Wine Guy picks for FEB/MAR 2020

By JOHN WEBSTER | The Wine Guy

I hope your year has gotten off to a great start! I’ve enjoyed sampling some tasty wines to share with you this month. As always, I look for budget wines that stand up well to their high-priced counterparts. Enjoy these wines with family and friends as we await spring!

White and Rose Wines

• Viva La Vida Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose Cava. Strawberry flavors really stand out in this sparkler. Accompaniment: appetizers, party fare. Origin: Penedes, Spain. Under $20.

• Aroma White Blend 2018. Blend of mostly Grenache Blanc (30 percent), with seven other varieties. Dry and medium-bodied, with flavors of stone fruit and citrus. Fantastic value. Accompaniment: fish, chicken. Origin: IGP Mediterranee, France. Under $10.

• Pine Ridge White Blend Chenin Blanc and Viognier. Crisp, clean wine with flavors of green apple and lemon. Very bright and fresh-tasting. Accompaniment: cheese plate, fish, chicken. Origin: Napa Valley. Under $17.

• Treasure Hunter “Trophy Wife” Chardonnay 2018. Russian River Chardonnay at its best. Great buy compared to its French counterparts — you may still find it on sale for $22. Accompaniment: chicken, salmon. Origin: Russian River Valley, Calif. Under $27.

• Domaine du Haut Boug Muscadet 2018. Particularly impressive wine featuring flavors of citrus, stone fruit and florals. Accompaniment: appetizers, shrimp. Origin: Loire, France. Under $14.

• Kate Arnold Sauvignon Blanc 2017. Refreshing citrus flavors with a peach-tinged finish. Accompaniment: chicken, creamy or oil-based pasta. Origin: California. Under $15.

Strawberry flavors really stand out in this sparkler. Accompaniment: appetizers, party fare.

Red Wines

• Paxis Red Blend 2016. Highly-rated wine that’s a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roiz grapes. Accompaniment: burgers, steak, ribs. Origin: Portugal. Under $10.

• Treasure Hunter “Well-Heeled” Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. Textbook Cabernet flavors of cherry and dark fruit. Smooth, pleasant finish. May still be on sale for $22. Accompaniment: steak, roasts. Origin: Alexander Valley, Calif. Under $27.

• Fontella Chianti 2016. With a 91 rating, this is a fantastic bargain. Delicious cherry fruit flavors and a long, clean finish. Accompaniment: spaghetti, flavorful sauces. Origin: Chianti, Italy. Under $10.

• Chemistry Pinot Noir 2017. Tart cherry and cranberry flavors lead to a clean, structured finish. You may still find this great wine on sale for under $20. Accompaniment: chicken, pasta, thinly-sliced pork roast. Origin: Willamette Valley, Ore. Under $25.

• Fourteen Hands “Hot to Trot” Red Blend 2016. Mostly Merlot blend that also features Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Ripe berry and plum flavors stand out. Accompaniment: ribs, baked ham. Origin: Columbia Valley, Wash. Under $10.

• Torre de Golban Crianza. Chocolate, cherry and plum flavors are featured in this robust yet smooth wine. Accompaniment: roast beef, steaks. Origin: Ribera del Duero, Spain. Under $17.

Visit https://www.metromonthly.net for more wine recommendations. Key word search: The Wine Guy.