zonin.
**2011 Tenuta Ca’ Bolani Pinot Grigio – From the Aquileia DOC near the northeast Italian coast, the grapes in this 100% Pinot Grigio were hand harvested from high density/low production vines. I love the strong and bold aromas and tastes of spice and flowers as well as its crisp, dry, go with anything style. Perfect with marinated mozzarella, grilled fish, a vegetable pizza, or some warm, crusty bread and olive oil, this wine which received Best of Class and a Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition this past July should be on your list – for the weekend and anytime! Price is around $12.00.
**2010 Feudo Principi di Butera Nero D’Avola – With deep ruby colors and aromas of almonds and spices, I absolutely love this deep, full bodied red wine from Sicily’s Nero d’Avola grape. If you haven’t tasted a Nero d’Avola before, this choice is for you! Flavors of liqueur soaked cherries and more spice, a balanced mouthfeel and smooth tannins will be wonderful with some barbequed meats, saucy stews, or a platter of rich cheeses. Accolades? This release received (among others) a Gold Award at the Critics Challenge Wine Competition, a Silver at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, and another Silver at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. I give it kudos for a reasonable price which means that this Nero d’Avola should be purchased in quantity! Cost is $13.00.
Cin Cin! ~ Cindy
**I’ll be reviewing more new releases of Casa Vinicola Zonin wines (and my thoughts about what makes them special) soon…keep checking back!
