Wine-ing and Dining

best inexpensvie wines

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, one of Canada’s finest). Anne’s picks are all reasonably priced (most under $15) and delicious too—very savvy selections for your cellar (or kitchen).

The Red
Bersano Barbera d’Asti “Costalunga” 2004, Italy
A wonderful ripe and fruity wine with enough backbone to stand up a hearty pasta dish. A lighter wine for those who feel a red wine should still be refreshing.

The White
Chateau Bonnet 2005, Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France
Like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc’s, but find them a bit pricey these days? This is a delicious wine made from the same grape in the place it originated…Bordeaux. Lovely herbaceous notes with a hint of lime and some rich fruit make this a great wine for a party.

The Sparkler
Segura Viudas “Aria” Estate Brut Cava N.V., Spain
A step up from the regular Segura Viudas Brut (ed.note. which is great too), this excellent bubbly delivers the goods. Very dry yet rich enough to pair with seafood. Yummy with oysters too!

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!

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?

More details on wine availability can be found at www.alberta-liquor-guide.com

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