Episode 11 – Off The Beaten Path

Chicago Sommelier Sara Kay shows off some little-known, delicious, and very affordable wines to see you through to the springtime.

  1. La Levraudiere, Muscadet Sevre & Maine. Loire Valley, France
    • This wine has a touch of apricots and a hint of honey with fine crisp acidity. It is fuller in front than normal years because 2008 vintage produced only 30% of the normal crop. (That means it is more complex.) It is long in the mouth with minerals on the farewell.
    • Cost: $13.99
  2. Parrillada Classic, Torrontes. Mendoza, Argentina
    • It has the richness of a Chardonnay, the vibrancy of a Sauvignon Blanc and the lovely floral expressiveness of a Viognier– all in one sip! The generous aromas and flavors of this gorgeous white make it an extremely food-friendly wine. It’s especially good with grilled seafood.
    • Cost: $13.99
  3. Alandra, Tinto. Portugal
    • The color in the glass is a deep ruby red, with aromas of cherries, and other dark red fruit flavors, and a hint of dried red fruit. On the palate the fruit flavors are present, with a good balance, soft and silky tannins, and just the right amount of acidity. For the price this is a very quaffable wine that can be enjoyed on its own. I paired this wine with a Mediterranean stuffed leg of lamb, which was fantastic.
    • Cost: $13.99
  4. Flano, Nero D’Avola. Sicilia, Italy.
    • The nose is kissed with ripened fruits, black pepper and spicy green. It is fallowed with a soft velvety texture of ripened plums and black berries, black currents and Indian spices with earth tones of chocolate and peppery finish. Soft and fruity.
    • Cost: $13.99

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