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GREAT WINE VALUES

Fine wine was at one time affordable for most people but in the last 20 years, prices of famous labels have outpaced inflation by a considerable margin. This is particularly true for well-known Bordeaux chateaus, famous Burgundies, Rhone Valley wines, Barolo’s, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Napa valley wines.

     Fortunately, despite all price increases for elite bottling, you can still find interesting wines from around the world at reasonable prices. Five years ago you could buy a decent bottle of wine for

$ 10 – 12.- ( US &-8.-), but today such products have graduated to the $ 13.- to 15.- range. Considering inflation and escalating labour and other costs, this is still reasonable.

     Generally, New World wines represent good value, but you must not ignore France, Spain, Italy, and even Greece. Also, worth considering are Hungarian wines.

     Here are some recommendations categorized by light and full-bodied white and red wines.
Sauvignon Blanc,
Dashwood, New Zealand,
R H Phillips, California,
Geyser Peak, California
Fall Harvest Nobilo, New Zealand
Soave Classico, L Pieorpan,
Chardonnay,
Columbia Valley, Washington State,
Brancott, New Zeeland,
Pinot Gris, Bollini, Italy.

Full bodied
Pinot Blanc, L Beyer, Alsace, France;
Sauvignon  Blanc, Buena Vista, California,
Markham, Napa Valley, California,
Chardonnay,
Skalli, Landguedoc, France,
Padthaway, Lindeman, Australia
Santa Barbara, Meridian, California,
Gallo of Sonoma, California
W Blass, Australia
Rosemounr Australia,
Black Opal Chardonnay, W Blass Australia,
Columbia Valley, Columbia Crest, Washington State

Light red wines
Pinot Noir Villa Mount Eden, California,
Babera d’Asti, M Chiarlo, Piedmont, Italy
Zinfandel, Cline, California.
Shiraz Bin 2000, McGuigan,
Australia
Grenache-Shiraz Rosemount, Australia
Centine, Castello Banfi, Tuscany, Italy.
Syrah, L and F Lurton, Pays d’Oc, France
Rioja Glorioso, Crianza, Bodegas Palacio; Spain
Pastiche J Phelps, Napa Valley California,
Regnie G Dubeouf, Beaujolais, France

Full-bodied Red wines
Syrah McDowlell, Mendicino, California
Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Ranch, California,
Zinfandel Karly, Califonia,
Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Crest, Washington State,
Merlot, Calina, Maule Valley, Chile,
Malbec Tulum Valley, Bodegas e Vinedos Santiago Graffinga, ARGENTINA.
Monte Antico Toscana, Italy,
Merlot Eagle peak, Fetzer, California,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Foundrer’s Estate Beringer, California,
Cabernet Sauvignon Curico Valley, M Torres Chile,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Reif Ontario Canada

QUICK GUIDE TO FOOD AND WINE MATCHIND DISHES
Clams or oysters
Delicate fish, pan fired
Cold cuts, pates
Grilled vegetables
Pasta with oil-based vegetable sauces
Chevre or other fresh cheese
GO BEST WITH
Muscadet de Sevre et Maine
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Gris
Save Classico
Sauvignon Blanc
Riesling
Un-oaked Chardonnays or Chablis

Crab or lobster boiled,
Baked salmon or mackerel
Roast chicken or turkey
Baked ham or roast
Pasta with cream sauces or seafood
Brie and soft cheeses
GO BEST WITH
Albarino
Pouilly Fume
Rich Sauvignon Blancs
All dry Alsace wines except Pinot Blanc
Dry White Rhone valley wines
Most Australian and Californian Chardonnays that are un-oaked

Game birds
Roast chicken or turkey
Veal scallopine
Pasta or risotto with meat sauces
Pizza
Emmenthal or Gruyere
GO BEST WITH
Cru Baujolais
Dolcetto d’Alba
Rioja, Crianza
Chianti
Cotes du Rhone red
Pinto Noir California or Oregon
Merlot form Italy or Chile

Beef stews
Roast veal or pork
Bean based casseroles with hearty vegetables
Roasted vegetables
Parmigiono Reggiano or hard cheeses
GO BEST WITH
Barbera d’Alba
Merlot form California or Washington State or Ontario, or British Columbia
Red Bordeaux
Zinfandel
New World Cabernet Sauvignon form South Africa, Australia, Chile, and Argentina
Northern Rhone Valley red Wines
Most Syrah based wines


Article contributed by Hrayr Berberoglu, a Professor Emeritus of Hospitality and Tourism Management specializing in Food and Beverage. Books by H. Berberoglu