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Sometimes you want to splurge and sometimes you want to save. Here are great wines to consider for special occasions and everyday delights.
Luxe
Champagne Serge Mathieu Brut Tradition NV is
crisp and clean with a lemony touch. ($49.99)
Bang for the Buck
Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Reserve NV has
“the same French pedigree and quality without the
steep price of admission,” says John Ryan of Ryan’s Wine & Spirits
in North Wilmington. ($19.99) (ryanswinesandspirits.com)
Luxe
Jose Maria da Fonseca “Domini Plus” Douro 2008
is a bold, slightly spicy wine that’s aged in
French oak for 14 months. ($39.99)
Bang for the Buck
Jose Maria da Fonseca Periquita, which is popular in
Portugal, is “big, juicy and ripe but balanced,” says Frank Pagliaro of
FranksWine in Wilmington. ($14.99) (frankswine.com)
Luxe
Montes Purple Angel Apalta Vineyard Carmenere is a
blend of 8 percent Petit Verdot and 92 percent Carmenere,
a grape that resurfaced in Chile around 12 years ago, says
Joseph Polecaro, executive bartender at the
The Stone Balloon Winehouse in Newark. “It has a
slightly smoky, dark fruit and a lasting, deep finish.” ($85)
Bang for the Buck
Tilia Malbec 2011 from Argentina, is a smooth,
well-rounded wine with an easy finish, Polecaro says. ($34)
Delaware Wine Experts Name Their Favorites
Local Faves from the Pros
Wine’s popularity soars in fall—be it parties, holiday meals, presents or hostess gifts. Seasonal restaurant menus demand more complex selections.
Sonata Rose
Musician and Millsboro resident Paul Cullen recommends this dry rose from his label, Paul Cullen Wines. A blend of Petite Syrah and the Italian grape Fiano, it is “slightly acidic, fruity, colorful, playful,” he says. “It pairs well with lighter proteins like chicken and turkey.” $15 (paulcullen.net)
Chaddsford Winery Spiced Apple
Chaddsford Winery encourages customers to “drink the wine they like,” and apparently, they like Spiced Apple, which makes you feel as warm and fuzzy as Grandma’s apple pie. Serve warm or chilled. $12.99. (610-388-6221, chaddsford.com)
Domaine Rion Jean Charles Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits
The air is crisp not cold. Food is heartier but not yet stew-worthy. A burgundy aptly bridges the seasonal gap, says Mike Whitwell, director of operations for Premier Wine & Spirits, which has locations on Limestone Road and in Newport. Serve with roast pork, braised apples and clove. $21. (996-9463, 998-6903, premierwinespirits.com)
J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon
In fall, Ryan German appreciates this wine. “It pairs well with a hearty pasta like short rib or a ragu over homemade pappardelle,” says German, owner of Caffé Gelato in Newark, which is known for its wine selection. $9 a glass. (738-5811, caffegelato.net, jlohr.com)
Luigi Baudana Barolo
Xaiver Teixido loves Barolo because the Nebbiolo grape is so aromatic. “It’s great with northern Italian food, mushrooms, braised meats with pappardelle, polenta and risotto,” says Teixido, owner of Harry’s Savoy Grill and Harry’s Seafood Grill. $98 at Harry’s Savoy Grill. (475-3000, harrys-savoy.com)
2010 Gilles Gelin Beaujolais Villages
Mike Rossi, owner of the wine-centric Domaine Hudson, describes this wine as light-bodied and fresh. “It won’t break the bank,” he says. The restaurant pairs the wine with poussin (a young chicken), served with rainbow chard, cranberries, bacon risotto and maple essence. $3 for a 1½-ounce pour; $6 for a 3-ounce pour; $10 for a 5-ounce pour. (655-9463, domainehudson.com)