Many Wines Deemed '09's Best Are U.S.-Made
Think all the best wines come from Europe? Well, you're in for a surprise!
Food & Wine magazine says some of the best wines are made in the United States. What's more, they won't break the bank!
On "The Early Show Saturday Edition," Food & Wine's wine editor, Ray Isle, discussed several of the wines the magazine just named the best of 2009 that sell for $20 and under, as it presented its 12th annual American Wine Awards.
SPARKLING
2005 Domaine Carneros Brut by Taittinger ($26): This won against some much more expensive wines, and is a great choice for upcoming holiday events. This Pinot Noir-dominated blend is dry when first poured. It's brimming with classic notes of pear, brioche and yellow apple.
RIESLING
2008 Kung Fu Girl Riesling ($15): From our winemaker of the year, Charles Smith, who used to manage rock bands in Sweden before he moved to Washington State to became a wine guy.
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2008 Hanna Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($19): A great all-purpose white wine, from a family-owned Sonoma producer. Bright fruit character, with clean pineapple, grapefruit and herbal aromas.
PINOT NOIR
2007 Siduri Sonoma County Pinot Noir ($20): It's almost impossible to find terrific pinot for under $20, but this nails it. Juicy, cream and ripe, with a plush texture, it balances its impressive body with vivid aromatics and a delicate acidity.
ZINFANDEL
2007 Seghesio Family Vineyards Home Ranch Zinfandel ($36): This is a splurge wine (great for gifts), but it beat out a lot of wines that cost a LOT more in this category. Big, robust red for cold weather. Almost black in color but refined in flavor, it balances rich cocoa-inflected blackberry and raspberry flavors against hints of black pepper.