Welcome to the W(h)iner's Circle!
Looking for a good wine recommendation?
Well, we've listed out some of our W(h)iners' favorite wines, giving you a rundown of the flavors, approximate prices, and benefits of each so you can make an informed decision (about what we like, at least). It's like having your very own Army wife right in that fancy computer of yours (or mobile device, you techies)!
[Note: If it's recommended by Brandi and/or Nicole, chances are very high it's a dry, bold wine. If it's recommended by any of the other w(h)iners, it's probably a lighter, sweet wine.]
Without further ado...
Reds
$20 Casa Piedra Alta Malbec-Merlot; 2011 (as seen in In-Laws Week here)
**A smooth, dry red with strong notes of chocolate and pepper.
$17 Solane Santi Valpolicella Ripasso; 2010 (as seen in Italy Week here)
**A bold, strong, and very dry red. Very oaky, slightly peppery, and barely sweet.
$15 Marqués de Riscal Rioja; Reserva 2007 (as seen in Spain Week here)
**A dry, earthy red. Slight spice and a little dark chocolate.
$13 Faustino V Rioja; Reserva 2006 (a Spanish staple for Brandi & Nicole)
**A very dry, bold red. Oaky and slightly sweet. Very "meaty."
$12 Sledgehammer "El Gaucho" Malbec; 2012 (a new Argentinian staple for Brandi & Nicole)
**A big, bold red. Manly. Coffee, currant, and maybe eucalyptus.
$12 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon; 2012 (a Californian staple for Brandi & Nicole)
**A strong, smooth red. Black cherry, cassis, and cedar.
$7 Jacob's Creek Shiraz; 2011 (as seen in Australia Week here)
**A dry, surprisingly smooth red. Very spicy and dark.
Whites
$18 Joseph Mellot Sauvignon Blanc; 2012 (as seen in In-Laws Week here)
**A semi-dry, crisp white. All grapefruit and honey, just a hint of pear.
$15 Principessa Gavia Gavi; 2012 (as seen in Italy Week here)
**A dry, slightly sweet, "clean" white. Full of grapes and honey.
$13 Leonard Kreusch Auslese; 2011 (as seen in Germany Week here)
**A very light, sweet white. All pears, with a slight spice.
$12 Clean Slate Riesling; 2012 (as seen in Germany Week here)
**A surprisingly dry, kind of sour white. Peppery and limey.
$10 Three Brothers Wineries and Estates Medium-Sweet Riesling; 2011 (as seen in New York Week here)
**A very sweet, slightly tart white. Pears and almond extract rule.
Sparkling
$10 Ruffino Prosecco (as seen in Argentina Week here)
**A light, bubbly, dry sparkler. Slight pear taste.
