I just can’t contain myself when I find great “Every Day” wines for a bargain!
1. Category: Vibrant
2. Wine Type: Blend Tempranillo (80%), Granacha (5%), Mazuelo (5%) and Graciano
3. Country: Rioja, Spain
4. Price: $6.99
5. Notes: Yet another find that has Rioja written all over it. This blend called Antaño has plenty of character without the attitude. You’ll find vibrant rich black cherry flavors finished with vanilla notes with every sip. Can be enjoyed with pasta or chicken dish. At $6.99a bottle, I’m keeping a few in my stash.
I finally got a date with Chicago’s new wine on the scene, Apothic Red. Vanilla notes with soft cocoa flavors that were complimented by sweet berries. For all those first dates, it’s seriously a great wine selection. It had character with every sip. For the price, I highly recommend it for everyday wine.
Note: I found it $2.00 cheaper at Binny’s compared to the $10.99 at Whole Foods in Chicago.
Every so often Thai food is a necessity when in Chicago. Opart Thai House is your place to go for some amazing appetizers. All appetizers on the menu are great, from the Chicken Satay to the Crab Rangoons, but the ONE I call my favorite at Opart is the skewered tender beef called Tiger Cry. In the past I have walked in with a wine bottle and ordered three appetizers of just Tiger Cry for dinner…it’s that good. Oh, the Pad Thai noodles, Fried Curry rice, and all that jazz is also good.
We enjoyed our Thai dinner with a new bottle on the scene – Puerto Viejo Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile ($8.99)
Opart Thai House
4658 N Western Ave
(at Leland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 989-8517 www.opartthai.com
Not bad for $7, love Trader Joes’ for their deals! This easy to drink, quietly sweet Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed by any new wine drinker. Soft tannins compliment the plum, anise and vanilla flavors.
1. Category: Sweet, Anise, Vanilla
2. Wine Type: Cabernet Souvignon
3. Country: USA – California
4. Price: $7.00 (Trader Joe’s)
5. Notes: Soft tannins that compliment the vanilla, anise, and plum flavors.
1. Category: Silky, Vanilla
2. Wine Type: Pinot Noir
3. Country: USA – California
4. Price: $6.99
5. Notes: It’s Monday and you’ve spent a lot this past weekend, what wine can you enjoy on a low budget? Barefoot is the answer! This wine has lots of vanilla and spice for only$ 6.99.
1. Category: Citrus, Lime, Herbs
2. Wine Type: Sauvignon Blanc
3. Country: Chile – Valle Central
4. Price: $9.00
5. Notes: This refreshing citrus and light floral wine is sure to go good with a vegetable pizza. Ranalli’s in Andersonville (Chicago) has free wifi. Wine, WiFi, and Pizza…this place rocks for a wine techno geek!
1. Category: Spicy with Oak
2. Wine Type: Pinot Noir
3. Country: USA – California
4. Price: $9.99
5. Notes: Had a bad day? This wine is sure to make it all better with oak, pomegranates, and cherries flavors. Easy to drink and doesn’t require much more thought. Seriously put a warm smile on my face.
November 7, 2009 Weekly Wine Pick – Ménage à Trois Red
1. Category: Lusty
2. Wine Type: Zinfandel, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Country: USA – California
4. Price: $8.99
5. Notes: Three lusty grapes play well together to create a mouthful of juicy flavors. This sassy wine has hints of blackberry, smooth cocoa middle, and a satin finish. This wine will NOT tease, but please you with a happy ending.
There’s some serious pimping at the Chemically Imbalanced Theater. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind “pimprove” (pimp improv), you have to make it to the Friday night act. The 3 man pimp show is like no other. I’m not sure if it’s the ghetto fabulous pimping, outfits, or roasting on some of the audience, but this show is drop dead hilarious. For about $16 and your preferred wine bottle, you can have a good time for under $25…I know I did and it doesn’t get any better than that! Check out one of their videos:
1. Category: Crisp
2. Wine Type: Macabeo
3. Country: Spain
4. Price: $8.99
5. Notes: Refreshing and crisp young wine with no aging makes it so fun to drink. This wine is extremely popular in Spain during the hot summer sun. Although slightly acidic, the pineapple undertones make it fun when shared. Go ahead….drink, laugh, and eat the way Spanish do!
