Wines To Be Thankful For!

The rules for wine pairing have relaxed a bit, but the fact remains that certain flavors of food and wine complement each other much better.  The ultimate goal is to achieve that perfect palate balance.  The wine should not overpower the food, nor should the food overpower the wine.  Wine consumed by itself tastes different than wine with food, because wine acts on food similar to the way a spice does.  The acids, tannins and sugars in the wine interact with the food to provide different taste sensations.

Since my goal is to save money during the impending holidays, here are a few of my favorite recessionista-friendly finds and the wines featured are all under $25!

$20

Sparking Vino

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV, pairs well with seafood dishes such as scallops and swordfish.  This pale yellow sparkler opens with an attractive melon and apple like bouquet.  On the palate, this medium to full bodied wine is balanced, crisp, and displays delicious lemon lime flavors with hints of granny smith apples.

$9

The Big Dinner Vino

2009 Man Vintners Chenin Blanc, pairs well with most poultry, fish and salad dishes.   The palate is rich and layered, in light of its price it really packs a lot of flavor and over delivers in every way, with melon and tropical fruit to the fore, backed up with some nice citric zest on the finish that gives this drive and crispness as well.

$15

Black Friday Vino

2008 Calera Central Coast of California Chardonnay, pairs well with yummy leftovers.  It offers abundant notes of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, white currants, and tropical fruits. Crisp, elegant, mid-weight, and revealing no evidence of its wood aging, it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 1-2 years.

$11

Snack Time Vino

Château Guiot Rosé 2008, pairs well with a wide variety of foods.  This dry rosé is bursting with flavor and fruit, it is a blend of mainly Grenache, with some Syrah and a small dollop of Mourvedre.

$20

Football Game Vino

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Meritage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (10%), Petit Verdot (10%), and Malbec (8%).  This wine has firm, chewy tannins and good acidity and will pair well with grilled chops, a yummy burger, or strong cheeses.

In a last minute effort to find that perfect bottle of Vino, please visit The Wine Bin on Thanksgiving Day (Yes, they are open) to select a nice addition to your Turkey Day feast.  The Wine Bin is a boutique wine store located in Historic Ellicott City, Maryland, that offers consumer a wide range of wines and spirits in a contemporary setting, and features 200 wines under $20.

"Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant and every day more civilized." - Andre Simon