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National "Drink Wine" Day
- Josie Hough
- Feb 18
- 9 min read
I promise it really has its own day!!!
Go ahead, you have permission.
Today is the day to drink your favorite wine and celebrate!
In honor of this special day, I will highlight each of my Sips & Snacks Series wines from this year.
Each month, I select a Sweet Spot (under $25) and a Special Day (over $25 or just let your heart decide) choice from a varietal. It was, by far, the most fun I have had with research since starting my blog almost two years ago. I got to go into wine retailers and talk about great wines, taste those wines, find great deals and some new favorites.
Cheers to National "Drink Wine" Day!
January :: Riesling
Sweet Spot Riesling
Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Riesling : $17.49
Washington
This selection would be a semi-sweet Riesling. I tasted notes of citrus, pear and also had a little floral too. Overall, this is a great wine for the price point. I never would guess this was under $20.
Special Day Riesling
Villa Thanisch Riesling Spatlese : $25.99
Germany
Classic flavors of peach, pear, apple and a touch of honey provides a lovely balance of sweetness with a long finish. This is a sweeter choice than our Sweet Spot choice this month and is more of what I consider a typical riesling; sweet and balanced.
Check out the full post for food pairings -
February :: Chianti, Sangiovese & Barolo
Sweet Spot Sangiovese
Castello di Albola Sangiovese 2022 : $16.99
This month's Sweet Spot Sangiovese comes in under $20 and is a perfect selection to have on hand for the unexpected guest. It drinks like a much more expensive wine, has the most beautiful ruby color and is extremely flexible to serve with foods. I really enjoyed the slight smoky sage and the sweet, yet slightly tart cherry flavor. I would serve this with spaghetti, lasagna, or a charcuterie board.
Special Day Barolo
Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d'Alba 2018 : $59.99
This month's Special Day Barolo is a difficult bottle to find. Grab one if you see one! This ready to drink Barolo is loaded with all the classic notes of smoke, leather, plum and spice and showcases a velvety texture and great balance. It's ideal with red meat dishes and medium or mature cheeses.
Check out the full post for food pairings:
March :: Merlot
Sweet Spot Merlot
Luc Pirlet Reserve Merlot 2021 - $13.99
This one is a lovely surprise. It is the perfect wine to enjoy for an everyday sip. Inexpensive wine doesn't always mean it's bad wine and I'm guilty of this thinking from time to time. It is full of dark plum flavors, spices and a touch of vanilla, yet still feels light. It is awesome with a piece of dark chocolate! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Special Day Merlot
Silverado Merlot Mt George Vineyard 2019 - $44.99
The choices are many at this price point. I decided on this one because it was the last bottle in the store and that made it even more appealing to me. To be honest, I love the "Mt George" part of the name. It sounds so fancy :) This hits more like a Cabernet blend. I got just a hint of the Cab punch and it's a bit more medium to full bodied. It is a perfect wine with a heavily sauced meal like a beef roast with mashed potatoes and gravy or smoky ribs. I loved the blackberry you normally get from a Merlot and it also had a kiss of spice and cocoa. So good!
Check out the full post for food pairings:
April :: Chardonnay
Sweet Spot Chardonnay
River Road Unoaked Chardonnay 2022 - $14.99
This was a perfect unoaked selection that is aged in stainless steel. It is lighter than a normal Chardonnay, as it has green apple and is a bit crisp, yet it still has a Chardonnay feel. Did I mention it is under $15? Cheers!
Special Day Chardonnay
Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2022 - $69.97
SMOOTH and buttery, yet somehow this amazing Chardonnay still stays away from the heavy oak flavors that often turn me off with Chardonnay. I found this to have a touch of fruit, but not too much. It is the perfect pair to lobster and date night. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Check out the full post for food pairings:
May :: Viognier
Sweet Spot Viognier
2021 Yalumba "Y" Viognier - $12.99
This Australian wine is a great way to introduce yourself to Viognier because of it's price point- it drinks like a much more expensive wine. I love the light touches of peach and lemon and yet somehow it stays smooth.
I served it with fried chicken and it was PERFECTION!
Special Day Viognier
2019 Bougetz Cellars 'Belle Reve' Yates Family Vineyard Viognier - $39.99
This Napa Valley wine is a little harder to find, but worth it. It's an easy match with many foods, making it even more desirable. It is smooth, like the Yalumba "Y" Viognier, but has a subtly sweet touch that brings a touch of honey. This makes it awesome with both spicy and rich foods.
Check out the full post for food pairings:
June :: Rosé
Sweet Spot Rosé
Ava Grace Rosé 2021 - $8.99
This California Rosé (from the Pinot Noir grape) is fruit forward, delicate and not too sweet. It makes it a great option for the sangria this month. I liked the subtle hints of berries, apricot and citrus with this one and yet it stayed just a touch dry. This would be really good served with a spicy plate of nachos and at under $10, it is a steal!
Special Day Rosé
Whispering Angel 2022 - $24.99
One of the most popular (and loved) Rosé options you'll find is our Special Day selection, Whispering Angel. It hails from the Provence Region of France and is produced using the Grenache grape. It has been referred to "The Standard" for a Provence Rosé. The pale, lovely color is the perfect precursor to the soft, peachy and strawberry forward taste, while staying crisp. Bring this to your next BBQ!
Check out the full post for food pairings:
July :: Sauvignon Blanc
Sweet Spot Sauvignon Blanc
Kia Ora Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - $13.99
This New Zealand (Marlborough) born wine will get you hooked on Sauvignon Blanc with it's bright taste but balance in a light body.
It's summer in a glass with the fruit you taste with the first sip.
Serve this with a charcuterie spread or shrimp cocktail!
Special Day Sauvignon Blanc
Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2021 - $51.99
A long time favorite of mine, Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc is the literal star of the show (even when the "Big Reds" show up). For a special occasion, my friends reach for this bottle again and again. This Sonoma County wine is fruity yet has more body than your average Sauvignon Blanc. I get a taste of honey within a glass of this, depending on what I'm eating while sipping. For your friends who don't think they like Sauvignon Blanc (or prefer Chardonnay) try this one! It offers the bright, acidic taste of a fruity Sauvignon Blanc while having an almost creamy Chardonnay balance, too. Serve this with strawberry shortcake for a perfect combination.
Check out the full post for food pairings:
August :: Shiraz/Syrah
Sweet Spot Shiraz/Syrah -
Luc Pirlet Syrah - Mourvedre - $13.99
This French Syrah is blended with Mourvedre to make a perfect combination of the berries and plums you'd expect in a Syrah yet a touch of smoke and spice. It's perfect with a meal to complement bacon!
Special Day Shiraz/Syrah -
Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy 2021- $62.99
My Special Day choice is my dear friend Sonia's favorite. I have enjoyed this one together with friends celebrating all things good. :)
Named after the son of award-winning Australian winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis, this wine will impress you on all counts.
It is a full-bodied dark fruit taste with just a touch of chocolate.
It is the perfect wine to share for a celebration!
Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in August
September :: Pinot Noir
Sweet Spot Pinot Noir
Domaine St Germain Bourgogne Rouge Vieilles Vignes Pinot Noir $19.99
Are you looking for a bottle for under $20 that tastes like it's $50? This is for you. It's hard to find a higher quality Pinot Noir (from France) that brings this much complexity. You'll find this medium body sip filled with hints of black cherry and berries, yet not sweet. I love it with a tomato pasta dish and you'll find it quite easy to pair with many foods.
Special Day Pinot Noir
Amici Pinot Noir 2022 - $44.99
This is one of the best Pinot Noirs I've ever tasted. I'm thankful the expert at Total Wine led me here :) It is a legit sexy sip and feels balanced with berries, a hint of spice, and a velvety finish. This will be on my Thanksgiving table - it is made for that "big time" meal. I hope you love it just as much!
Check out the full post for food pairings:
October :: Zinfandel
Sweet Spot Zinfandel-
Castoro Cellars Double Black Zinfandel Paso Robles - $13.99
A great value when looking for an easy drinking Zinfandel that pairs with many foods. This would be incredible with BBQ or your favorite Italian red sauce. It is dark fruit forward yet has the perfect amount of spice to balance the jammy sip. You'll love this one! It's the easy pour you're looking to put with any meal or snack.
Special Day Zinfandel-
Frog's Leap Zinfandel 2020 - $46.99
Powerful and spicy, this incredible favorite of mine has more body than most Zinfandels but still has the fruity notes you expect from the varietal. With mild hints of vanilla and black pepper it makes this a lovely wine with spicy dishes, beef, game, and bbq. If you're wanting to celebrate something special, choose this one and if you're in Napa Valley you should visit the Frog's Leap Winery. It is at the top of my list each time we visit. The wine tasting and grounds are incredibly well done,
and their gardens are a must see!
Check out the full post for food pairings:
November :: Cabernet Sauvignon
Sweet Spot Cabernet Sauvignon
Valravn Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : $17.99
I found this one at Costco and was immediately drawn to the spooky, Halloween"ish" label. I also noticed its high 92-point rating from Wine Enthusiast so I gave it a try. I'm thankful I did. This great priced Cab is full of ripe dark fruit flavors, like blackberry and plum, with hints of cedar and tobacco. It's a fantastic match for grilled steaks and savory dishes.
It drinks like a much more expensive wine.
Special Day Cabernet Sauvignon
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $54.97
This is the perfect wine to serve on Thanksgiving. Austin Hope's Cab has been a favorite at many special moments the last 10 years of my life. It is smooth, dark and complex without being "too much" of all those things that make a Cab just a bit "more" than other reds. I enjoy the fruit, warm spice and the very subtle touch of mocha, tea and tobacco. If you have not tried this pour, run out NOW and treat yourself on Turkey Day or on a day to celebrate an exceptionally good wine. You're going to be so happy and that makes me happy, too! Cheers!
Check out the full post for food pairings:
December :: Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Sweet Spot Champagne & Sparkling Wine-
Chandon California Brut Sparkling Wine: $20.99
This California Sparkling wine offers the balance and elegance that has become Chandon's familiar style. The wine delivers complex apple and pear characteristics accented by citrus spice over notes of almond and caramel in the bouquet. This is a great one to keep on hand.
There's always something to celebrate.
Special Day Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne - $53.99
Coming from the Champagne region in France my favorite old reliable is this Veuve Clicquot Champagne. The aromas of beautiful ripe fruit and light cream are always consistent and familiar. It has a medium body and isn't overly acidic, not to mention the iconic orange label is an indicator of the greatness you're about to enjoy. Cheers!
Check out the full post for food pairings:
Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive.
This information is for people over the age of 21.
Pregnant women should not drink alcohol.
-As Noted by Me-
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