The weekend is upon us and you may have your favorite, expensive bottle ready to open. But there is more than enough space on the wine bar to open a few bottles of wine under or around $20. Each week I suggest wines which are in that affordable price range and which will pair well with a Friday night dinner at home, with friends who drop by unexpectedly, a Sunday supper, or with a good book waiting for you on the back porch!
At last, spring is in full force and that means some lovely sippers should be waiting for you to uncork as soon as happy hour begins on Friday (or maybe before…). Both of the budget friendly wines reviewed this week are delicious to enjoy with or without food. I paired the Chianti with a savory vegetable pizza with red sauce and the Viognier with a cheese platter and roast chicken. Let’s bring on the weekend!
*Cline North Coast Viognier 2013 (purchased) – I have always been a fan of wines from Cline Cellars and Viognier in general. The Cline North Coast 2013 didn’t disappoint on either count! Pale lemon in the glass, the aromas of white flowers, stone fruit including peaches and pears, and subtle minerality were reminders why I love a chilled glass (or two) of this wine. Dry and fresh with plenty of acidity and more minerality, intense tastes of more stone fruit emerged in this balanced example of Viognier. The cost is around $13 but I’m guessing you’ll be able to purchase it for less in your neighborhood wine shop. And if you find yourself in Sonoma, promise that you’ll stop by the tasting room at Cline Cellars and say “hi” to the gang for me!
Placido Chianti DOCG 2011 (sample) – This wine from the Tuscan hills of Chianti is of Sangiovese with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo Nero. In the glass, the ruby red color was bright and the aromas of red fruits, sweet spice, and purple flowers blended beautifully with the aromas of my hot pizza! On the palate, the mild tannins and acidity along with red berries, cherries, and spice created a full bodied and balanced wine with a lovely finish. Is your mouth watering yet? Cost is only $10.
Cheers to the weekend! ~ Cindy
