Hello Vino Blog

Hello Everyone,

The 2009 roundup of the most exciting wines conducted by Wine Spectator has a few gems in the top ten that won’t burn a hole in your budget. We thought it would be fun to pair some delicious food with each wine below.

All you need is a wine glass and the right food to enjoy a world class trip around the globe. Start in Italy, then soak in the sun in California. France sounds like a nice stop, then maybe pack it up and head to Spain. On your way home, stop in Washington and try the 2009 Wine of the Year.

10)  Brancaia Toscana Tre 2007 (Italy)
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
93 point wine for $20
Food Pairing: Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

9) Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2007 (California)
Aged in barrel with a nice body and ripe flavors
96 point wine for $29
Food Pairing: Snapper8) Fontodi Colli della Toscana Centrale Flaccianello 2006 (Italy)
A pricey Sangiovese at $110, but pulled in a 99 points
Food Pairing: Veal Piccata

7) Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2005 (Italy)
Barolo that was aged in oak
96 point wine for $44
Food Pairing: Mushroom Risotto6) Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Signature 2006 
(California) Cabernet with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot
94 point wine for $42
Food Pairing: Chocolate Chip Cookies

5) Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio 2006 (Italy)
Chianti with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
96 points / $54
Food Pairing: Pizza with Sausage, or Plain Cheese4) Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2007 (Califonia)
Four vintages of Pinot Noir with a growing reputation
95 points / $52
Food Pairing: Filet Oscar

3) Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2007 
(France) Old-vine blend of Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, & Cinsault
95 points / $70
Food Pairing: Roast Lamb with Garlic & Rosemary2) Numanthia-Termes Toro Termes 2005 (Spain)
Old-vine Tinto de Toro, the local variation of Tempranillo
96 point wine for $27
Food Pairing: Portabello Mushrooms

1) Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Reserve 2005 
(Washington) Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Merlot and Cab Franc
95 points, Wine of the Year, for $27
Food Pairing: Sirloin Steak
If you have tried any of these wines and/or food pairings, we’d love to hear what you thought of them.

Enjoy your trip!Cheers,

The Hello Vino Team