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Wine Show Episodes — No Comments
20
Feb 10

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
Wine Events / Wine Show Episodes — No Comments
06
Jan 10

Episode 9 – Baby It’s Cold Outside!

In this chilly winter episode, we’ll taste some unconventionally crisp and refreshing winter wines, and some more conventional deep warming ones too. Also, look out for sweet wines!

  1. Adega Coop, Ponte Barca (Vinho Verde). Portugal.
    • This is a crisp refreshing White, with lively notes of lemon lime, and honeydew melon, with a touch of natural effervescence. It is perfect to have before a meal.
    • Cost: $13.99
  2. Seven Sisters: Yolanda (Chenin Blanc). South Africa.
    • This Chenin Blanc is full of upfront tropical flavors with underlying green pepper and vegetative notes. Acid is clean and fresh on palate with lingering fruity aftertaste.
    • Cost: $16.99
  3. Robertson, Gewurztraminer. South Africa.
    • A sweet full bodied South African white chocked full of intense tropical notes of pineapple, banana leaf and fresh honey. It is a perfect match for spicy food.
    • Cost: $13.99
  4. Le Mourre De L’isle, Côtes du Rhône. France.
    • This is a blend of 60% Grenache Noir, 40% Mourvèdre with aromas of blueberry on the nose and smooth tannins in the mouth with sweet little red berry fruits and coffee hints in the finish.
    • Cost: $18.99
  5. Koyle, Cabernet Sauvignon. Miapo Valley, Chile.
    • Koyle Cabernet Sauvignon is dark ruby, with a nose showing a great amount of blackberry, dark chocolate, cedar, tobacco, and coffee and spice notes typical of the Maipo Valley. Tannins are well-formed, and come together beautifully, with a silky and balanced finish.
    • Cost: $22.99
  6. Sweet Baby, Cagnina di Romagna. Italy.
    • This is a sweet, grapey red, with hints of ripe fruits, and lots of berries, it is smooth, silky and devilishly sweet. It is a great match with dark chocolate cake, and fairs well with a little chill on it.
    • Cost: $16.99

This week at WineStyles SOLO we have all of these wines open to try by the glass as well, so if you’re in Chicago come in and see us!

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Wine Show Episodes — No Comments
27
Dec 09

Episode 8 – Bubbly Wines For New Year’s Eve 2009!

In this bubbalicious bubbly tasting, we’ll look at 6 off-the-beaten-path sparkling wines to spice up your New Year festivities!

  1. Finca El Retiro, Extra Brut (Chardonnay & Pinot Noir). Mendoza, Argentina.
    • Love it!
    • Cost: $13.99
  2. Castillo Perelada, Brut Cava. Spain.
    • AWESOME nutty, citrusy, bready heaven
    • Cost: $15.99
  3. Antonin Tuffer, Blanc de Blanc (Chardonnay). France.
    • Large Party Worthy… buy for cost, not quality
    • Cost: $11.99
  4. Luis Pato, Maria Gomes, Portugal
    • Fun, rare, more for food then celebration
    • Cost: $19.99
  5. Luis Pato, Baga. Portugal.
    • Jammy, dry and wonderful
    • Cost:$19.99
  6. Michel Loriot Cuvee, Brut Champagne Rose. Champagne, France.
      • A perfectly elegant dry Champagne Rose
      • Cost: $46.99

      Remember that each of these wines, and all of the rest of the wines you see on WineSoaked, are available through my Chicago wine store, WineStyles South Loop.

      To order, call (312)431-9999 or email me at SaraKay@winesoaked.com. Note that if you need me to ship, standard shipping and handling will apply!

      HAPPY NEW YEAR!