It’s almost Friday and you are already thinking about your weekend plans and perhaps which wines to purchase. Weekly, I post two recommendations for your weekend wine choices. My occasional “Wine and Dine” articles suggest a recipe with wine pairings, but others (like this!) offer choices around $20 – one white and one red. If you are continuing your Fourth of July festivities into the weekend (and why wouldn’t you???) you may want to consider these wines from the good ‘ole USA!
**2011 Creekside Cellars Viognier – A lovely, chilled Viognier from Colorado may be just what you need to welcome the weekend and continue the celebration! Given to me as a sample by Michelle Cleveland, the winemaker herself, I thoroughly enjoyed the aromas of light citrus including apricots, peaches, and white flowers. Its smooth, well balanced structure with tastes of peaches and more stone fruits and high acidity were perfect with the swordfish steak pairing on a recent evening. If you are in the Denver area, stop by Creekside Cellars in Evergreen and enjoy this wine. Cost is around $20. (maybe a touch more, but it’s so worth it…)
**2010 Wooden Valley Petite Sirah – We loved this rich, aroma filled glass of wine with chicken right off the grill. Intense cherries with sweet spices made we anticipate even more the first taste which did not disappoint. More cherries, integrated tannins, and more of that vanilla were perfect. This wine has been awarded Gold Medals at the 2012 Orange County Fair and Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition as well as the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This incredibly well balanced Petite Sirah with a lingering, satisfying finish is absolutely worth the price of $19. – what a deal!!
Cheers to a wonderful weekend! ~ Cindy
