Smashing Glasses...

I recently arranged a wine tasting and food pairing event for some of my friends at a local wine bar called The Wine Loft.   I met with the owner about a month ahead of time and ran the idea by him; "Could I invite 30 or 40 people to his establishment and have him give us a crash course in wine and food pairings we could use for the holidays"?  “Of Course” he said. “One Twist” I said, I wanted the food pairing to be paired with wines that would be wonderful but not break our banks this holiday season. The Wine Lofts owner was up for the challenge and although they don’t specialize in “value” wines, he understood the intent behind the evening. I come from a large family and we do a lot of entertaining throughout the holiday season and it can become very expensive to always be the host.  And if you recall Rachel and I attended the Wine Riots in Boston this year around the same concept – Great Wines DON’T have to BREAK your BANK!   We had a wonderful evening of foods paired with delicious wine, great conversation and good friends.  The wines listed below are great for entertaining this holiday season or to give as hostess gifts so you never show up empty handed.

Great Wines – Great Value Shopping Guide

• Trimbach,Riesling Alsace 2008, $18
• Jean-Claude Bougrier, Vouvray 2008, $13
• Erath, Pinot Gris Oregon 2008, $15
• E.Guigal, Cotes du Rhone White 2008, $14
• Pine & Post, Chardonnay Washington 2007, $8
• St. Kilda,   Chardonnay S.E. Australia 2009, $9
• Castello Banfi, Toscana Centine White 2008, $9
• Bodegas Campo Viejo, Tempranillo Rioja Reserva 2005, $15
• Chateau Ste. Michelle, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Indian Wells 2008, $18
• Casa Agricola Alexandre Relvas Alentejo Ciconia 2009, $9
• Hijos De Antonio, Barcelo Ribera del Duero Vina Mayor Reserva 2004, $25
• Vina Maipo, Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah Maule Valley Gran Devocion 2007, $15
• Andeluna, Malbec Tupungato 2008, $11

PSA FROM ZSG – DRINK RESPONSIBILITY AND ALWAYS HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER!