From bubbly to barrel aged, these wines are sure to peek your interest

From bubbly to barrel aged, these wines are sure to peek your interest
Seven affordable wines to try in 2018

Article: Linda Kissam
Photos: Allan Kissam

Affordable Bubblies: Bervini 1955 Proseco Doc Millesimato Extra Dry, $18. 99, / Proseccos are a great alternative to full-on-Champagne choice. They’re a bit easier on the palate showcasing a host of tiny happy bubbly. The nose on this one includes lemon, melon, pear and apple. On the palate expect subdued effervescence, grapefruit, Bosc pear, and a nice smack of minerality. Think brunch or breakfast wine. Perfect with a Spanish tortilla.
Try a Sparkling Wine From Italy: Bervini 1955 Spumante Rose, Friuilivenezia Giulia, $18.99, ttps://winetreesusa.com/ With lingering streams of tiny bubbles, this wine shows citrus and pear-like fruit. It’s delicate and dry in the mouth with a balanced acidity that makes it delightful as an aperitif or with seafood dishes. But the real adventure comes by pairing this with pretzels, potato chips, corn dogs or toasted ham and cheese sandwiches.
Forget Chardonnay, Run into New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: NZ7 – New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, $19.99, Storms the senses with minerality, lush tropical fruit overtones, fresh cut grass, tomato stalks, and grapefruit or lime. Pair with a fig and goat cheese tart for perfection. My favorite of the seven wines in this list.
Oregon Pinot Noir All Day Long:
OR6 Oregon (100% Pinot Noir, $23.99, Oregon wine lovers… meet your dream wine. For some, this will be as good as any $30 wine all day long. For California palates…not so much. Purple and red, earthy notes, aromatics of dried cherries, rhubarb and rose petals jump from the glass.
California Pinot Noir to the Rescue: CA5- California Red Wine a blend of Petite Sirah, Barbera, Tempranillo, Syrah and Grenache ), $19.99, Tempting nose of red and black fruits, dried rose petals, and a eucalyptus note which offers some lift. Dense and ripe upon first sip, it showcases raspberry, and bitter cherry balanced out with mineral and herbal notes. Those who love what California soil can contribute to a Pinot Noir, will love this wine. Much different in structure and texture than wine #4, and ended up being the favorite of the wine writers attending this tasting. Try with gingerbread cookies.
Whiskey Makes its Entrance into the Wine Cellar: Barrel Road Bourbon Barrel Red Blend, $16.99. Not literally, of course, but this one shows the promise of what aging wines in an alternative vessel can bring to the palate. Many of our beloved brown spirits have spent time in used port or sherry casks. It makes sense, then, that winemakers would try aging their product in something that once held whiskey. Enter the rise of bourbon-barrel-aged wines. Trend or the new normal? Your call. I say it has real promise.There are those who are always looking for the next best thing. Buying a bourbon-barrel-aged wine is an easy way to try/serve something cool and different at a social gathering. Those who have more traditional tastes, will at the least, find the concept intriguing.On the nose, notes of black cherry, molasses, and toast. The palate is smooth, showing ripe notes of blackberry and plum, followed by toffee, maple syrup, and a hint of caramel on the finish. Aged for 3 months in bourbon barrels. FOOD PAIRING: Molasses braised pork shank and an oatmeal raisin cookie.
Hooray for Canned Rosé: The Drop Cali Rosé. $20 per 4 pack: Canned (yes, canned) in California, this is a fresh blend of Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel, and Syrah. Perfect for summer and the boating crowd. I sense a rolling of the eyes. Canned wines have come a long way from humble roots. If you didn’t see the can, this would just be another fun summer wine by the glass. Expect a fruit-forward crispness and minerality that pairs perfectly with boat life. Easy to hang on to climbing up and down ladders and in bumpy seas. This wine deserves your attention. Pairs with most any BBQ foods but especially nice with grilled salmon or spicy shrimp/chicken tacos.