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