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 around 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!
Received recently as samples, the balanced white blend from Italy and the smooth Malbec from Argentina are terrific examples of delicious wines which won’t break the budget. Entertain your guests and treat yourself to these food friendly selections this weekend. Enjoy!
*Piccini Memoro Bianco NV (sample) – Four of my favorite grapes blended into one tasty wine? Yes! The combination of 40% Viognier from Sicily, 30% Chardonnay from Trentino, 20% Vermentino from Maremma, and 10% Pecorino grapes from Marche shimmered gold in the glass. With rich, intense aromas of honey, ripe melon, peaches, and yellow flowers, I felt as if I was about to taste a delectable cross section of Italy! In fact, the compass on the label signifies the four different grapes, “each a typical expression of a distinct Italian region.” On the palate, I found more honey, beeswax, pear, and oak and the finish on this balanced white wine was long and concentrated. If you would like to try a unique vino which makes you feel oh-so Italian, this is the one! Pair with seafood, pastas with a creamy sauce, roasted vegetables, and your friends. Cost is around $10.
*Aruma Malbec 2012 (sample) – I love a nice Malbec and the Aruma, from the high elevations of Mendoza in Argentina, consisted of 100% Malbec grapes from the winery which is a joint venture between Domaine Barons de Rothschild and Nicholas Catena. Aged for eight months in 50% oak barrels, subtle red fruits and spice were found on the nose. The intense palate profile of cherries, pepper, integrated tannins, and a long finish were just what that juicy grilled rib eye needed as a complement. The Aruma Malbec is a wallet pleasing keeper. Cost is $15.
Love the wine you’re with this weekend! Cheers~ Cindy
