Hundred Dollar Taste, Under $20?? BELIEVE IT!!

   Before I started learning a bit more about wine like most people I always associated price with quality. Yet in the wine world that is simply not true. The truth is, you can get expensive taste for bargain prices. Here I will feature 5 wines that will not only satisfy your palate but also your wallet. The following wines are all under $20, perfect for gifts or to share with friends, family or that special someone.

Caoba Malbec Reserve- This Malbec comes from the legendary region of Mendoza in Argentina. A deep purple color, it is complex with aromas of red berries. On the palate you get Cherry marmalade, plums and raspberries. The delicate sweetness and round finish will please any Malbec lover.

Red Handed California Cabernet Sauvignon- Not only is the name catchy but so is the taste. Rich dark berry and plum flavors will hit you right away on the front of your palate.  The long finish is a sign of true quality.

Bonaventure Merlot- This fuller bodied Napa merlot has great color with dark fruit, with refined tannins. Notes of chocolate and earth will be sensed on the finish.

Cameron Hughes Chardonnay- This chardonnay has a brilliant golden color with aromas of pear and apple. Oak aging gives it medium mouth feel with citrus and vanilla notes. This chardonnay culminates in a great finish, and for 9.96 it is an exceptional value.

Via Amanti Soave Classico- This straw colored Italian white has outstanding aromas of citrus and honey suckle. Light and crisp on the palate, this wine is a perfect alternative to a pinot Grigio.  

The Pacific Northwest does Kosher! Introducing Pacifica

  In the past year, I have been on a kosher wine journey.  I have had the privilege to try over a hundred different kosher wines. Most of them are incredible and every bit as delicious as anything in the non-kosher world. The myth that kosher wines are just not as good as non-kosher wines is just that, a myth. I have tasted roughly the same amount of kosher and non kosher wine this year and I must say that the kosher world has really magnificent selections; especially this year.

      In 2012, Phillip Jones and his wife, Sheryl, in cooperation with Royal wine corporation, released the Pacifica collection. The Jones have already earned respect for their New Zealand produced Goose Bay varietals. Now, they bring that same diligent dedication to their pacific northwest based Pacifica. The Jones are the first all Kosher winery of the Northwest. The unique climate of the region provides exceptional acidity, giving these wines a distinct flavor profile.

      The Meritage is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It is full bodied and rich, yet silky with notes of black cherries and chocolate. The grapes come from Pepperbridge and the Seven Hills Vineyards, which is located in the Walla Walla Valley in Washington. These vineyards are known for producing the best Washington State wines.

     The pinot noir is a light, well balanced elegant wine. On the palate, you will get  notes of red cherries and the earthiness of the Pacific northwest. The long lasting finish of this pinot is further evidence of true quality. 

Neither of these wines are Mevushal but not to worry because in 2013 the Pacifica family will be introducing a Cabernet-Merlot blend which will be Mevushal. These wines are great for any occasion and perfect for expanding your palate.

The Spanish Secret

One of the best bargains this summer for the quality conscious consumer come from the world of Spanish wine. They are affordable, diverse and great for food pairing. Their versatility makes them excellent choices for barbecues, late dinners or simply by themselves.

 Rioja is perhaps the most known of the red Spanish wines. Either partially or entirely made from the tempranillo grape- the rioja is a medium bodied, typically light when young yet it can be aged in oak for at least a year (crianza).  Further aging in oak lengthens the finish, adds nuances of vanilla, earth tones and mellows the fruit for better balance.

Priorat is a wine that is comprised of mostly garnacha which is a Spanish version of Grenache. Priorat wine is often blended with carignan making it fruit forward, yet complex with spice undertones making a great pairing for your summer barbecues.

Ruedas is a Spanish white wine from central Spain sourced from the verdejo grape. It is a medium bodied white, fruity with a lasting finish perfect for fish or chicken in a cream sauce. Albarino is another white that originates from northern Spain its sister wine is Alvarino which is from the neighboring country of Portugal. A citrusy, dry acidic wine whose better versions have a lasting finish. An excellent accompaniment for grilled fish, chicken or salad. 

Spanish sparkling wines (Cava) are fermented in the traditional champagne method but are aged for a much shorter period. They are an excellent alternative to champagne for brunch, and aperitif or cocktail. At a greatly reduced price in comparsion they are an excellent bargain.

By Ronald Mitchell 

3 Spirits You Need To KNOW!

     It’s hard to make an estimate of how many vodkas, gins and tequilas there are in the market-but it is probably in the hundreds, perhaps even in the thousands. With that in mind, I would like to highlight some products endorsed by experts at The Round Table. Some companies spend millions of dollars in advertising securing brand recognition, yet that never guarantees quality. That is why we are introducing you to three great spirits that you NEED TO KNOW!

Double Cross Vodka
After years of research the makers of Double Cross vodka hit the nail right on the head. In a market flooded, they wanted to make a truly superior product and they found the answer in the mountains of Slovakia. The seven times distilled vodka is velvet smooth, full of character and a perfect for summer drinks. Click on this link to purchase.http://www.queenannewine.com/proddetail.php?prod=736040510109
Summer cocktail Idea:
Double vision
3 ounces Double Cross
1/2 ounce Tuaca Liqueur
1 ounce Passion Fruit Juice
1/2 bar spoon Fennel Seed







Bulldog Gin:
In their words, “this is not your grandfather’s gin.” Infused with 12 different natural botanicals from 8 different countries giving it a very distinct flavor. Crafted by hand, crisp and balanced this is a versatile alternative to spice up your summer. Bulldog is Vegan friendly and also kosher making it a universal pleaser. Click here to purchase http://www.queenannewine.com/proddetail.php?prod=897076002003
Beijing Breeze
3 ounces of bulldog gin
1 ounce of cranberry juice
1 ounce of canton ginger liqueur
Club soda

1800 Coconut tequila
Infused with fresh coconut water and the elegance of 1800 tequila this is an absolute stand out. This is not your typical tequila therefore this can easily be introduced to the non-tequila drinker.  Sweet but full of character with almost none of the usual burn of tequila. http://www.queenannewine.com/proddetail.php?prod=811538010375

Coconut Crusher

1 part 1800 Coconut Tequila
1 part Pineapple Juice

CLAIM YOUR BEER INDEPENDENCE THIS 4th OF JULY!

    Maybe this independence day is the day you become independent from drinking the same old beers. With the plethora of craft beers in the market, it may be time to expand your palate a bit! This fourth of July Queen Anne Wine will have over ten different craft brews from all over the United States on sale.

    Ranging from the awesomely different taste of Shiner Bock’s Ruby Red to the Brooklyn Brewery’s summer ale. There is something interesting here for everyone who is looking to venture outside their comfort beer zone. The Shiner Ruby Red is a blend of ginger and grapefruit, so even your non-beer drinker will be sure to enjoy this refreshing beer. The Brooklyn summer Ale is full of character that is a staple to the company, yet it is clean and crisp. Another highlight of this craft brew sale is Buffalo Bill’s Orange blossom cream ale.  This beer is sure to please anyone who enjoys notes of citrus with a creamy taste and just the right touch of carbonation. Another great one for those who don’t usually like heavy beers.

    So, free yourself this independence day and go beyond the usual.  Ranging from 6.99 to 9.99 per six-pack, this is a great way to venture without feeling it in your pockets. Also, you can mix your own six-pack and get 10% off. This 4th of July bring something to talk about to your next family BBQ and other festivities, be the person that leaves a lasting memory by bringing people out to the unexpected.

Queen Anne Wine Introduces The Round Table!!

If you are like me, I am sure you’ve had those moments where a bit of guidance in which spirits, wines or craft beers to choose would be welcomed. I mean there are so many choices to choose from! Also, don’t you find the whole point system confusing and unreliable? I have always felt this type of advice should be more straight-forward. That is exactly what Queen Anne Wine has accomplished.

Last month Queen Anne Wine launched The Round Table. To put it in everyday language, The Round Table is a seal of approval by 13 wine, spirits and craft beer experts. This way you can know that the bottle in your hand is of excellent value within its category and price range. There are no paid opinions, just an objective assessment. Now, you no longer need to be confused or mislead with numerical values.

Every week Queen Anne Wine selects products at every price point that are sure to satisfy every kind of wine drinker, from the connoisseur to the novice- there is a bottle for you. So, join the Round Table on the wine road to value and simplicity. Trust, taste and enjoy.

Earth Day wines!!

Mother Nature’s Menu

WineMasters’ Sustainable Selections Make an Impression beyond the Palate

Say “arrivederci” to the cold weather and toast to Earth Day, April 22 “al fresco” with a savory glass of earth-friendly sustainable wine! 

Whether it’s Earth Wise Merlot, Casa al Vento “Foho” Chianti Classico or Costa al Sole Montepulciano, the fusion of natural flavors in WineMasters’ sustainable selections will have your taste buds in full bloom!

Pair Costa Al Sole Nero D’Avola with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella or Earth Wise Chardonnay with a spinach salad tossed with mandarin oranges and almonds for a menu Mother Nature is sure to approve of!

Certified Organic Wines:

Casa al Vento"Foho" Chianti Classico

                                                                                                                           

Foho, by winemaker Stefano Chioccioli, has ruby red color with garnet highlights. The aroma is very intense and complex; you can smell immediately spiced wood notes (nutmeg and cacao) and then the typical Chianti fragrance of violet. The wine is smooth, elegant and warm with a long aftertaste.

Casa al Vento "Aria" ChiantiClassico

Aria, by winemaker Stefano Chioccioli, has a red ruby color with soft garnet red nuances. On the nose an intense and complex bouquet with a good balance between fragrances of ripe red pulp fruits (plums and blackberry) and spiced wooden notes. We can define this wine harmonious, dry, warm, and pleasantly tannins.

Wines Made with Organic Grapes:

Costa al Sole Montepulciano

This ruby colored wine, made by winemaker Federico Riolfo, has bold inviting aromas of sour cherry, spices and dried herbs that explode from the glass and offer a preview of what is to follow on the palate. This smooth, medium-bodied wine is packed with ripe fruit flavor and nicely balanced by good acidity and soft tannins.

Costa al Sole Nero D'Avola

If you like Syrah or Shiraz, you'll love Nero D'Avola, a native Sicilian grape. This Nero D'Avola is concentrated and delectable with smoky black plum flavors. The finish is full bodied and has a hint of baker’s chocolate and dusty tannins.