Red and White All Over

Is it just us or has wine become a little more important in our lives since we entered into mommy-hood?

Phew. We’re glad we’re not alone! With this increase in consumption comes the need to find a fashionably affordable (or dare we say “good cheap”) wine.   

And what better time to discover a new vintage than on February 14th when a bottle can be shared with a loved one. We’re sure that if you go to the trouble to actually research the wine, schlep to the store to buy it, and then bring it home, your efforts will be most appreciated. (And you should have no problem ordering in dinner!)

So in celebration of moms and Valentine’s Day, we asked Anne Martin to select a few wines to enjoy with your festivities and share her tasting notes with us. (Anne’s a very savvy mom btw—the founder of Anne Martin Wine Services and mom to Sam (age 2), she was one of the first female sommeliers in Toronto and was the head sommelier at Canoe Restaurant.) Anne’s picks are all reasonably priced (all under $15) and delicious too—very savvy selections for your cellar (or kitchen).

The Red
Rocca delle Macie “Vernaiolo” Chianti 2005, Italy
A lively and hearty Chianti with nice cherry fruit and good acidity for those nights of pizza and pasta. You don’t need to mortgage the Tuscan farmhouse to pay for this one. Invite some friends and family over…do the long Italian family lunch thing.
LCBO #269589 $11.10

The White
Lurton Pinot Gris 2006, Argentina
One of the best all purpose whites I’ve tasted in a long time…and what a bargain! Argentina is the hot new wine region. This beautifully balanced (tropical flavours with just enough citrus) little number is perfect for quaffing back on its own, but can stand up to roast chicken or pork tenderloin.
LCBO #556746 $11.15

The Sparkler
Segura Viudas “Aria” Estate Brut Cava N.V., Spain
A step up from the regular Segura Viudas Brut , this excellent bubbly delivers the goods. Very dry yet rich enough to pair with seafood. Yummy with oysters too!
LCBO #311241 $13.95

The Morning After the Night Before…or Brunch Wine
Bottega “Petalo Il Vino dell Amore” Moscato, Italy
Never mind the kitschy bottle. This one’s a charmer. A sweet, light and refreshing wine made from the Muscat grape. Only 6% alcohol means it’s hardly like drinking at all. Bring on the almond croissants!
LCBO #588780 $12.30

Enjoy. Somehow a little wine can make the whine go away (or at least take the edge off the witching hour). And when it comes to your beloved, they say the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Nobody ever said that had to be with solid food, did they?

All wines widely available at LCBO stores.

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