I just moved in with my boyfriend and I want to have a celebration dinner. He doesn’t like to eat out, so I’m planning on ordering in from a cute little bistro down the street, and I’m looking for a good wine or champagne to go with it. We both like light, fruity wines. Something that goes down smooth, and isn’t too dry. I prefer whites, but he likes both. Suggestions?
As far as price goes, I’m looking for a mid-range wine or champagne, between – dollars.
J // Mar 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
As for wines, I would suggest Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is one of my favorite wines to introduce to a non-drinker, because it is indeed fruity and less alcohol. It is relatively inexpensive, does not have the flavor that most people don’t like (tannin/bitter, acidic, oaky, etc), and it is readily available at supermarket and wine stores. I would suggest to start out with something cheaper, like Chateau St. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc ($14), Napa Cellar ($15), Chateau Souverin ($14), Dry Creek Fume Blanc ($14). Personal favorite include Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc ($16) and Caymus Conundrum ($25) and Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc ($20).
As for Champagne, I agree with the writer on looking for nice cheaper champagnes from California. I think Chandon makes very good and cheap champagnes. They have so many different types, mostly runs $15-30. Personal favorites from California include Frank’s Family Champagne (especially the pink champagne $40) and Schramberg ($30-40). If you want something fruity and sweeter and not as dry, I would also throw this other one in – from France, Moet and Chandon has a wonderful sweeter champagne called Nectar Imperial ($40), hard to get but lovely.
Good luck and have fun.
Cister // Mar 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Red Truck or White Truck is good AND cheap. (funny name)
Larry J // Mar 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Veuve Clicquot, Champagne (France) "Yellow Label" Brut NV.
About $40
Worth it.
matgreylynn // Mar 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
there is a very fruity champagne style wine from the "Morton Estate" range. light and fruity and leaves a great aftertaste. You will not be dissapointed in it.
rob2ca20 // Mar 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Champagne (or technically called sparkling wine) under $30.00 try Domain Chandon or Mumm Covee from Napa. One we like Roederer Estate from the Anderson Valley. You can find will of them on line
realityshowjunkie // Mar 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
You don’t need to spend that much for a good wine! Kendall Jackson and KJ Grand Reserve are both great white wines! Not too dry, light and fruity.
Chandon for the champagne. Stay away from Cooks! Yuck!
Kathy H // Mar 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I would recommend:
Greg Norman Estates NV Sparkling Wine
The wine is a pale straw green in color and it has a very fine, yet persistent bead. On the nose there are lifted strawberry, citrus and nutty aromas with just a hint of sherbet character. On the palate it is a medium to full bodied style with generous stonefruit and citrus flavors and a very smooth, yet generous finish. ($16.79)
I realize this is under $25, but this is really a lovely champagne and a great value from Australia. It’s a great wine to have on hand for celebrations.
vseawitch1 // Mar 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
champagne–korbel
wine–robert mondavi or kendall jackson
Hoopo // Mar 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Moët & Chandon, extra dry