Great Summer Sippers under $15 (June 30, 2008)
Happy Wine Guy is forever searching for the best wines for the lowest dollar. And really, who isn’t? It is such a treat when you discover one and even better when you can share them. So, in the spirit of world peace and German auto dominance HWG has compiled a screamingly good list of summer sippers that are all deals along with some steals.
Segura Viudas “Aria” Brut Cava – this is a can’t miss sparkling wine from Spain made ”Champagne style” and it’s great as an aperitif or as a dessert wine. It’s a blend of three obscure Spanish grape varietals that combine into a light, crisp wine with gentle flavors of citrus and a touch of yeast. A deal at just $12.00.
2006 “Kris” Pinot Grigio Venezie IGT – too many Pinot Grigio’s are cheap and sugary but this is the exception. Clean, balanced fruit flavors of pear, apple and lemon with a nice, short finish that delivers just a touch of sweetness. This is a steal at $11.00 when compared to the $20+ you could pay for Santa Margarita PG.
2007 Cline Cellars Viognier – a huge viognier bouquet of peaches and white flowers, very fragrant and sweet. But this is not a sweet wine per se; you will be surprised by the nice acidity that leads to the exceptional balance of this wine. This is a great summer sipper that will pair well with most light dishes. It's a fabulous steal at $9.00.
2007 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Blanco – another stellar wine from Spain. Made from 100% Viura grapes this simple sipper will amaze you at how darn good it tastes! This is a straight-forward wine that delivers great lemon-lime fruit flavors with proper acidity but does so in a sophisticated manner. An absolute steal at $8.00.
2007 Château Mourgues du Gres Costières-de-Nîmes Les Galets Rosés – do not confuse this rose/pink wine for the common sweet White Zinfandel! It is miles and miles away from that confectionary imbibe. Expressive floral notes of strawberries and rose oil fill your glass and the taste experience is the essence of those strawberries, cream and even some watermelon. Even so, this is a nicely dry wine that will seduce you into glass after glass. It tastes extravagant but is a real deal at $15.00.
Okay, okay, I know what you are thinking…”a HWG article with no red wine mentioned!?!?!?!” And of course HWG couldn’t let that happen. Keeping with our theme, here is a rock-solid red selection that is a super price-to-quality value at $12.00.
2006 Hedges CMS Red – this wine comes to us from Columbia Valley, Washington and as its name implies is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Syrah. Ripe black cherry flavors dominate with just a touch of discernable oak. This is kind of a “meaty” wine in that the body is nicely chewy but in a delicious way. Amazing for a value-priced wine, this wine was even better the second day. Just $13.00.
If you have any questions on these or any wines or need help finding these in your location just email the HappyWineGuy at hwg@happywineguy.com