A wedding day wine for every day!

When my friend Julie asked me three weeks ago for some recommendations for wines to serve at her wedding, I was eager to help. She said she wanted something fun and affordable. I immediately went to the Reverse Wine Snob blog for ideas.

The wedding, which took place this past Saturday, was held at a small B&B in Cloverdale--and it was hot. Everyone was parched by the end of ceremony; as the bride and groom hurried off to have their pictures done, the guests quickly assembled at the beverage station. I was poured a tall glass of the Hannah Sauvignon Blanc, a wine that I have previously blogged about and that we found on sale at Costco for only $10.99. It was very refreshing!

When we sat down for dinner, the sun was setting and the temperature was also dropping. The family-style meal included pork and chicken in a tomato-based, spicy sauce with vegetables; the tasty food suited the rustic setting perfectly and was an ideal match for red wine. There were two options for red wine: the 2009 BV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (which was good) and the Evodia Garnacha (which was even better!).

The 2010 Altovinum Evodia Old Vines Garnacha from Calatayud, Spain was only $8.99 at Costco, and I suggested it because it received high marks on the RWS blog. (After tasting it, I wish I had picked up some for myself.) It was round and plush, with just a little bit of spice that paired nicely with the dinner. Flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black cherry and licorice were supported by good structure and a long, juicy finish. I never would have guessed this wine was under $10 a bottle; it was really delicious and at that price, it qualifies as an amazing everyday value wine!

For the toast, they served the La Marca Prosecco, which was also purchased from Costco for a great price ($10.99/bottle compared to $15.99 at Whole Foods).

Julie and Chris did a great job planning their wedding. I merely suggested a few affordable wines to serve; ultimately, the bride and groom made the final decision and everyone seemed to enjoy the wine selection [and everything else]. For wedding day wines, everyday wines, and even the high-end stuff [think Dom Perignon and $100 Napa Cab], the selection at Costco is hard to beat.

Congrats to Julie and Chris! Hope you're having a terrific honeymoon...Cheers!

Weeknight Wine Series: Newton Chardonnay

I am still hesitant to purchase Chardonnay without tasting it first, as I find most California Chardonnays to be too oaky and butter--but I took a chance on the 2010 Newton Red Label Chardonnay from Costco a couple weeks.

I bought a bottle of this wine based on two criteria: the price ($13) and the description on the back label. This wine was described as having a "lively character" and "purity of fruit", which told me it would be more fruit-driven (not ruined by wood or malolactic fermentation). 

Straight from the fridge, this Chardonnay was nice and crisp. Aromas of stone fruit and crème brûlée led to a rich palate of mineral, bergamot, vanilla, and sweet oak. With a medium body, it was easy to drink as an aperatif.

But as it warmed up (less than half an hour later), the oak flavor became overwhelming and the mineral and fruit components quickly dissipated. If you'll looking for a rich Chardonnay, then you might like this one.