As I talk to friends both old and new, young and “mature”, they share the same plea: help us find affordable, delicious wine. These wine lovers are like you and me. We love to sip and savor wine with good friends, while reading a book or cooking, when relaxing in a bubble bath, or chatting with neighbors across the fence. We like to have a nice bottle of wine at the ready when friends drop by unexpectedly or when a lovely dinner is planned. And we simply don’t want to spend a fortune on a bottle of wine (unless it’s “really good”!). This week I’m suggesting a crisp Pinot Blanc from the Finger Lakes wine region in New York and a full bodied red blend from Veneto in Italy. These under $20 wines are completely different and absolutely delicious. Enjoy!
Glenora Pinot Blanc 2013 (sample) – Have you heard that the Finger Lakes region of New York is the “it” girl of wine regions these days? If you have already tasted their wines, you’ll understand why. I’ve written an article already about the area and a few of their wines, but I’ll be writing more after I visit in August; the annual Wine Blogger’s Conference will be held there. Glenora Wine Cellars was the first winery on Seneca Lake and a pioneer of the region. It is also one of the few wineries in the Finger Lakes to produce Pinot Blanc. The 2013 vintage showed aromas of lemon, chalk, and a snappy tingle to the nose. On the palate, I found notes of vanilla, pear, citrus, lime, and eye opening minerality. The finish was full, lingering, and incredibly satisfying. You may want to pair the Pinot Blanc 2013 with shellfish, pasta, appetizers, or salads. Cost is $15.
Alanera Rosso Veronese IGT 2012 (sample) – If you love red blends then you’ll be thrilled to taste this medley of Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Italy’s region of Veneto. The name “Alanera” means “black wing” of the raven, “corvino” in Italian, and is a bow to the region’s signature grape, corvina. Throughout the area, the appassimento method of drying grapes is used; the concentrated juice from those grapes adds unique aromas and flavors. 50% of the grapes harvested to produce Alanera Rosso are partially dried for 45-60 days. Aromas of currants, vanilla, sweet spice, and dried cherries were intense and indicative of that traditional appassimento method. On the palate, I found sensuous notes of raisins, dark berries, vanilla, and coffee along with well integrated tannins and lively acidity. Balanced and bright, this wine with its $20 price tag could be mistaken for one that costs much more.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
