12 Wines for Summer Under $12
(June 17, 2009)
For some reason, the weather in Chicago is refusing to let go of winter
this year. I have lived in this city for almost 10 years and I don't
remember it ever taking so long for the temperature to warm up. By now,
I should be complaining how hot it is and my hair should immediately
frizz up from the humidity when I walk outside. Instead, I'm still
wearing a sweater and my winter coat. Ugh!
The calendar will
soon say it is summer despite the actual temperature indicating
otherwise which means lots of parties to attend and throw. Here are my
affordable picks for you to grill, chill and entertain with. As seen in
my column "Bottle Service" today in the Chicago Tribune's Red Eye.
1. Tormaresca Neprica Puglia, Italy $8--This Southern Italian blend of
negroamaro, primitivo and cabernet sauvignon is a perfect match for
zesty tomato sauces or pizza.
2. Maipe malbec, Argentina $8--Everything you want from a malbec, tons of
dark fruit notes combined with a soft, easy-to-drink texture.
3. Cono Sur sauvignon blanc, Chile $8--This has a light-bodied and lemony style that can be enjoyed with or without food.
4. Feudo Arancio grillo, Sicily $9--Grillo is Sicily's answer to sauvignon blanc. Enjoy with summer salads and seafood.
5. Toso Brut sparkling wine, Argentina $9--Warm weather is reason enough
to celebrate, so bring on the bubbly. This green-apple-flavored
sparkler will do the trick.
6. J Lohr Bay Mist riesling, Monterey $10--Balances the perfect amount of
sweetness with bright acidity--perfect for those who enjoy their wines
on the sweeter side.
7. Domaine de Gournier Rose Costieres de Nimes, France $8--It wouldn't be
summer without a refreshing glass of dry rose. This one lets you
pretend you're in the South of France.
8. Silver Ridge pinot noir, California $9--Pinot noir is always good to
have on hand, especially in your picnic basket. Pair this with salmon.
9. Bodegas Ateca garnacha Fuego, Spain $8--Enjoy the peppery and
raspberry-jam-flavored notes of this Spanish garnacha with grilled
steaks.
10. Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes du Rhone, France $11--Robust and versatile
style will pair well with everything from grilled foods to sandwiches.
11. Wrongo Dongo, Spain $9--Aside from being fun to say, this
black-fruit-flavored, monastrell-based wine from Southern Spain just
begs to be paired with a juicy burger.
12. L'oca Ciuca The Drunken Goose, Italy $10--This juicy blend of
sangiovese, merlot and syrah will add some pizazz to antipasti and
charcuterie plates.