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Ring in 2010 with bargain wines

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By By Elaine Morris Roberts, Staff Writer 7:29 PM Tuesday, December 29, 2009

It’s hard to believe it’s time again for a column about ringing in the New Year, but another one has come and gone, so how about a second annual wine column?

Last year, it was all about the bubbly.

This year, the idea comes from Paul Sheehan, a reader who suggested I write a bargain wine column. Sheehan did his homework, offering a long list of favorite varieties and vineyards. He normally tries to hang within the $8 to $15 range, tends to favor reds, but said he’s learning to appreciate Pinot Grigio, thanks to an introduction from his brother and sister-in-law.

Two favorites that he buys at Walmart — a recently discovered wine bargain haunt — are a 2008 Beringer Founder’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon at $8.99 and a 2006 Estancia Merlot for $10.99. At Kroger, Meijer or Walmart, he suggested looking for Jacob’s Creek and Yellow Tail selections, both Australian, most usually under $9.

A favorite splurge is a 2004 St. Supery Cabernet for around $30.

“If I had a choice between one $60 bottle and two of the less expensive St. Supery, I’d choose the St. Supery,” he said.

Also look for imported wine at reasonable prices. Enjoyable Italian, French and Spanish wines can be found for under $15. At Meijer until Jan. 2, all varieties of Bolla are $7.99; bottles of Ecco Domani varieties are $9.99.

To host a fun, inexpensive wine tasting party to ring in 2010, a brown bag wine tasting is the way to go.

To get started, decide what you’ll serve. Choose reds from one vineyard, one variety from a number of different vineyards or an equal number of reds and whites. Wrap each bottle in a brown paper bag, then start pouring.

Pour each guest a taste, sampling one bottle at a time. A “taste” is one to two ounces (and in a real wine glass, please). Then, discuss what you like and don’t like about each. It can be fun to let each guest make notes or ask one person to note some interesting qualities of a specific bottle.

A few appetizers or breads and cheeses will keep your guests from getting tipsy and help cleanse palates between bottles. And always remember to host safely. Never allow a guest to leave your party if he or she has had one too many tastes. Arrange to provide transportation home if it becomes necessary.

The key is to have a great time with friends and family, try some new wines and discover what you enjoy. Make your brown bag tasting the template for what can be a wonderful year for everyone. Be brave — try something new, don’t be afraid of the unknown and make the journey with people you care about. What could make for a better year?

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.

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