Wednesday, May 28, 2014

My List of 25 white wines, all bargains that you can find on the shelves right now! A Special Report by Ralph Del Rio, Wine Correspondent


By Ralph Del Rio, Wine Correspondent

In the summer time a lot of us think about good white wines; Good values and what to drink that won’t break the pocketbook. A friend of mine asked me the other day and said; ‘Can you just tell me what to buy? Just give me a list; I don’t want to spend more than $15’…

Well, what really has merit?

What’s the usefulness of creating this type of list?

...especially when price is a significant factor

...and real accessibility(Can you find the darn wine!?!) 

...and really nice and acceptable quality is a factor?

Here are 25 white wines, with some comments, all bargains that you can find on the shelves right now. Drink these over the next year or so. These guys put out quality wines year in and year out (so I am not listing the vintage). These wines emanate from some of the world’s top wineries. So without further ado…


La Vielle Ferme - Cotes de Luberon – A cool, fresh, crisp and peachy wine

Marques de Caceres White Rioja – Stainless steel fermented yields a bright and vibrant saline hinted, great seafood pairing

Indaba –Chenin Blanc – South Africa –lemon lime and herbaceous, ripe apples; it’s the ripe apples that’s the fun part.

Hogue Riesling - A citrusy peach affair, off dry – it’s a nice pairing with shellfish, Oysters. Pickled Ceviche; try with a Mustard based sauce!

Yalumba – The Y Series Viognier – Limeade and Lychee fruit and apricot. Lush, tropical, exotic...Substitute this one for a Chardonnay some time.

Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc – lemon grass and grapefruit with some tropical fruit flavors…

A to Z - Pinot Gris – the explodes with apples and lime, wet stones very bright, will go with just about anything really; hot wings, pork, seafood.

Acrobat Pinot Gris – a King Estate offshoot which is great, Quince fruit, nutty characteristics apples , try with clams, lemony chicken, roasted veggies and even a Cuban Sandwich, Dim Sum!

Columbia Winery Cellar Master Riesling – It’s peachy and bright with some tangy sweet acidity – it pairs well with Indian and Thai curries and complex Cuban stews.

Little James Basket Press – Vid de Pays d’ Oc – it’s a blend of Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc . From the St. Cosmo wine folk. It’s zesty, floral aromas with some stewed fruits, delicious, try with grilled veggies or risotto and mushrooms

Mulderbosch - Chenin Blanc – a peppy wine with fresh green apples acidity and some sweet fruit palate – a good one! Try it with a mild cheese.

Edna Valley Vineyard Paragon Chardonnay- pears, ripe apples, brown spices like cinnamon. Try it heavy cream foods, lively foods,
roasted fish and trout; fettuccini alfredo and shrimp 

Pacific Rim - Gewürztraminer- melons and fragrant, tangerines and Lychee fruit...pairs well with oven roasted chicken, indian food and the blues like gorgonzola

Bodegas Naia Las Brisas - Rueda Spain -It's a great straight forward wine with hints of melons, honeydew, yellow apples it's alive with citrus too.

Loosin Bros - Reisling - a delicious wine that is balanced and hints of peach and pears and apples it can pair with any grilled seafood dish

Cave de Lugny Macon - Les Charmes - Burgundy France- Fresh, apples, clean wine that is lemony, zesty and hint of spice, some chalk and honey. Great Balance

Enjoy!!! and Happy drinking!


Monday, May 19, 2014

Book Review - Kevin Zraly's Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: New, Updated Edition 2013 - Kevin Zraly


Kevin Zraly's Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: New, Updated Edition 2013 - Kevin Zraly

Another update to the best wine education book of all-time. I’ve always considered this the ‘Beatles’ Sgt Pepper of wine books. The tasting section keeps evolving which is great. There is now on-line features too. It covers the basics, regions, wine labels and much much more. Step by step learn wine and connect the dots. It’s like holding your hand as you cross the street. A must have in every book collection.