FAVORITE WINE

[stevebody]

WCD,


Let me chime in with a more literal interp or "everyday", meaning, as my customers usually define it, a wine that costs very little, delivers a fat PVQ ratio, and pairs up well with a variety of foods.

For whites, a absolutely LOVE this little Italian Greco/Malvasia thing from Botromagno called Gravina. Parker, in the Advocate, givces is 88 points and it costs, usually, about $7. Also amazing at that price is an obscure Spanish called Basa, a crisp, dry, slightly buttery thing from the far North. For a little more, try the Chappelet Dry Chenin Blanc, a killer Chenin from one of CA's best mid-tier houses. Lastly, look for a beautiful Soave called San Vincenzo from an Italian compsny called Anselmi. They make a lot of it and it's normally about $8.

In reds, as a food wine, you'd be hard pressed to beat the Francis Ford Coppola Rosso, an odd, hearty blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Syrah, and Zinfandel. It's around $8 and stands up to spicy sauces beautifully, but is really fine with grilled meats. For a bit more $$, try the Allende Rioja, a knockout Spanish wine about $15. It's more punchy than a trad Rioja and has a nice, clean acidity. For just plain dazzling sipping, try the Charles Cimicky Trumps collection, especially the Shraz-Grenache and the 100% Grenache. Flawless and about $10.

Last, a sparkling that I resisted trying for months because I despise the winery's stuff, ordinarily but the Carta Nevada from Freixenet is a steal for about $6 and shows flat-out beautiful Chardonnay grapes with a good, persisent bubble. Just clean and quaffable stuff.