Windy City Wine Guy: Certified Chicago Sommelier and Wine Consultant

Windy City Wine Guy has some suggestions of great wines at great prices for you!

Best under $15:

Michele Chiarlo Barbera D’Asti Superiore “Le Orme” 2006: Not only is this wine one great value, $12.99, it is also one of the best food wines one can find.  The medium body, ripe acidity, supple tannins, spice and minerality assure perfect pairing with meat, poultry, or fish.  The fresh red fruit keeps coming, with leather and truffly earthiness sneaking up on the back end.

Big Fire Pinot Gris 2008: This is an extremely rich white wine, hailing from Oregon.  So much fruit flavor shines through like tangerine, red grapefruit, and Anjou pear, accompanied by floral honey and a subtle almond nuttiness.  The acidity and hint of sweetness makes this wine perfect with any spicy food.  All this for $12.99.

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2005: This 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah has deep color, great body, and a complex flavor profile of pepper, tar, and chewy dark berry fruit.  Brought to you by the Guigal family of French Rhône fame.  They make a yearly consistent product and at $13.99, you’ll find it hard to beat this red.

d’Arenberg “The Stump Jump” Red 2007: A GSM blend (Grenache 70%, Shiraz 20%, Mourvedre 10%) from Australia which could be THE best wine value ever.  It is dark, rich, and aromatic, with lively earth, cherry, and berry flavors.  The body on this wine is that of wines priced twice of its $9.99 price tag.  Jump all over it if you get the chance!

Ca’Montini “L’acristicratico” Pinot Grigio 2007: With a complex structure and fuller style, this wine breaks out of the light crisp PG mold.  Fruit flavor bursts out with apples, lemons, and pineapple with honey and a bit of nutty almond.  Unbelievable that you can get this creamy style out of Italy for just $12.99.

Bethel Heights Estate Chardonnay 2006: A full Burgundian style Chardonnay from Oregon.  Smooth flavors are brought about from French Oak aging like cinnamon, anise, and oak spice.  Melon, peach, golden apple, and pears are brought out- almost like a walk through the orchard.  Slight minerality comes off on the long finish.  I cannot believe this wine can be purchased for $14.99.

Bisol Desiderio Jeio Prosecco Brut NV: It is impossible to find Champagne in this price range, but not so with quality sparkling wine.  Yeasty bread, flowers and citrus scents come through along with pear and apple flavor.  The finish is thick and creamy- not your typically light Prosecco.  And Bisol has been making Prosecco since 1542!  Pick this up for $13.99.

 Gruet Rosé Brut NV: Methode Champenoise from New Mexico?  You better believe it- this quality sparkling wine is made in the traditional method and aged two years in the bottle.  It has a pinkish garnet color and gives off berry, cherry, and floral scents.  The flavors are a fruit burst with strawberry, cherry, and raspberry.  A great clean bubbly finish and you are all set for $14.99.

Don Miguel Gascón Malbec 2008: This winery has been producing quality wine in Argentina since 1884.  The high altitude, fine tradition, and recent aquisition by the Catena family have turned this wine into a worldwide value.  A medium-full body wine with juicy dark cherry, spice, and mocha flavors.  Hard to believe this silky smooth Malbec is available for only $11.99.

Chateau St. Michelle Indian Wells Riesling 2007: There might be nothing more refreshing than a dry riesling, and that is what you get with this wine.  Tropical fruits like pineapple and mango combine with ripe white peach and citrus to bring elegant balance.  A touch of minerality and smooth texture come through on the finish.  Its hard to stop yourself from buying too much when a wine like this is priced at $12.99.

Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2007: Made from vines planted in Oakley, California, about 100 years ago, this wine exhibits much dark fruit like blackberry and plum.  There are hints of white pepper, with a mouthful of chocolate and coffee.  Vanilla shines through, along with both brightness and sweetness, to make this not only a perfect match for barbeque, but a steal at $13.99.

Old Coach Road Pinot Noir 2007: New Zealand is becoming known for more than grapefruity Sauvignon Blanc, and this wine helps prove it.  Hailing from Nelson, this wine comes off a bit tart, with cranberry and rhubarb, but exhibits soft oak tannin and red twizzler.  The savory components, along with the $12.99 pricetag make this not to be missed.

Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2008: You can consistently count on grapefruit and minerality from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  Nobilo does a great job of bringing out tropical fruits along with citrus to go along with a medium body.  The crisp acidity and long finish is the perfect compliment to hot summers and seafood- all for $10.99.

d’Arenberg “The Hermit Crab” Viognier/Marsanne 2008: A great value Rhone varietal blend from Australia.  The Hermit Crab is packed full of stone fruits, honeysuckle, and minerality.  A portion of the wine was oak aged, giving way to butterscotch, spice, and nuttiness.  Great body, flavor profile, and length for just $13.99.

Michel Rolland Clos de los Siete 2007: This might be the best wine you can possibly find at this price range.  For $14.99, you get a nose full of dark cherry, white and black pepper, cedar, and violets, to go with a full mouth of berries, chocolate, sweet peppercorns, and pencil lead.  A killer blend of Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina.

Chateau Ducasse Blanc 2008: A white Bordeaux blend of 55% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, and 10% Muscadelle, with flint and citrus on the nose.  The palate leads you to lively orange zest and a full body to boot.  This is the way to kick off any meal, or just to have for a refreshing drink.  A great French white for only $12.99. 

Firesteed Pinot Noir 2007: This is a light bright Pinot made from a variety of Oregon vineyards.  So many red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry jump out at you.  The hints of spice and long finish are what will surprise you the most after only paying $13.99 for this steal.  Grill some pork tenderloin or salmon and enjoy this tasty wine.

Bodegas Ateca “Atteca” 2007: This wine hails from Calatayud in northeast central Spain.  It is made from 80-120 year old Garnacha vines on extremely low yield.  Aged in French oak for 10 months, it gives you oak spice, minerality, crushed dark fruits, and full body.  This amazing value, $14.99, will keep you coming back for more of its chocolatey flavor and silky tannins.

Tamari Reserva Torrontes 2008: A varietal that has flourished in Argentina, Torrontes offers a floral light white wine.  This wine is very aromatic, with roses and spice on the nose.  Apricots and tangerine flavor burst on the mouth, with a mellow nutty cinnamon aftertaste.  It’s hard to beat this wine for the $10.99 pricetag.

DiStefano Domenica 2004: A Washington blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with dried and baked fruit accompanied by more pie components than your mother’s very own: caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown butter.  Firm tannins and espresso finish off this $14.99 deal.

Albert Mann Pinot Blanc 2007: This wine is made of equal parts Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois, a white grape with the same parentage as Chardonnay.  Albert Mann, a biodynamic/organic producer, makes this wine affordable, $14.99, and flavorful.  More tangerines and peaches on a creamy palate, finishing off with chalky minerality and a touch of salinity.

Domaine les Aphillanthes Cotes du Rhone 2007: Another CDR makes the list.  A blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Carignan, and 10% Mourvedre made by a biodynamic winery, this wine is not only floral, but full of dark cherry, licorice, and sweaty leather.  It is full bodied, deep purple, and a steal for $13.99.

Terradora di Paolo Falanghina 2008: I love this producer for keeping Campanian varietals in production, and Falaghina makes very tropical wines.  This one is full of pineapple, quince, and peach, accompanied by a wide array of citrus and minerality.  A medium body with baked bread aftertaste finishes this lush white for $14.99.

Chateau D’Argadens Bordeaux Superieur 2005: Made in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon makes a deep opaque wine.  Dark berry flavor is accompanied by subtle oak and clove.  The tannins and balance make for one of the best of its kind priced at $13.99.

Vinos Sin Ley Traza GRA2 Graciano 2007:  Coming from Rioja, this varietal is normally used as a blending grape.  But this wine stands on its own.  Full of dark fruit and spices, including cardamom, and a slightly bitter earthiness.  A high acidity level makes this wine great with many cheeses, and possibly seafood.  Love it for $13.99.

Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2008: It is hard to believe this wine is only $9.99, as it is so full of tropical fruit and herbaceous flavor.  Meyer lemon, grapefruit, and a bright fig component are highlighted by a whiff of thyme and floral scents.  The body is slightly amped up with a bit of Semillon in the blend.

Red Head Studios “Yard Dog” Red 2006: This is a deep, dark red South Australian blend made up of 55% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Merlot.  The fruit is as dark as the color, with plums, blackberries, and blueberries, along with a touch of vanilla bean.  The alcohol does kick a bit high, 15% abv, but it does not whack the balance.  Try it for $9.99.

Pillar Box Padthaway Red 2007: This has to be my favorite Australian blend for the price: $11.99.  65% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot complete the blend.  And the flavor keeps going with blueberry, tobacco, currant, chocolate, and touch of smoke and mint complete this full, round red wine.

A to Z Chardonnay: The minerality comes to the forefront of this Oregon Chardonnay, followed by lime, tangerine, granny smiths, and guava.  Full body flavors like honey and brioche are revealed as well.  The finish is long, with citrus and mineral notes.  This wine keeps giving, and with the price, $13.99, I am willing to receive.

 

Celler de Capcanes “Mas Donis” Barrica 2005: An awesome blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah from old vines, this wine hails from one of my favorite value areas, Montsant.  Dark berries, licorice, slate, and floral notes make this a bargain at $12.99.

Planeta La Segreta Rosso 2007: A blend of mostly Nero d’Avola, a southern Italian varietal, and both Merlot and Syrah.  Cherry preserves, cola, and licorice highlight this extremely easy drinking red.  A touch of oak and herbal complexity end on the palate, and for $12.99, you can’t go wrong.

St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc 2008: There is not only alot of citrus involved with this wine, but much tropical fruit as well.  Lime juice, honeydew melon, pineapple, nectarine, and red grapefruit are prevalent.  The acidity, minerality, long finish, and price, $14.99, are what will keep you coming back.

Tabali Carmenere 2007: The dark berry fruit is the telling factor of this Chilean wine, while the smokiness and big game fat give the varietal identity.  Exotic spice like nutmeg spring on the nose, and the tannic chocolatey finish leave you asking how you just bought this for $12.99.